The course aims to provide the basic tools for studying society, relationships and institutions with particular focus on some key concepts in sociology: action, relation, norms, social control, groups, authority, conflict, stratification, mobility, gender differences, education, instruction, religion, family, politics and work. We will refer to some authors who (such as Durkheim and Weber) gave the basis of scientific thought to sociology from its historical origin, linked to the emergence of capitalist production. Finally, specific attention will be given to the role of social sciences in relation to the problems of rich societies and the current debate on social policies.