78150 - Communication and Digital Media

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student: - will have a basic knowledge of the sociology of communication in its evolution, - knows the main forms and communication functions, as well as the most important theories / schools / research in communications, - have critical knowledge of the phenomena related to communication and media, - knows how to apply the empirical tools of analysis of the communication processes in contemporary society

Course contents

The course is organised into two independent modules. Each module has its own programme, its own reading list and its own assessment. The final grade for the course is the average of the grades obtained in the two modules.

Module A (Prof. Stefano Spillare)

The module introduces the main approaches in the sociology of communication and media, reconstructing the evolution of sociological thought on the relationship between media, communication and society. Moving from early reflections on the power of the media to the most recent approaches, students will explore the main theoretical perspectives on persuasion and influence, on the cognitive and relational dimensions of communication, and on the cumulative, long-term effects of the media in the construction of social reality.

The module also examines the transformations brought about by the spread of digital technologies, analysing the main interpretative paradigms of the network society and convergence culture, as well as the role of active audiences and participatory practices in digital media. Particular attention will be paid to the reconfiguration of the public sphere within the digital ecosystem, with a focus on the relationship between platforms, information and political participation, on forms of algorithmic mediation, and on the main challenges posed by disinformation and by the growing centrality of platforms in the production and circulation of information.

Module B (Prof. Piergiorgio Degli Esposti)

What happens to social relations, work, power and our identities when everything passes through platforms, data and algorithms? The module starts from this question to address the major themes of contemporary society in light of digitalisation processes.

The journey unfolds in two stages. First, the foundations are laid: the main theoretical paradigms of media sociology, from critical theories on the effects of mass media to agenda-setting. Then we arrive at the present: the digital turn and its double face. On the one hand, digital media reshape social relations and open up new participatory cultures; on the other, they reproduce new “cages” of commodification and exploitation. Particular attention will be devoted to processes of datafication and to the development of so-called artificial intelligence, with examples and cases drawn from current events.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Module A

• Riva C., Stella R., Ciofalo G., Degli Esposti P. (2022), Sociologia dei Media, UTET, Novara (only the sections indicated in the synoptic calendar)
• Arvidsson A., Delfanti A. (2024), Introduzione ai media digitali (3rd edition), il Mulino, Bologna (chapters 2, 4, 5 and 6)
• Polesana M. A. (2023), Influencer e social media, Franco Angeli, Milano (chapters 1, 2 and 3)

Module B

• Riva C., Stella R., Ciofalo G., Degli Esposti P. (2022), Sociologia dei Media, UTET, Novara (only the sections indicated in the synoptic calendar)
• Degli Esposti P. (2015), Essere prosumer nella società digitale. Produzione e consumo tra atomi e bit, Franco Angeli, Milano
• Degli Esposti P., Rebughini P. (2024), “Potere e teoria critica. Massificazione, simulacri e McDonaldizzazione”, in Consumo e teoria sociale, il Mulino, Bologna, pp. 23–56

 

Teaching methods

Module A

The course favours a participatory, active-learning approach. Lectures will be supported by technological tools and complemented by in-depth seminars, the analysis of multimedia documents related to the course topics, guest talks and/or discussion sessions on empirical cases. Students will be asked to take an active role through class discussions, case-study analyses and/or group projects developed outside class hours and subsequently presented in class following a scientific format.

Module B

The module alternates lectures on key topics with seminar and workshop activities requiring active participation: podcast production, one-minute papers, interactive classroom debates, case-study analyses and group discussions.

Students are expected to take an active role: they must come to class having already read the assigned material, since individual readings are the basis for the thematic discussions and case studies carried out in the classroom. Active participation is an integral part of the course and is recognised in the assessment.

Attendance is strongly recommended. Access to the group presentation and to the midterm test requires attendance of at least 80% of the module’s classes.

Assessment methods

The two modules are assessed independently. The final grade for the course is the arithmetic average of the grades obtained in the two modules; to pass the exam, a passing grade (≥ 18/30) is required in each module.

Module A

Assessment methods differ for “attending” and “non-attending” students.

Learning may be assessed through a written midterm test taken at the end of the module. No other assessment tests or group projects are foreseen.

Attending students who obtain a passing grade in the midterm test (≥ 18/30) may consider the assessment passed. The midterm grade will contribute to the final assessment, which will be the arithmetic average of the grades obtained in the two modules. The resulting final grade can be registered by signing up for the first available official exam session of the winter session (or for an ad hoc grade-registration list) without the need to attend in person (registration for the session will count as acceptance of the grade).

Attending students who wish to reject the final grade (by not signing up for the first available grade registration and notifying the lecturer by email) may retake the exam at any time in the forms and within the timeframes foreseen. It is not possible to reject only part of the grade.

Students who do not take or do not pass the midterm test will be assessed on the same texts in the programme, which must however be studied in full. Assessment will take place through an oral examination held during the regular exam sessions.

Use of generative AI tools: generative AI can be a useful tool to support individual study through further insights, summaries and self-assessment activities. As far as assessment is concerned, the use of AI during the in-person exam is forbidden. Any use constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Students with SLD (DSA) or temporary or permanent disabilities: students are advised to contact the relevant University office in good time (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en): the office will propose possible adjustments to the students concerned, which must in any case be submitted, 15 days in advance, for the approval of the lecturer, who will assess their appropriateness also in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Module B

The assessment consists of three components, each worth one third of the module grade:

1. Midterm test — a written test on the module contents, consisting of a set of multiple-choice questions and 3 open-ended questions (33%)
2. Presentation — individual or group-based, depending on class size (33%). A list of topics to choose from will be published on Virtuale; the choice is formalised by signing up for a topic directly on the platform (each topic has a maximum number of groups). Students wishing to propose a topic not on the list must agree on it with the lecturer during office hours or by email.
3. Oral examination — a discussion of the module contents and the reading list (33%)

Access to the midterm test and to the group presentation is reserved for students who have attended at least 80% of the module’s classes.

Students who do not take (or do not pass) the midterm test and the presentation during the semester will sit the exam in two parts: a written test similar to the midterm test (multiple-choice questions and 3 open-ended questions) and an oral examination, consisting of a presentation on a topic agreed with the lecturer and a discussion of the exam programme. In this case, students must sign up for two separate exams on AlmaEsami.

Use of artificial intelligence. No AI assistance of any kind is allowed for the test and the oral examination. For the presentation, the use of AI tools is permitted, provided that a bibliography of the prompts used is attached.

To register the exam and record the final grade, students must sign up for the exam through the AlmaEsami platform.

Students with SLD (DSA) or disabilities. If you have a specific learning disorder or a disability, talk to the lecturer at the beginning of classes: together we will identify the most suitable adjustments (extra time, compensatory tools, alternative exam formats). Alternatively, or in addition, you can contact the Service for Students with Disabilities and SLD. What matters is doing so in good time, so that everything is ready when the exams take place.

Teaching tools

The course uses innovative teaching tools such as Wooclap and interactive collaboration platforms. Beyond classroom work, blended collaboration among students is encouraged through working groups, projects and collective presentations. Teaching materials will be made available to students.

Written assignments will be checked through the Compilatio.net anti-plagiarism system.

Students with SLD (DSA) or disabilities: simply report your needs to the lecturer at the beginning of classes, or contact the dedicated service — compensatory tools are agreed upon without unnecessary formalities.

 

Office hours

See the website of Piergiorgio Degli Esposti

See the website of Stefano Spillare