12661 - Sociology of Communication (1) (G-Q)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has acquired basic skills and tools to analyze the various forms of communication present in the contemporary social space, knowing how to capture analogies and differences between types and interaction contexts (face-to-face or distance ) as well as unequal access to communication practices.

Course contents

The study of social communication will follow the definition of three major areas: interpersonal communication, mass communication, computer-mediated communication. In particular, it will be examined specific contexts and the various mass-media analysis tools.  The last part of the course will be focused on the communicative relationship that takes place through technologies. In particular the focus will be on the fashion language. In summary the topics that will be deepened:

- the differences between "face to face" communication and media communication;
- the main models concepts and methods of mass media communication and their social effects;
- the new forms of online interaction: the Internet universe;
- the fashion's communication through new technologies.

Readings/Bibliography

S. Capecchi, L'audience attiva , Carocci, Roma, ed. 2015

J. B. Thompson, La nascita dell'interazione mediata [http://campus.unibo.it/244748/], in Id., Mezzi di comunicazione e modernità, Bologna, Il Mulino, 1998, chapter 3, pp. 121-168

A. Mascio (edited by), Fashion Games. Moda, gioco e virtualità, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2012 (no chapters 5 e 6).

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons.

Assessment methods

The exam is made in writing, consisting of multiple-choice questions and open-ended questions.

Teaching tools

Different materials (newspapers, magazines, films, audio-video fragments, websites, etc.) will be offered during the lessons.

Office hours

See the website of Antonella Mascio