17270 - Sociology of Cultural and Communication Processes

Learning outcomes

The course focuses on the main sociological dimensions of the concept of culture and communication, especially with reference to the process of technological convergence that redefines the boundaries between different media in global society. At the end of the course, the student will be able to apply the main theoretical and methodological tools of the sociology of culture and communication to the issue of global identity and power conflicts in the network society.

Course contents

The course Sociology of Cultural and Communication Processes aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of how to interpret and analyse the relationships between the structural dimensions of social life (such as social relations, economic arrangements, social classes, and institutions) and the more expressive aspects of human experience (including values, beliefs, meanings, and worldviews). Particular attention is devoted to the crucial role of communication, both in face-to-face interactions and, especially, in forms mediated by contemporary communication technologies.

To address these issues, the course is organised into two closely interconnected sections: an introductory part devoted to the sociology of culture and a second part focusing on the sociology of communication and media. Through a critical examination of key theories and approaches, the course seeks to provide students with the theoretical and methodological tools necessary for socio-cultural research on some of the major social challenges of our time, with particular attention to the so-called twin transition, namely the intertwined processes of ecological and digital transformation.

More specifically, the first section presents an overview of the major classical and contemporary paradigms in the sociology of culture. It explores different conceptions of culture, the relationship between material and expressive dimensions of social life, and the interplay between individual and collective processes of meaning-making and cultural production.

The second section revisits these themes from the perspective of media and communication. It offers an examination of the principal theoretical paradigms in the sociology of media, tracing their evolution from analogue to contemporary digital media environments. Particular emphasis is placed on the socio-technical and cultural dimensions of media, as well as on their impact on contemporary societies and ongoing processes of social change.

Readings/Bibliography

The course includes the adoption of three main textbooks, which constitute the primary study material for all students (both attending and non-attending):

1. 
   Griswold, W. (2005). Sociology of Culture. il Mulino, Bologna (only chapters 1 to 5).
   
2. Riva, C., Ciofalo, G., Degli Esposti, P., Stella, R. (2022). Sociology of Media. Utet, Turin (only the chapters specified at the beginning of the course by the teacher).
   

In addition to these volumes, further chapters and/or in-depth readings from other sources will be provided directly by the teacher and made available on Virtuale at the beginning of the lessons.

N.B. Non-attending students are required to read and study the entire content of the books mentioned above. They must also choose additional readings as follow:

One (1) from the following texts (only the chapters indicated in parentheses):

• Appadurai A. (2012). Modernità in polvere. Dimensioni culturali della globalizzazione. Cortina ed., Milano (Introduzione e cap. 1).
• Jenkins H. (2006). Cultura convergente. Apogeo, Milano (Prefazione e Introduzione).
• Rainie L., Wellman B. (2012). Networked. Il nuovo sistema operativo sociale. Guerini, Milano (Parte Prima: cap. 1,2,3,4).
• Barisione M. (2009). Comunicazione e società. Il Mulino, Bologna (cap. 1 e 4).
• Cappi V. (2023). Immaginare l’altrove nell’epoca dell’Antropocene, Franco Angeli, Milano (cap. 5).
• Polesana M.A. (2023). Influencer e social media. Franco Angeli, MIlano (cap. 3).
• Pellizzoni L. (2020). Ambiente e sostenibilità. In: Magaudda P., Neresini F. (a cura di), Gli studi sociali sulla scienza e la tecnologia. Il Mulino, Bologna, pp. 143-155.
  Taylor C. (2005). Gli immaginari sociali moderni. Meltemi (cap. 2).
• Bennato D. (2024). La società del XXI secolo: Persone, dati, tecnologie, Laterza, Bari (cap. 3)
  

And one more from the following texts:

• Spillare S., Bonazzi M., Degli Esposti P. (2024). AI Imaginaries and Narratives in the Italian Public Discourse: The Impact of Chat-GPT, «IM@GO», 23, pp. 132 - 147.
• Spillare S. (2023). Biologico “in transizione”: significati e strategie tra istituzionalizzazione e pratiche emergenti. In: Transizioni sociali e cambiamento climatico: prospettive sociologiche, Milano, Franco Angeli, 2023, pp. 223 - 236.
• Spillare S. (2022). Cultura e sviluppo sostenibile. In: Paltrinieri R. (a cura di). Il valore sociale della cultura. Franco Angeli, Milano (pp. 17-36).
• de Moor et al. (2021). New kids on the block: taking stock of the recent cycle of climate activism. Social Movement Studies, 20(5): 619-625, DOI: 10.1080/14742837.2020.1836617.

In addition, students who do not have a solid background in sociology are encouraged to read, as preparatory or complementary material during the course, the following texts:

- Jedlowski, P. (2009). Il mondo in questione. Carocci, Rome (chapters 1–7, 10–14).
- Giddens, A., Sutton, P.W. (2014). Fundamentals of Sociology. il Mulino, Bologna (chapters 1–8, 10 and 13).

Teaching methods

The course is based on active and participatory teaching. Technological tools will support the lessons and be supplemented by in-depth seminars, analysis of multimedia documents relating to the course topics, testimonials and/or discussion meetings on empirical cases. Students will be required to play an active role through class discussions, case study analysis and/or small group work that will be presented in class in a scientific format at the end of the course.

Assessment methods

For attending students, assessment may be carried out through two midterm examinations, one held halfway through the course and the other at the end of the course. Both examinations will be administered in written form and will include multiple-choice questions as well as open-ended questions. In addition, attending students will be assessed on group projects developed and presented during class.

Passing the first midterm examination is a prerequisite for taking the second one. The final grade will be calculated as a weighted average of the two midterm examinations and the group presentation grade (with the following weighting: 40% for the first midterm, 40% for the second midterm, and 20% for the group project presentation). Students who do not achieve a passing grade through the midterm assessments will be required to take the comprehensive oral examination covering the entire syllabus during the official examination sessions.

Students who wish to reject their final grade (by notifying the instructor in writing) may retake the examination in its entirety, in oral form, during one of the available examination sessions. It is not possible to reject only part of the grade.

Non-attending students will be assessed on the same compulsory readings assigned to attending students, which must be studied in their entirety. In addition, they are required to study two (2) additional readings selected from those listed in the recommended bibliography (see Readings/Bibliography). Assessment for non-attending students will take place exclusively through an oral examination during the official examination sessions.

Use of Generative AI Tools

Generative AI may be used as a supporting tool for individual study, including further exploration of course topics, the preparation of summaries, and self-assessment activities. However, the use of generative AI during in-person examinations is strictly prohibited. Any such use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

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

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant University office in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it). The office will be responsible for proposing any appropriate accommodations. Such accommodations must, however, be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their suitability in light of the learning objectives and assessment requirements of the course.

Teaching tools

Teaching involves the use of electronic devices, such as video projectors or other. Some of the materials indicated in the exam program and other in-depth materials may be suggested and/or made available by the teacher in electronic format.

Students will also have the support of a didactic tutor.

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Spillare