CAPITALISMS IN THE DIGITAL AND GREEN TRANSITIONS

Knowledge and understanding

Acquire knowledge and deep understanding of the main operating mechanisms of capitalist economic systems, including the relevance of the institutional and social dimensions of the economic transformations and transitional policies

Development of analytical skills in a comparative perspective

Develop critical and comparative analyses by gathering data and institutional documentary sources regarding green and digital transition policies and their social impact. Conduct an in-depth analysis of the relationship between the diversity of capitalist socio-institutional environments and the socio-political and economic dynamics of the twin transition.

Applying knowledge and understanding

Drafting documented reports using reliable bibliographic sources to analyze the conditions of countries or regions where the double transition is taking place, in order to outline opportunities and critical issues.

Making judgements

Development of a critical analysis of globalization and its impact on the main economic issues, and a critical judgement and analysis of the social impact of digital and green transitions.

Communication skills
Develop a paper as part of a team and discuss it in a public debate with colleagues, faculty members, and experts, formulating effective and sound arguments.

Learning skills
Develop the ability to read and comprehend advanced-level scientific and institutional texts in English, while mastering the paradigms and key concepts associated with the green and digital transition.

Frontal Lectures on introductory basic concepts for comparative analysis of socio-economic institutions and policies. Thematic seminars with experts and researchers on related topics,    Workgroups in class to discuss emerging or related issues, also taking inspiration from international press articles. Students will be also involved in the analysis and discussion of European directives and Reports on related issues, in particular about innovation policies, digital and green transitions.

Basic knowledge of sociology and economics can facilitate a quicker and more effective understanding of the course material. However, during the initial lectures, It will be provide dthe necessary fundamentals to enable students from diverse backgrounds to follow the course effectively.

The course will examine the main features of the sociological analysis of economic phenomena and the main differences in the organization of the capitalist system between convergence and diversity through the conceptual and analytical categories of economic sociology, particularly comparative political economy. Moreover, the course provides students with the theoretical and methodological basis for the comparative analysis of labour policies (models, features, objectives, effects). The perspective of Economic Sociology will be essential in this course to try to deepen some crucial global issues: varieties of Capitalisms, Digital and Ecological Transition, notions, indicators, and data sources for labour market analysis, occupational models, and welfare regimes in transition.

PART 1- VARIETIES OF CAPITALISMS AND COMPARATIVE POLITICAL ECONOMY APPROACH

·         Economic sociology: an introduction

•        Capitalism: comparing definitions

•        Critical issues about capitalism

•        Varieties of Capitalisms

•        Convergence and Divergence

PART 2 – COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LABOUR MARKET POLICIES AND TRANSITIONS

•        Notions, indicators, data sources, etc. of labour market

•        Notions, indicators, data sources, etc. of labour policies

•        Transformation in the labour market and labour market policies:

•        Labour market challenges in transitioning

PART 3 – THE TWIN TRANSITION:  GREEN AND DIGITAL

•        Transition and transformations

•        Convergent and contentious issues in green and digital transitions

•        Global value chain, platform capitalism and labour

•        Green transition and energy issues and sustainability

Oral presentation/debate (33%) and a final written essay on a specific topic assigned (34%). The presentation will specifically test knowledge of concepts and theories related to innovation and digital/green transition, as well as the acquisition of appropriate language on the topics covered. In particular, the final essay will test the ability to develop the skills learned in a proactive, critical, and creative manner. Critical analysis skills will also be assessed and verified through class discussions and seminars with invited experts and researchers on these issues (33%) .AI tools may be used for language editing but not to generate the analysis; undeclared use is treated as academic misconduct” – align with the programme’s guidance.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or  ispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata – Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

In Italy, grades for individual courses range from 18 (minimum pass) to 30 (maximum). The highest grade may be awarded with lode (cum laude, distinction) for outstanding performance. The scale is not directly convertible to percentages or GPA, but it is roughly comparable to “sufficient–excellent” ranges used internationally.

What is the peculiarity of the Varieties of Capitalism's Approach (VOCs)?

What are the main comparative dimensions in  VOCs?

What are the differences between LMEs and CMEs countries?

What are the main features of the Mediterranean Model of Capitalism?

What are the main indicators to compare labor market structures in different countries?

What are the differences between active and passive labor market policies?

What is the European Employment Strategy?

What is Flexicurity? What are its main pillars?

What are the main challenges related to the green and digital transition?

What are the main approaches in the regulation of digital work?

What are the main approaches in the promotion of sustainable development?