Checking date: 05/05/2025 12:58:34


Course: 2025/2026

Sociology of tourism and leisure
(17621)
Bachelor in Tourism (Study Plan 2017) (Plan: 381 - Estudio: 209)


Coordinating teacher: OSES BERMEJO, JOSE JUAN

Department assigned to the subject: Social Sciences Department

Type: Electives
ECTS Credits: 6.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:




Objectives
To acquire a comprehensive vision of the tourism phenomenon that includes its spatial, social, cultural, legal, political, labor and economic dimensions. To develop the ability to gather and critically interpret quantitative, qualitative and spatial relevant data (usually within their area of study) on relevant, tourism-related, social, scientific or ethical issues. To understand the dynamic and evolving nature of tourism and the new leisure society. To understand the relationship between economy and society in a world that is strongly shaped by technological progress and climate change, with the aim of developing sustainable tourism activities. To acquire capacities that enable both the adequate analysis of the interactions between the physical environment and the territorial distribution of human societies, and the correct interpretation of spaces, landscapes and cartography.
Learning Outcomes
K1: Understand the principles of tourism, its spatial, social, cultural, legal, political, labour and economic dimensions, as well as its dynamic and evolutionary nature and acquire a comprehensive vision of the tourism phenomenon. K2: Understand the relationship between economy and society in a world strongly conditioned by technological progress and climate change, with the aim of developing tourism activities that contribute to sustainability C2: Apply the understanding of the interrelationships between the physical environment and human societies to the management of the activities of organizations in the tourism sector, using geographical criteria to interpret spaces, landscapes and cartography.
Description of contents: programme
1. Evolution of tourism and sociological analysis: industrial society, Fordist society and post-industrial society. 2. Social research on tourism. The research process and approaches. Information sources.. 3. Tourism and development. Social impacts of tourism. The risks in tourism. Tourismophobia 4. Tourism and environmental, social and economic sustainability. Tourism as an agent of climate change. 5. Gender and tourism. 6. Sociological analysis of the motivations of the tourists. Profiles. 7. Tourist places. Analysis of its evolution. 8. Tourism in the XXI century. The new consumer societies, globalization. Digitalization.
Learning activities and methodology
The course is divided into two clearly defined sections: theoretical classes and practical exercises. In the theoretical sessions, the instructor will use participatory teaching methods and appropriate tools to support students¿ understanding of the course content. Practical sessions will focus on the reading and discussion of texts, data analysis, websites, news articles, and videos to encourage debate. Both individual and group assignments will be assessed during these sessions. Students will also be expected to present some of their work in class. Certain practical sessions may feature guest contributions from external experts. Practical exercises may be completed individually or in groups and are designed to help apply the theoretical knowledge gained in class. These will require written submissions as well as active participation in forums and class discussions. A midterm exam will be administered, although it will not exempt students from the final content. Additionally, students must complete a final group project focused on either a specific tourist destination or a relevant topic within the scope of the course. In either case, the research objectives must be submitted to and approved by the instructor. Project findings will be presented in two stages: a mid-semester presentation (10 to 15 minutes) and a final presentation (up to 20 or 30 minutes) at the end of the term. Students may attend weekly individual and group tutoring sessions, and a minimum score of 4 out of 10 on the final exam will be required in order to pass the course.
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination/test 40
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 60

Calendar of Continuous assessment


Extraordinary call: regulations

The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.