The module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the main trends, challenges, ethical issues, and socio-environmental responsibilities associated with tourism in a globalized world. Particular attention is devoted to the impacts of tourism on social and natural systems, its use of land and resources, and its relationship with sustainability. The course also introduces students to the principal theoretical perspectives and research approaches within the field of the sociology of tourism.
Upon successful completion of the module, students will have acquired knowledge and skills related to sociological concepts and methods for analyzing the emergence, development, and transformation of tourism phenomena. In particular, students will be able to:
Furthermore, students will develop the ability to formulate independent and informed reflections on the social and environmental contexts that shape the design, planning, and management of tourism systems.
Basic knowledge of tourism concepts and the ability to understand texts, synthesize information, and articulate the key concepts acquired through study.
Teaching activities will consist primarily of lectures, complemented by the discussion of practical cases and real-world applications. Students will be encouraged to actively participate in class discussions, critically engage with course topics, and propose issues, case studies, and themes for further analysis and debate. The course promotes an interactive learning environment based on dialogue and the exchange of ideas between students and the instructors.
The assessment for the module Global Tourism and Local Development consists of a 60-minute written examination.
The examination is structured as follows:
The assessment will be based on the following criteria:
The first part of the module introduces the sociology of tourism and examines key concepts and issues in the field, including sustainability and sustainable tourism, the structure and functioning of tourism systems, and the relationships between tourists and host communities.
The second part of the module provides both theoretical and empirical perspectives on complex systems theory and the governance of tourism systems. Particular attention is devoted to the concept of the “new commons” and to the application of social research methodologies to the study of tourism phenomena. Through the analysis of selected case studies and research examples, students will gain insight into contemporary approaches to tourism research and governance.
The required readings and study materials for the examination vary according to students’ attendance status (attending or non-attending).
Following the written assessment, the instructor may require an additional oral examination, where deemed necessary, to verify the achievement of the course learning outcomes and to ensure the accurate assessment of student performance.
