75408 - Communication Sociology (10 Cfus)

Learning outcomes

Students learn basic tools to analyze the different forms and the several channels of contemporary communication (interpersonal and face-to-face communication, media communication, web and social media), as well as the unequal opportunities to access communicative practices.

Course contents

Main Topics of the Course:

• Models and theories for the study of communication.

• Communication and interaction in everyday life.

• From “oral” societies to the present day: key approaches to the study of social scenarios shaped by technological innovation.

• “Molecular” influences, “mass” influences, and new “influencers” in digital media; the various perspectives explored in media effects studies.

• Types of interaction and communication media: the hybridisation of media.

• Case studies and analyses of various forms and social practices across today's communication channels.

The first part of the course is primarily dedicated to providing foundational concepts and analytical tools for a sociological understanding of communication, including the production of social meanings. Particular attention will be given to the theoretical perspectives of four key authors.

The second part focuses on:

a) The characteristics and social actors within the hybrid landscape of contemporary communication, with specific reference to the role of different media and to the topic of digital information and so-called infomediation (or platformisation).

b) Social practices related to digital media and the hybridisation of contemporary forms of communication, supported by empirical examples and case studies.

Readings/Bibliography

The bibliography will be updated prior to the start of classes.

Teaching methods

Lectures and classroom discussions, with opportunities for individual or small-group exercises.

During the first week of classes, the feasibility of a specific agreement with attending students is assessed. This agreement makes it possible, especially in the second part of the course, to conduct joint exercises aimed at producing analyses agreed upon in class, with a twofold objective: testing the practical application of the concepts introduced in the first part and building a participatory, collaborative learning environment by identifying topics of shared interest for the study of contemporary communication.

Assessment methods

Incoming Erasmus+ and exchange students can attend lessons and interactive workshops where the teacher introduces the methodological tools for a case analysis.

In fact, the attending Erasmus and exchange students can agree with the teacher one specific option for the exam: i.e. a written Italian or English or French or Spanish paper based on case empirical analysis coming from the lectures and the readings.

Information about the paper will be available on Virtuale's page of this course unit.

As an alternative, any student can participate in the written exam with closed and open-ended questions on the suggested readings that will be published in the Italian version of this page at the beginning of the course (foreign students can answer the open-ended questions in one of the following languages: English, French, Spanish).

Teaching tools

Slides and videos; optional workshops, with future information in the "spazio virtuale" platform of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Pina Lalli

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