12914 - Communication Psychology (1)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the student: learns the basic knowledges and rules concerning communicative competence both in verbal and nonverbal systems; knows social aspects of communication in the realms of clothing and fashion; acquires some communicative tools and skills concerning emotional regulation in clinical and art therapies settings; obtains the basic knowledge concerning how communication can be appropriate and efficient; understands how some psychological tecniques such as clinical and survey interview are taken into consideration in the scientific study of psychology of communication.

Course contents

The following topics will be addressed schematically during the course:

- Main models of communication psychology

- Perception and attention processes

- Integration of visual, auditory, and multisensory channels

- Meaning processes

- Pragmatics of communication

- Transmission and relational models of communication

- Role of context and feedback

- Communicative competence

- Nonverbal communication

- First impressions

- Gaze, posture, gestures, facial expressions, and the vocal system

Readings/Bibliography

Lotto L, Rumiati R. (a cura di) (2025). Introduzione alla psicologia della comunicazione. Seconda edizione. Bologna: il Mulino.

Slides e contents provided and uploaded on Virtuale platform. 

Teaching methods

The course will feature frontal lessons (lectures), PowerPoint presentations, and seminars led by experts.

Assessment methods

- Assessment will be through a 30-minute written exam, consisting of 25 closed-ended questions and one open-ended question related to the course content and designed to assess the knowledge and skills to be acquired.
- The final grade will be the sum of the scores assigned to each answer, plus up to 8 points for the open-ended question.
- The minimum performance to pass the written exam is a final grade of at least 18/30; points will not be deducted for incorrect answers.
- Honors will be awarded if all answers are correct and the open-ended question meets the criteria of clarity of response, completeness of discussion, ability for critical analysis and personal reflection, as well as the appropriate use of specialized terminology.
- Devices such as cell phones or tablets will not be permitted during the written exam.
- Registration for the written exam must be completed through the University's AlmaEsami application by the deadlines.

Students who intend to present an oral presentation or personal reflection on a topic of their choice pertaining to Communication Psychology before the end of class are invited to contact the instructor by mid-course to agree on the topic and presentation format. The presentation will be graded between 0 and 30L and will take into account clarity of presentation, completeness of discussion, ability for critical analysis and personal reflection, as well as the appropriate use of specialized terminology.

In particular: 18-19: partial and not very in-depth report, with analytical ability that emerges only with the help of the teacher, expression in generally correct language.

20-24 : adequate relationship in essential aspects, with independent analysis skills

on limited issues, expression in correct language.

25-29: Detailed and well-developed report, with good critical analysis and personal reflection skills; clear and well-organized presentation, accompanied by appropriate use of specialized terminology.

30-30L: Complete and in-depth report, characterized by a high level of critical analysis, connection, and personal reworking of content; full command of specialized terminology, solid argumentation, and significant capacity for self-reflection.

AI can be a useful tool to support individual study with in-depth analysis, summaries, and self-assessment. Regarding learning assessment, limited, declared, and non-substantial use of AI will be permitted for support activities (summaries, reformulations). Substantial use for completing parts of the exam will not be permitted.

Teaching tools

Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or Temporary/Permanent Disabilities:

Please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Links to further information

https://site.unibo.it/bracco/it/esperimenti

Office hours

See the website of Giovanni Ottoboni