B0327 - POLITICA COMPARATA NELL’ERA DIGITALE

Learning outcomes

The course deals with the effects of digital technologies on participation and political behavior and the transformations that new technologies introduce on democratic and representative processes. In addition to the introduction of some theoretical coordinates, the course emphasizes the applicative aspects and the empirical analysis of the observed political phenomena. At the end of the course, the student: - knows the fundamental themes of the political science debate on political participation, on the organizations through which this is expressed, on the transformations that democratic processes undergo as a consequence of technological innovations; - is able to design and carry out a simple empirical research on these issues; - knows how to appropriately justify his/her methodological choices and is able to discuss the results of his/her empirical analysis in front of a specialist audience.

Course contents

The course begins with a survey of the theme of technological innovation and its political consequences and then focuses on the effects that recent digital technologies have brought on political participation, in its individual and collective dimensions (social movements, political parties). The basic question that we will try to answer has a fundamentally normative component: have the internet and its various applications strengthened or weakened democracy? Have they widened or reduced inequality in participation and access to major political decisions? Have they increased or decreased the quantity and quality of information available to citizens?

The first part will be mostly based on theacher's classes; however, students will be required to read the assigned material in advance. The second part will have a seminar format: classes will be mostly based on students' discussion on assigned readings or on case studies. At the same time, and under the supervision of the instructor, students will be invited to actively carry out a field research on a topic related to the course program, discussed and agreed upon in advance. Students will then be asked to write down and discuss their research report in which the main results of the work are exposed.

Readings/Bibliography

The texts will be communicated at the beginning of classes.

Teaching methods

Classes will have a predominantly seminar character and will require students to carry out a field research. Therefore an active participation by students and continuous class attendance are required.

Assessment methods

Students will be assessed on the basis of three elements: 1. the discussion of texts on the Perusall platform 2. the active participation to the discussion and presentation sessions; 3. the research paper. More details will available before the beginning of classes.

Office hours

See the website of Filippo Tronconi