Course Topics
Basic knowledge of the sociology of energy: - Sociological approaches to the energy issue - The impact of energy production, distribution and consumption on society - Climate crisis and social justice. - Energy and inequalities. Basic knowledge of Energy Transitions: - Sociological approaches and theories to energy transitions - Media and communication of the energy transition - New forms of citizen participation in energy transition processes. - Socio-technical configurations for energy production and management in the context of transition (e.g. cooperatives and renewable energy communities).

Teaching format
The course involves a mixed teaching method, with lectures and laboratory activities. Specifically, study groups will be organised and exercises will be carried out. Videos and PowerPoint presentations will be used to support the activities.

Educational objectives
- Characterising course - Subject area GSPS-08/A - Sociology of economic and labour processes In particular, the practices of adaptation and mitigation of climate change; the concept of climate crisis; the main strands of study focused on environmental issues; combating the climate crisis; new forms of citizen participation in energy transition processes; the concepts of democracy and energy citizenship; and new socio-technical configurations such as energy cooperatives and energy communities will be explored. In addition, social, political and environmental changes related to the introduction of technological innovations in the renewable energy sector will be addressed, with a focus on processes of social acceptance. Disciplinary skills 1. Knowledge and understanding: to identify the main approaches to the study of environmental issues and ecological and energy transitions; 2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: to understand and analyse the characteristics of the main social phenomena related to climate and energy issues; social movements oriented towards combating the climate crisis on a global level; - to understand and analyse the socio-technical characteristics of configurations centred on the principles of participation, democracy and energy citizenship Transversal/soft skills 1. Autonomy of judgement: development of analysis and critical reflection on the interdisciplinary topic of eco-social and energy transition. 2. Communication skills: writing articles, reporting for a variety of subjects: public/governmental sphere; corporate level; social movements and organised groups. 3. Learning skills: ability to develop further research or interventions through forms of action research in the context of participatory processes.

Assessment
For attending students: - Group presentations in class (20%) - Written exam with open questions (80%). For non-attending students: - Written exam with open questions (100%)

Evaluation criteria
With regard to group presentations, students are assessed on their classroom participation, use of subject-specific language, and depth of analysis of the topic addressed. The written exam aims to assess students' overall understanding of the course topics, the clarity of their arguments, their use of appropriate terminology, and their ability to rework and critically analyse the course materials.

Required readings

Essential bibliography (texts available online or at the library of the Free University of Bozen- Bolzano).

Bridge, G., Barr, S., Bouzarovski, S., Bradshaw, M., Brown, E., Bulkeley, H., & Walker, G. (2018). Energy and society: A critical perspective. London and New York: Routledge.

Carrosio, G. (2021). The emergence of the sociology of energy. In Understanding the energy transition: Civil society, territory and inequality in Italy (pp. 7-26). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

Carrosio, G., & De Vidovich, L. (2023). Eco-welfare tra crisi socio-ecologica e campi d’applicazione per politiche eco-sociali. Social Policies, 10(1), 43-62.

Carrosio, G. (2024). La comunità nelle comunità energetiche. Parolechiave, 35(2), 147-157.

The professor will upload the materials for the group presentations to OLE.

Supplementary readings

Recommended study support materials for non-attending students (texts available online or at the library of the Free University of Bozen- Bolzano):

-Magnani, N. (2018). Transizione energetica e società. Temi e prospettive di analisi sociologica., Milano: Franco Angeli.

-Osservatorio Pavia e Greenpeace (2025).L’informazione sulla crisi climatica e la transizione ecologica in Italia. Anno 2024

-Sforzi, J., De Benedictis, C., Magnani, N., Sapochetti, L., & Tani, I. (2023). Le comunità energetiche rinnovabili in Italia: dalla teoria alle pratiche. Euricse

Further information
For appointments, please contact the professor at giadafilippapaola.coleandro@unibz.it to schedule a meeting.