The course teaches students the ways in which sociological theory informs the study of social problems. More specifically, students will be exposed to major classic and contemporary sociological theories, basic sociological concepts, methods and findings. They will be taught to think like a sociologist, ask the right questions and attempt to observe the social phenomena through an array of available methods. Students will therefore be equipped with tools to understand and reflect critically on social problems. The course combines frontal teaching with a social lab, where theory and methods will be applied to key global challenges, including but not limited to immigration, modernization, family change, religion, media and digitalization.
- Trainer/in: NEVENA KULIC
- Trainer/in: ELENA BALLANTE
COMPARATIVE PUBLIC LAW & GLOBAL HEALTH
AA 2025/2026
Prof. Alessandro Venturi
Prof.alessandro.venturi@universitadipavia.it
Prof.ssa Vittoria Porta
Course Overview
This course explores global legal systems, with a focus on forms of government (presidential, semi-presidential, parliamentary) and national administrative frameworks.
Students will study the main legal families (common law, civil law, and local/traditional systems) and the ongoing processes of hybridization.
In the second part, attention shifts to the impact of global health on national legal systems. By examining key supranational authorities (WHO, EMA, etc.) and their major policies, students will analyze how national health strategies are evolving and the global challenges that arise.
The course combines theoretical foundations with a seminar approach, using case studies to better understand current global dynamics.
Assessment
· Attending students: final exam consists of an in-class discussion (late November–early December) of a case or issue, chosen individually or in groups from a provided list.
· Non-attending students: final exam consists of a written paper to be submitted via email to prof.alessandro.venturi@universitadipavia.it.
Note: There are no fixed deadlines for submitting the final paper. Students may submit it before any exam session, provided they register for the session according to standard procedures.
- Trainer/in: ALESSANDRO VENTURI
- Trainer/in: ANNA FERRANDO