B0754 - SFERA PUBBLICA E INFORMAZIONE

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student will have acquired skills relevant to the sociological analysis of the public sphere, with particular attention to the contemporary debate and the space in which public discourse is constructed. This includes a focus on the use of hybrid information channels, the emergence of algorithmic sources, and the role of new global actors in online communication. The student will also gain an understanding of the main professional practices and normative frameworks that broadly govern the production of information within the public sphere, taking into account the multimedia nature of contemporary communication and the influence of various channels and sources on the so-called attention economy.

Course contents

The course integrates theoretical frameworks with empirical analysis.

Specifically, it addresses the following:

1. The main features of the debate on the public sphere, beginning with the hypotheses proposed by Jürgen Habermas and the principal approaches to media effects research, with particular reference to agenda-setting and framing theories.

2. Contemporary analyses and controversies concerning the relationships among the public sphere, information, and the media, especially in light of the emergence of online mediated interaction, with a focus on digital information and social media.

3. The construction of public and social problems in the contemporary hybrid media landscape: mechanisms, actors, and frames involved.

In light of the ongoing debate, the course continuously compares theoretical hypotheses with actual informational practices in the public sphere, highlighting concrete challenges and the various degrees of resilience with which journalistic professional routines attempt to address the complexities of the hybrid media environment.

The course also includes contributions from experts, journalists, and professionals in the fields of information and communication, providing direct engagement with current practices and formats in the information domain.

Readings/Bibliography

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

Teaching methods

In addition to lectures, the course includes interactive student working groups for guided exercises. The specific arrangements will be defined through an agreement discussed with students during the first two sessions, with particular attention to the diverse needs of the students; attendance is therefore strongly encouraged.

Workshop activities will also benefit from contributions by experts and professionals in the fields of political, public, and social communication.

Assessment methods

Attending Students:

1. Attendance of at least two-thirds of the classes and active participation, following the instructions and exercises agreed upon during the course.

2. Submission of written reports as agreed during course exercises.

3. Final written assignment.

The final grade will be based on class participation and intermediate reports (40%) and the final written assignment (60%).

This option is also available to Erasmus and Overseas exchange students, who may submit both the reports and the final assignment in a language other than Italian (French, English, or Spanish).

Assessment criteria will be aligned with the agreement established in class, taking into account the context in which the coursework is completed and the critical and well-argued development of the final assignment. Particular emphasis will be placed on the correct application of studied concepts and perspectives.

Non-Attending Students:

Written exam (typically lasting 90 minutes) consisting of open-ended questions provided on the day of the examination. Based on the texts listed in the bibliography, students will be asked to accurately explain key concepts, as well as to argue or counter-argue the discussed theses, and, when required, provide relevant examples. The questions are designed to assess conceptual understanding, as well as the ability to elaborate, apply, and argue critically. Evaluation will be comparative and based on these elements.

Grades are expressed on a 30-point scale. Students may reject their grade only once. Assessment is comparative and follows the ECTS grading scale (adapted to the specific examination context and converted into the 30-point scale), based on ISCED03 standards, ranging from F (fail) to E (sufficient), D (satisfactory), C (good), B (very good), and A (excellent).

Teaching tools

Slides, audiovisual materials, expert guest lectures, the Virtuale platform, and interactive work during in-class exercises.

Office hours

See the website of Pina Lalli

See the website of Claudia Capelli