Ateneo - UPO

The course presents the epistemological and methodological foundations of social research and the main phases of the empirical research process, alongside an introduction to media and communication from a sociological perspective. It will then address the role of media and communication in the political management of a highly topical and impactful issue, such as migration.

Corbetta, "Metodologia e tecniche della ricerca sociale. Second Edition", Il Mulino, Bologna. Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12.
Paccagnella and Vellar, "Vivere online. Identità, relazioni, conoscenza", il Mulino, Bologna.
Pogliano, "Media, politica e migrazioni in Europa. Una prospettiva sociologica", Carocci, Roma. Chapters: 1, 2.

Basic Learning Objectives:
(Knowledge and understanding): A basic knowledge of the main concepts and theories in the sociology of communication in the digital era, key media narratives of migration, as well as the theoretical and methodological foundations of social research and the main phases of the empirical research process;
(Applying knowledge and understanding): The ability to apply the acquired knowledge to concrete dynamics of contemporary digital communication, alongside the ability to distinguish between qualitative and quantitative approaches and to understand research design and data collection tools.

Advanced Learning Objectives:
(Knowledge and understanding): An in-depth knowledge of the main theoretical approaches to the sociology of digital communication, the relationship between media and migration, and the underlying logic of empirical social research;
(Communication skills): The ability to present the acquired knowledge clearly and rigorously, demonstrating full mastery of sociological and methodological terminology;
(Making judgements / Independent judgement): The ability to critically analyze theoretical perspectives, case studies, and research designs examined throughout the course;
(Learning skills): The ability to independently navigate the contents of the different modules, establishing logical and conceptual connections between communication theory and social research methodology.

No specific prior knowledge or skills are required. There are no course prerequisites.

The course adopts a blended teaching methodology based on interactive lectures dedicated to the presentation and discussion of key theoretical and methodological concepts. Teaching activities include open discussions based on readings and the analysis of empirical research examples, alongside short group tasks aimed at applying the concepts covered and developing the ability to critically evaluate methodological choices. Attendance is not compulsory, but is strongly recommended.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services- students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

For the Sociology of Communication module, the exam will be a two-hour open-response written exam and will cover the course materials. To pass, students must satisfactorily answer three questions chosen from five options.
Grades are awarded on a 30-point scale based on the following criteria:
Knowledge and understanding of the main topics covered: up to 18 out of 30 points (minimum passing grade);
Ability to present the acquired knowledge clearly and effectively: up to 7 out of 30 points;
Ability to make connections between the topics covered and examine them critically and with independent judgement: up to 5 out of 30 points.

For the Methodology of Social Sciences module, the final assessment consists of a 60-minute written exam comprising three open-ended questions and five multiple-choice questions. The exam tests knowledge and understanding of key theoretical and methodological concepts, as well as the ability to recognize and apply them to simple research problems. The three open-ended questions account for a maximum of 21 points (7 points per question) and the five multiple-choice questions account for a maximum of 9 points (1.8 points per correct answer). The final grade, awarded on a 30-point scale, is determined by the sum of the scores obtained in both parts. To pass the exam, students must achieve a total score of at least 18/30 and a minimum score of 12/21 in the open-ended questions. Open-ended questions are evaluated based on content accuracy and completeness, appropriate use of concepts and methodological vocabulary, and the ability to establish relevant connections between different topics. A deeper understanding of the content and a stronger ability to connect and apply concepts contribute to achieving higher grades.

Course Content:
This integrated course provides an introduction to the sociology of media and communication within the digital environment, alongside the study of the epistemological and methodological foundations of social research and the main phases of the empirical research process. The course program is structured as follows:

1. Sociology of Communication
Relationships, identity, and knowledge in the new digital environment: Analysis of digital social capital, the network society, new identity performances, and collective identities on social networks. In-depth examination of big data, information overload, echo chambers, and fake news.

Media, politics, and narratives: Study of the role of news media and political communication in knowledge production and the reproduction of ideologies, with a specific focus on media narratives of migration.

2. Methodology of Social Research
Epistemological and methodological foundations: The scientific method, ontological, epistemological, and methodological issues. Social research paradigms and research design. Comparison between quantitative and qualitative research approaches.

Qualitative research: Structure and main phases. Data collection techniques: participant observation, qualitative and in-depth interviews, focus groups, and the use of documents. Qualitative data analysis.

Quantitative research: Structure and main phases. Research questions and hypothesis formulation. Concepts, properties, indicators, variables (dependent and independent), and operationalization. Survey research, questionnaire construction, and data collection organization.

Integration of the Gender Dimension
The gender dimension is integrated cross-cuttingly throughout both modules of the course. On one hand, it serves as an analytical dimension in formulating research questions, hypotheses, and operationalizing variables for empirical research. On the other hand, it is addressed by analyzing media representations (e.g., violence against women) and reflecting on gender as a fundamental axis of difference for understanding the dynamics of power in news narratives of migration.

Basic Expected Learning Outcomes:
(Knowledge and understanding): Acquire the fundamental tools for analyzing digital communication from a sociological perspective and journalistic representations of migration, alongside knowledge of the main paradigms of social research, the fundamental phases of research design, and the characteristics of qualitative and quantitative approaches;
(Applying knowledge and understanding): Apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to real-world processes in contemporary societies related to digital communication and migration, as well as recognize the components of a research design, the relationship between research questions and methodological choices, and the usage of main data collection tools.

Advanced Expected Learning Outcomes:
(Knowledge and understanding): Gain an in-depth understanding of the main theoretical approaches to the sociology of digital communication and public representations of migration, together with a solid comprehension of the methodological logics of social research;
(Communication skills): Present acquired knowledge clearly and accurately, demonstrating full mastery of the terminology and vocabulary specific to both the sociology of communication and social research methodology;
(Making judgements / Independent judgement): Critically compare the different theoretical perspectives analyzed in order to develop an independent view on media and evaluate the appropriateness of key methodological choices in relation to research problems and questions;
(Learning skills): Develop sound text analysis skills and utilize the acquired knowledge to establish connections between the different course topics and analyze real-world examples of social research.