XTO-10306 Sociology & Tourism

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Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

Tourism is a societal phenomenon of increasing scale and significance for people across the world. Sociology is the scientific discipline that studies the changing structures, attitudes and behaviour of human collectivities, from major globalisation trends to manifestations in everyday life. It unravels the social structures and institutions that steer our behaviours and attitudes, such as the state, the family, culture, the church, work, clubs, as well as the actions of individuals in daily practice that confirm or challenge these structures. Tourism is a complex historical and contemporary phenomenon studied by sociologists using different theories and perspectives. This course introduces a selection of basic sociological concepts and theories and links these to different contemporary tourism practices. Further, students will be equipped and encouraged to actively engage in the sociology of tourism.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- read academic literature and think sociologically;
- recognize the work of classical and contemporary sociologists and relate their concepts and debates to changing historical conditions;
- classify social phenomena and the sociological concepts and theories to study these phenomena at the micro, meso and macro level;
- understand the role of social action and social structures in recurring and pervasive problems of social inequality;
- appreciate the role of sociology in understanding the social phenomenon of tourism;
- summarize and explain concepts, theories and debates in contemporary sociology relevant to understanding tourism practices and their consequences;
- apply sociological concepts and theories to enhance our understanding of tourism practices, by collecting and analyzing empirical material, prepare a powerpoint presentation, and present the results in front of the group;
- cooperate in small groups.

Activities:

- lectures;
- tutorials
. In addition an introduction to practical use of library facilities is provided within the context of this disciplinary course.

Examination:

- written examination (60%);
- individual assignment (40%).

Literature:

Reader with research publications.