1. Providing basic elements of communication processes, both interpersonal and mediated, with a focus on contents, languages, organizational forms and processes of influence.
2. Providing basic theoretical knowledge on communication and media theories, with a focus on social media.
3. Providing methodological tools in order to analyze communication processes and media usages.

1. Communication paradigms
1.1. Communicative relation’s structure and the functions of communication.
1.2. Non-verbal communication
1.3. Communications models

2. Media analysis: Theories and methodologies
2.1. Manipulation and persuasion
2.2. Limited effects of media, social networks and influence
2.3. Cultural industry: critical theory and culturological theory
2.4. Agenda setting and the new information cycle (citizen journalism)
2.5. The new public sphere and the spiral of silence
2.6. Cultivation theory and storytelling

3. Digital media: models and theories
3.1 Evolution of the Web
3.2 Media and digital technologies
3.3 Web infrastructures: «Network society», «Connective society» e «Platform society»
3.4. The social uses of the Web: education, identity, work, politics in the age of social media

Students have to reach these goals:

1. Knowledge and understanding of: languages of media and communication through a theoratical background, in particulary focusing on the cultural industry.
1.1. Students reach these basic knowledge attending lessons and studying mentioned textbooks.

2. Use of knowledge and understanding skills: analyzing media products by given methodology.
2.1. Students reach these skills by tests and laboratory activities during class hours.

3. Judging skills: critical approach on the evolving dynamics of the relation between media technologies and society, and on present transformations in mediated public interpersonal communication.
3.1. Students reach and demonstrate these skills during debates with the Professor and with the class, during tests and during the preparation of the final exam.

4. Communication ability: students have to interact during the lesson asking questions, exchanging ideas with the collegues and organizing keynotes while tested.
4.1. Students reach these skills organizing discussions and excercises.

5. Learning skills: students have to adopt a critical approach while studying in order to connect theoretical knowledge with empirical analysis, obtaining a personal point of view on the subject.
5.1. Students strengthen these skills debating with the Professor and the rest of the class.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Besides frontal lessons held by the Professor, several seminars will be held as well by experts of the field of communication and media. The course also includes, during the lessons, exercises to be done both individually and organized in teams.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises) and specific communications from the lecturer can be found, together with other supporting activities, inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Introductory lessons on communication, media and digital media theories.

Analysis of media languages and transformative processes happened and happening among the media.

Tests on traditional and digital media languages.

Attendance

Lesson attending (at least three-quarters of the hours) and taking part at the final test.

Course books

1. Bentivegna S., Boccia Artieri G., Le teorie delle comunicazioni di massa e la sfida digitale, Laterza, Roma-Bari, 2019
2. Van Dijck J., Poell T., de Waal M.,  Platform society. Valori pubblici e società connessa, Guerini e Associati, Milano, (in corso di pubblicazione)

Assessment

Learning verification will take place through a written test. The test will include multiple choice questions and open questions through which the student must demonstrate that he/she is able to articulate in a short essay some of the topics covered by the course.

Grading modality

Excellent grades will be given in presence of: a good critical perspective and in depth knowledge; knowing how to link the main subjects addressed during the course; the use of an appropriate  language.

Good grades will be given in presence of: good mnemonic knowledge of the contents; a relatively goodcritical perspective and connection skills related to the treated topics; the use of an appropriate language.

Sufficient grades will be given in presence of: the achievement of a minimal knowledge on the treated themes, even in presence of some gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Negative grades will be given in presence of: a difficult orientation related to the treated topics; knowledge gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Course books

1. Bentivegna S., Boccia Artieri G., Le teorie delle comunicazioni di massa e la sfida digitale, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2019.
2. Van Dijck J., Poell T., de Waal M.,  Platform society. Valori pubblici e società connessa, Guerini e Associati, Milano, (in corso di pubblicazione)

Assessment

Learning verification will take place through a written test. The test will include multiple choice questions and open questions through which the student must demonstrate that he/she is able to articulate in a short essay some of the topics covered by the course.

Grading modality

Excellent grades will be given in presence of: a good critical perspective and in depth knowledge; knowing how to link the main subjects addressed during the course; the use of an appropriate  language.

Good grades will be given in presence of: good mnemonic knowledge of the contents; a relatively goodcritical perspective and connection skills related to the treated topics; the use of an appropriate language.

Sufficient grades will be given in presence of: the achievement of a minimal knowledge on the treated themes, even in presence of some gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Negative grades will be given in presence of: a difficult orientation related to the treated topics; knowledge gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.