C8803 - SOCIOLOGIA DEL GIORNALISMO (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

The course provides an overview of the main theoretical and methodological issues that characterize the field of journalism studies. Adopting a sociological perspective, it reconstructs the evolution of journalism as a social institution, cultural field, and professional practice. It explores the challenges, opportunities, and new models that have emerged in the digital culture of the 21st century, and it develops critical competences to reflect on the social and cultural conditions in which the production and circulation of news take place. At the end of the course, students will: - be familiar with the institutional dilemmas and professional models of journalism; - be able to analyze complex news products; - be able to identify emerging actors and formats within digital news media ecologies; - relate news products to networks of relationships with sources and audiences within wider technological, economic, and cultural dynamics; - be able to comparatively analyze different journalistic-editorial strategies at both national and international levels.

Course contents

The course is structured into three sequential and complementary sections, offering a selective overview of the main theoretical reflections and empirical research developed over the past half century within the international field of journalism studies.

The first section provides a historical overview of the major research traditions on journalism that emerged during the last quarter of the twentieth century. It focuses on the very definition of journalism, exploring its values, norms, and content production practices.

The second section introduces some of the most influential analytical models of journalism developed during the first quarter of the twenty-first century. It examines the effects of digital transformation, with particular attention to the technological dimension; the relationships between journalism, the economy, and politics across different countries; and the changing culture of professional journalism in response to global crises, including armed conflicts, forced migration, and climate change.

The third section explores the visual dimension of journalism as a cross-cutting theme linking the first two sections. It analyzes the processes through which journalistic images are produced, circulated, and consumed, paying particular attention to the changing value of visual content over time, especially in relation to the growing pervasiveness of platform algorithmic logics and generative artificial intelligence systems.

Taken together, the three sections aim to highlight both continuity and change, as well as the key challenges that have shaped the historical evolution of journalism as a cultural field. Particular attention is devoted to the most recent issues concerning journalistic autonomy, legitimacy, and public trust, which characterize the current phase of profound transformation of the profession.

Readings/Bibliography

The course bibliography consists of a course reader containing essays (academic articles, book chapters, and research reports) that will be available online on the course webpage (virtuale.unibo.it) before the beginning of the lectures.

The essays are in Italian and English. The overall length of the bibliography corresponds to approximately two monographs.

Further specific information regarding the bibliography will be provided during the first lecture.

The examination bibliography is the same for both attending and non-attending students.

Teaching methods

The teaching approach adopted in this course combines traditional lectures (supported by slides) with teacher-student interactions designed to foster collective discussion and critical reflection on the topics covered.

In addition to presenting the materials included in the course bibliography, the lectures provide practical examples illustrating some of the approaches and themes discussed, drawing on research conducted in different countries, including studies that are still unpublished.

The final part of the course features guest sessions with experts and media professionals, who will offer first-hand perspectives and insights.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods

The exam consists of a written test conducted in a computer-equipped classroom.

Students have 90 minutes to answer 15 multiple-choice questions and 3 open-ended questions on the contents of the texts included in the course bibliography.

During the exam, students must have their university ID badge (or another photo identification document). Any other aid (e.g., smartphones, dictionaries) is not permitted. The use of artificial intelligence is prohibited: any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Learning assessment

Excellent grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topics addressed, strong command of expression, the use of appropriate disciplinary terminology, originality of critical reflection, and familiarity with the concepts of the sociology of journalism discussed in the texts included in the exam bibliography.

A textbook-level knowledge of the subject, limited ability to synthesize and analyze complex issues, or the use of correct but not always appropriate terminology, as well as a basic understanding of the discipline, will result in satisfactory evaluations.

Knowledge gaps, inappropriate language, and limited understanding of the key concepts of the sociology of journalism will result in grades at or near the passing threshold. Significant knowledge gaps, inappropriate language, and an inability to navigate the exam bibliography will be evaluated negatively.

Exam dates and registration

Starting in March, students will be able to take the exam in one of the six annual exam sessions, scheduled approximately every two months. Exam dates and registration procedures will be available on almaesami.unibo.it and on the “Exam Sessions” page of the instructor’s website.

Students with disabilities and learning difficulties (DSA)

Students with specific learning disorders (DSA) or temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant university support office in advance. The office will propose any necessary accommodations for the students concerned, which must in any case be submitted (via email, with the university DSA service in copy) at least 15 days before the exam to the instructor for approval. The instructor will assess the appropriateness of the proposed accommodations, also in relation to the educational objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Lectures using computers, slides, images, videos, and websites.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Solaroli