The course explores the main aspects and problems of the sociology of communication, from interpersonal communication to mass media, and analyses the role of digital media in modern society, in relation to the social, cultural and institutional transformations that characterise it. At the end of the course, students will have mastered the main paradigms and models used in the study of communication as a complex social phenomenon; know and understand concepts and theoretical assumptions of Communication research; acquire greater awareness of the role, functions and effects of digital media, with particular reference to gender issues.

The course programme is divided into two modules. The first module deals with the paradigms of communication and the main theories on the effects of mass media, the processes of formation of public opinion and the way it is received by the public.  The second module deals with the transformations linked to the spread of digital communication in the everyday lives of individuals, paying particular attention to the relationship of digital media with gender and sexuality issues.

FIRST MODULE: Mass Communication

Paradigms of communication
Subjects and purposes of communication
Codes, signs and messages of communication
Understanding, interpretation and context
Functions of communication: metacommunication, frame, sociability, impression management, mediated experience
Processes and historical forms of mediatisation
Quality of communicative action: competence and responsibility

Effects of mass media
Omnipotent media theories: manipulation, persuasion, propaganda
Limited media effects and theories of reception
Critical theory versus administrative research/
Theories of long-term effects: agenda setting, spiral of silence and cultivation theory
Uses and gratifications theory
Ethnographic studies on audiences

SECOND MODULE: Digital media

Models and theories of digital media
Characteristics of digital media
The birth of the Network society
Social uses of the Web: sociality, participation, consumption, identity
Platform society: datafication, commodification, selection

Digital media, gender and sexuality
Practices and relationships: virtual sex, pornography, dating and sexual health
Representation and visibility: LGBTQ community, masculinity, femininity
Public sphere and citizenship: activism, politics, participatory practices
Inequalities, violence and power: gender violence, masculine technocultures, cyberfeminism, inclusivity

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

The course includes introductory lectures on theories of communication, media effects and digital media. These will be complemented by seminars held by experts on the issues of gender and sexuality in relation to digital media. Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to deepen some theoretical aspects addressed in the lectures through exercises and class work.

Attendance

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

Course books

Giovanni Boccia Artieri, Fausto Colombo, Guido Gili, Comunicare. Persone, relazioni, media, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2022 (eccetto capitoli 2 e 6)

Sara Bentivegna, Giovanni Boccia Artieri,  Le teorie delle comunicazioni di massa e la sfida digitale, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2019 (eccetto capitoli 2, 8, 12)

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

Giovanni Boccia Artieri, Fausto Colombo, Guido Gili, Comunicare. Persone, relazioni, media, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2022 (eccetto capitoli 2 e 6)

Sara Bentivegna, Giovanni Boccia Artieri,  Le teorie delle comunicazioni di massa e la sfida digitale, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2019 (eccetto capitoli 2, 8, 12)

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.