93495 - Sociology of Journalism (LM)

Learning outcomes

The class offers methods and conceptual tools to understand journalism as an institution and an occupation. The aim is to give students the critical competence to reflexively think at the social and cultural conditions in which the production of news occurs. 

At the end the student is supposed to

- know the main sociological methods useful for studying journalism empirically  and even doing journalism as a kind of social investigation

- know the major professional models and the typical institutional dilemmas of journalism as an historically situated field of practice

- be able to analyze conditions and situations in which the journalistic occupation is exerted in contemporary societies;

- is able to extend the range of her skils through the creative use of concepts, models and methods illustrated in class.

Course contents

This year's course is devoted to the Russian-Ukrainian war, and in particular to the way the Italian media have covered and are covering this war. After a first part (first two weeks of lectures) in which some essential conceptual tools for the sociological analysis of news are introduced, the course focuses on some exemplars that illustrate the modes, styles, practices and contents of the production and circulation of information about Ukraine, Russia and the war. The aim of the course is not to take sides for one or another of the possible interpretations of this war (as of any war), but to illustrate how the existing interpretations and accounts, in their often contradictory variety, can be analyzed and at least partly explained with the help of sociology (of journalism, but also of intellectuals, media, and culture more generally).

One heuristic tool we will focus on in particular will be that of the “field,” and in particular the “journalistic field,” originally proposed by French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu and in recent years risen to a strategic conceptual model in so-called Journalism Studies. Elements, strengths and limitations of this model will be analytically illustrated, and an application of it to Italian journalism will be attempted in the classroom, also with the help of students.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Readings/Bibliography

The same texts of the official Italian program.

However, I am available to discuss options and agree on a different (but equivalent for length and difficulty) bibliography in English.

Teaching methods

Lectures with PowerPoint and video; participatory approach; teaching material uploaded to Virtual learning environment.

Assessment methods

Oral test (= questioning on the compulsory texts in the syllabus, through content questions and short exercises on the application of the concepts and models explained in the course). There is an option for attending students to discuss a final research paper (minimum 5000 words) on an aspect of war journalism agreed upon in advance with the lecturer. The oral examination will focus mainly (but not exclusively) on the paper.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

slides and syllabus

Office hours

See the website of Marco Santoro