03910 - Mass Communication Theory and Techniques

Learning outcomes

The course is proposed to deal with peculiarities and iussies concerning with the mass communication linked with the social evolution, and to provide with the necessary tools to understand the meaning of the course itself.

It will give special attention to the phenomenon of consumption in the contemporany society: it is seen as the perfect communicative model which is able to illustrate the social changes.

Course contents

The course is divided in four parts: the first (comsumption as communication) refers to the conceptualization of comsumption as mass communication par excellence: in this section it will critically analyze the main sociological  theories about comsumption, with specific attention to the anthropological and sociological literature about the symbolic meaning of goods.

The second part (comsumption and social stratification) is dedicated to a deep analysis of the social organization of the differences and the paths of identity's creation through the experiences of comsumption.

The third (the new centrality of comsumption) which is related to the basic theme of comsumption and communication linked with the contemporary process, with specific attention on globalitation. The last part (Marketing and communication) is focalised on the old and new forms of advertaising and marketing.

For the students who belong to the degree course called “Social Work” the program is set up just by the first three parts.

Readings/Bibliography

Political Sciences Students

Di Nallo E., Paltrinieri R. (a cura di), Cumsumo: prospettive di analisi del consumo nella società globale, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2006, (esclusa la parte III)

Di Nallo E., Quale marketing per la società complessa?, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 1998.

Di Nallo E. (a cura di), Il significato sociale del consumo, Laterza, Bari, 1997, (esclusa la IV parte)

Di Nallo E., Razionalità simulazione consumo, in "Sociologia della Comunicazione", 6, 1984 (disponibile da Baiesi)

Social Work Students (3 years)

Di Nallo E., Paltrinieri R. (a cura di), Cumsumo: prospettive di analisi del consumo nella società globale, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2006, (esclusa la parte III)

Di Nallo E. (a cura di), Il significato sociale del consumo, Laterza, Bari, 1997 (esclusa la IV parte)

Di Nallo E., Razionalità simulazione consumo, in "Sociologia della Comunicazione", 6, 1984, (disponibile da Baiesi)

Political Sciences Students (4 years)

Di Nallo E. (a cura di), Il significato sociale del consumo, Laterza, Bari, 1997 (esclusa la IV parte)

Di Nallo E., Quale marketing per la società complessa?, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 1998.

Di Nallo E., Razionalità simulazione consumo, in "Sociologia della Comunicazione", 6, 1984, (disponibile da Baiesi)

Douglas M., Isherwood B., Il mondo delle cose, (1978), il Mulino, Bologna, 1984.

Erasmus Students

Di Nallo E. (a cura di), Il significato sociale del consumo, Laterza, Bari, 1997 (esclusa la IV parte)

Di Nallo E., Razionalità simulazione consumo, in "Sociologia della Comunicazione", 6, 1984 (disponibile da Baiesi)

Douglas M., Isherwood B., Il mondo delle cose, (1978), il Mulino, Bologna, 1984.

Assessment methods

The evaluation test will consist in an OBLIGATORY written test formed by two parts (a test and a brief composition). The test's result is valid for six months, during this period it is necessary to enter the vote, in the course of an oral exam session, in which a student can do the exam or confirm the result of the written test, otherwise it shall not be considered as valid.
The written test is however OBLIGATORY, and it always must be done before the oral exam, that is not an alternative of the written test.
If a student don't pass the written test, he will not allowed to repeat the exam the next time, but he will wait for the following written exam session.

Teaching tools

Internet connection, projector, PC, Overheadprojector, VHS DVD player.

Office hours

See the website of Egeria Di Nallo