Structure of the Curriculum

Sociology of Leisure and Consumption (YE)

Course PDF
Sociology of Leisure and Consumption (YE)
COURSE OUTLINE
GENERAL
SCHOOLSchool of Economics and Political Science
DEPARTMENTSociology
Level of StudyUndergraduate
COURSE CODE431051
COURSE TITLESociology of Leisure and Consumption (YE)
Independent Teaching Activities Weekly Teaching Hours CREDIT UNITS
Lectures 3 6
TOTAL 3 6
Course TypeSpecial Background
Prerequisite CoursesNo
Teaching and Examination LanguageGreek
THE COURSE IS OFFERED TO ERASMUS STUDENTSYes
Course Webpage (URL)
(2) LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

  • be introduced to the theoretical approaches of leisure in the different disciplines of the social sciences.
  • understand the historical and social preconditions for the expansion of leisure activities to broader social categories.
  • be encouraged and reflect, through the theoretical tools of leisure studies, on the connection between leisure and work in the contemporary digital environment.

General Capabilities

  • Promotion of free, creative, and inductive thinking,
  • Independent work
  • Generation of new scientific ideas
(3) COURSE CONTENT

The subject of the course focuses on the concept of social time and on familiarizing students with the related problematic of the dynamics of social times in the modern era, with an orientation toward the study of leisure time. The sociology of leisure is directly connected to the sociology of work, even though socially free time constitutes an independent social phenomenon. In this context, students are invited to learn about the various theoretical approaches to leisure as well as the subjects that comprise the totality of activities in which an individual engages by choice, with the aim of rest, recreation, lifelong learning and information, social participation, or the development of creative skills, after professional, familial, or other social obligations have been fulfilled. The course is structured into three main units: The first examines the theoretical principles of the sociology of leisure through their historical trajectory; the second unit analyzes contemporary schools of thought in the field of leisure, with an emphasis on cultural sociology (Frankfurt School, Italian autonomism, neo-Marxist school); while the third and final unit focuses on leisure activities in the period of the technological revolution and its significant reduction.

(4) TEACHING & LEARNING METHODS – EVALUATION
DELIVERY METHODIn-person delivery
Information and Communication Technologies

Posting lectures on e-class and communicating with students

Activity Semester Workload
Lectures 39
Literature study and analysis 49
Assignment preparation or Written exam preparation 45
Educational Visits 17
Course Summary 150
Student Evaluation
Process Description Evaluation
  1. Attendance and Participation (10%)
  2. Preparation and Presentation of a Project (90%)

 

Critical review and in-depth case study of an activity or topic related to the sociology of leisure.
They are listed and available on e-class

(5) RECOMMENDED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Suggested Bibliography

  • Veblen, Thorstein, The Theory of the Leisure Class, Athens, Kalvos, 1982.
  • Georgoulas, Stratos, The Leisure Society, Athens, Pedio, 2010.
  • Caillois, Roger, Man, Play and Games, Athens, Ekdoseis tou Eikostou Protou, 2001.
  • Elias, Norbert & Eric Dunning, Quest for Excitement: Sport and Leisure in the Civilizing Process,
  • Elias, Norbert, The Civilizing Process, Athens, Alexandria, 1997.
  • Hall, Stuart & Tony Jefferson, Resistance Through Rituals: Youth Subcultures in Post-War Britain, London, Routledge, 1993.
  • Harris, Davis, Leisure: Theory and Practice, Athens, Plethron, 2011.
  • Koronaiou, Alexandra (ed.), Sociology of Leisure, Athens, Nissos, 1996.
  • Baudrillard, Jean, The Consumer Society, Skopelos, Nisides, 2000.
  • Parker, Stanley, The Sociology of Leisure, London, International Publication Service, 1976.
  • Riesman, David, The Lonely Crowd, Skopelos, Nisides, 2001.
  • Rojek, Chris, Decentring Leisure: Rethinking Leisure Theory, London, Sage, 1995.

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