Cultural and Social Studies of Tourism (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

Attending lectures and after that, wrapping one's learnings.
OR,
Independent studying of course literature and an exam in Exam room.

Objective

After completion of the course the student is able to
- use the perspectives of sociology and cultural studies for understanding the cultural, social, socio-ecological and socioeconomic meanings and impacts related to tourism, travelling and other mobilities and hospitalities both locally and globally
- enhance ethical tourism and visitation sustainability for tourism
- use speculative imagination, embodied knowledges, social and cultural theories and responsible tourism planning in enhancing creative tourism, traveling and hospitality
- collaborate during the course in cross-cultural, live and virtual settings.

Execution methods

Multiform teaching and learning in class and online in Teams and Moodle: lectures and contact teaching (17 h); weekly on-line pre-assignments (usually flipped classroom); a field work assignment; a concluding assignment; attendance in and preparation for a closing seminar (115 h). A distant learners’ version is available in summer period.

Accomplishment methods

Active participation on a weekly basis both on-line and in class, on both individual assignment and one group assignment, attendance and performance in the concluding seminar.

Content

- Ethical mobilities
- Sporting bodies
- Hospitality work
- Exploitative tourism
- Multidimensional Tourist Experience
- Measurements of sustainability
- Responsible planning

Location and time

Contact teaching: six sessions, 2 h each, except for the final one which is 3 h long.
Program
14.3. 10-12 LECTURE I The Tourist D194
20.3. 10-12 LECTURE II The Flexible Body A176
22.3. 10-12 LECTURE III Performance of Hospitality A176
25.3. 14-16 LECTURE IV The Authentic Hotel A176

Easter break 29.3.-1.4.
After Easter break, the two remaining sessions are *online only*. Both of these online sessions are available also to students who have chosen the alternative of independent studies, yet they are not obligatory for the latter students.

3.4. 10-12 ONLINE LECTURE V Accessible Social Spaces of Leisure (in Teams only)
Four workdays for a light, fun, and experimental group work based on course themes.
10.4. 12-15 ONLINE CONCLUDING SEMINAR VI Tourism Planning Experiments by Students (obs! 3 h) (in Teams only)
30.4. FIRST CHANCE TO SUBMIT COMPLETED LEARNING DIARIES

Materials

Given before the course starts.

Teaching methods

Course is given in a classic academic style. You have two choices: either the regular version of contact teaching in terms of lecturing, discussions, and making notes in classroom, during five weeks, followed by a wrap up (more information on this later), OR --you may choose a book exam based on independent studying: you are welcome to set up self-organising reading clubs if you like. .

Exam schedules

REGULAR CLASS with contact teaching
Submissions by 30th April; gradings by 10th May
Late or second-try submissions by 31st May; gradings by 7th of June.
Third submission by 16th August; these ones are graded by 30th August.
Next chance to take the course will be in January-February 2025, under the new name Sociology of Tourism and Leisure Mobilities.
INDEPENDENT STUDY WITH EXAM
Book a seat in EXAM asap after 11st March (when teacher informs the Exam is opened)
Take the exam by 17th May; gradings by 24th May
Second deadline for submissions is 14th June; these ones are graded by 19th June.
Third submission by 16th August; these ones are graded by 30th August.
Next chance to take the course will be in January-February 2025, under the new name Sociology of Tourism and Leisure Mobilities.

Completion alternatives

See above.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Fail: Performance is highly deficient or erroneous. The work may be based on serious misunderstandings.

Sufficient and satisfactory (1-2): Performance is lacking in scope, superficial, or corresponds poorly to the assignment. The author merely lists things out of context or addresses them one-sidedly. The work may contain errors or obscurities.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good and very good (3-4): Performance corresponds to the assignment, manifesting comprehension and a skill to analyse and justify. The author has addressed the issue comprehensively. The work may contain some deficiencies.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): Performance delineates an extensive whole and the author can apply knowledge in a multifaceted way or place it in various contexts. The work manifests independency and insight, and it is a flawless entity that involves justified thinking or critical contemplation. The work is well written and implemented.

Qualifications

Preferably at least two prior years of university studies (in whatever discipline)

Further information

Please, note, that a hybrid option is not possible. When in class, then focus is fully in presence. When independent study, then focus is on readings books and thinking with them.