Ateneo - UPO

This course explores key themes in the contemporary sociology of communication, including the role of journalism, public opinion, social movement communication, media populism, and the challenges facing liberal democracy. It also examines propaganda and the ways in which digital media are reshaping aspects of society.

Attending students may select a book of their choice from a list provided by the instructor in class and via email. Non-attending students are required to study the following textbook: Mazzoleni (ed.), Introduzione alla comunicazione politica, Bologna: il Mulino, 2021.

Basic Learning Objectives:
Knowledge and understanding: A basic knowledge of the main concepts and theories of old and new mass media communication;
Applying knowledge and understanding: The ability to apply the knowledge learned to concrete dynamics of contemporary societies related to media communication.

Advanced Learning Objectives:
Knowledge and understanding: An in-depth knowledge of the main concepts and theories of the sociology of communication;
Communication skills: The ability to clearly present the acquired knowledge, demonstrating full mastery of the terminology and vocabulary;
Making judgements / Independent judgement: The ability to critically analyze the different theories and case studies examined during the course;
Learning skills: The ability to independently navigate the topics covered during the course and create connections between them.

No background knowledge is required

The course will adopt a mixed teaching methodology: lectures, open discussions, and collective analyses of media material.

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/servicesstudents-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 attending students, the exam will consist of an in-class presentation of a chosen book, supported by slides, followed by one or two questions for clarification or further discussion. Guidelines for the presentation will be provided during lectures.

For non-attending students, the exam will be oral, lasting approximately 20 minutes, covering the specified textbook.

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.

The course serves as an introduction to key issues in the sociology of contemporary communication. It will examine the distinction between media and news media, as well as the role of information within the context of hybrid digital communication. By way of introduction, two conceptual blocks will be presented:

a) The theme of forms of social aggregation, introducing the notions of the mass, the crowd, the group, and the public, while analyzing the transformations between one aggregate and another and the importance of emotions and identities.

b) The transition to the network society and the current coexistence of a vertical, hierarchical broadcasting society alongside a horizontal, seemingly open network society that is, in reality, shaped by the profit logics of digital platforms.

The course will then analyze the role of public opinion, digital public spheres, active publics, and so-called echo chambers. It will discuss fake news and its actual impact, old and new media populism, and the risks to democracy. Finally, attention will be given to social movements and their relationship with various types of media, examining the transformations brought about by digitization and exploring various forms of propaganda.

Basic Expected Learning Outcomes:
Acquire the fundamental tools for the analysis of mass communication and specific aspects of political communication (knowledge and understanding);
Apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to real-world processes in contemporary societies related to media communication (applying knowledge and understanding).

Advanced Expected Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge and understanding: Know the main theoretical approaches to the sociology of media and political communication;
Communication skills: Present the acquired knowledge clearly and correctly, demonstrating full mastery of the discipline's terminology and vocabulary;
Making judgements / Independent judgement: Critically compare the different theoretical perspectives analyzed, also in order to develop an independent view regarding media and communication;
Learning skills: Acquire sound text analysis skills, including the ability to make connections between different topics.