Ateneo - UPO

Information and communication; interpersonal and mass communication; digital media and algorithmic platforms; identity, relationships and inequalities in digital society.

Compulsory readings (same syllabus for attending and non-attending students):
1) L. Paccagnella (2020) Sociologia della comunicazione nell’era digitale, Il Mulino
2) E. Locatelli, N. Vittadini (2023) Digital Media. Piattaforme algoritmiche e società, Vita e Pensiero (excluding Chapters 5, 6, 11 and 12).

Additional materials for further study (open-access journal articles and book chapters), which are not required for the examination, will be uploaded to the module DIR page.

The module aims to provide the fundamental theoretical and conceptual tools needed to understand communication as a social, cultural and relational process. It will examine the main forms of interpersonal, mass and digital communication, together with the major sociological theories concerning media, audiences and the effects of communication.
Particular attention will be paid to the transformations introduced by the Internet, social media and algorithmic platforms, with reference to identity construction, social relationships, the production and circulation of content, datafication and digital inequalities. The course also aims to develop students’ ability to use the concepts acquired to interpret contemporary communication phenomena critically.

Logical, linguistic and historical competencies acquired during upper-secondary education.

Lectures, reading and discussion of texts, and classroom discussions.

Students are advised to enrol on the module DIR page. Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) or Special Educational Needs (SENs) may request dedicated services and specific support tools by contacting the Student Careers Development and Coordination and Student Services Staff and consulting the relevant University webpage: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studentidisabili-e-dsa. After contacting the University Staff, students with disabilities, SLDs or SENs may contact the course instructor to discuss the educational aspects of any adjustments to the examination arrangements.

The final assessment consists of an oral examination lasting approximately 20–30 minutes, aimed at verifying the knowledge specified in the educational objectives and expected learning outcomes. Grades are awarded on a scale of 30 and the assessment will consider the following aspects: 1) knowledge and understanding of the main topics covered, up to 18 points; 2) ability to present ideas clearly and accurately, using appropriate terminology, up to 6 points; 3) ability to establish connections between topics and develop critical and independent reflection, up to 6 points.
To pass the examination, students must demonstrate at least a satisfactory knowledge of the main module topics.

The module introduces the main concepts of the sociology of communication, beginning with the distinction between information and communication and an analysis of the processes through which meanings are produced and shared.
Topics will include verbal and non-verbal communication, face-to-face communication, self-presentation and the definition of social situations. Part of the course will be devoted to mass communication, the historical development of media and the main theories concerning media content, audiences and effects.
A specific part will focus on digital communication and the transformations associated with the spread of the Internet, social media and platforms. Topics will include online identity construction, digital relationships and communities, the functioning of algorithmic media, content personalisation and new forms of influence and credibility.
Further attention will be devoted to the information society, datafication, surveillance, algorithmic discrimination and digital inequalities. Throughout the course, the relationships between communication, gender, power and social inequalities will also be considered.

Knowledge and understanding: by the end of the course, students will know the main concepts and theoretical approaches of the sociology of communication and understand the characteristics of interpersonal, mass and digital communication. They will also be able to describe the main transformations brought about by digitalisation, social media and algorithmic platforms.

Applying knowledge and understanding: students will be able to use concepts and theories to analyse communication situations, media content and digital practices, recognising the role of media, algorithms and platforms in the construction of identities, relationships and social representations.

Making judgements: students will be able to compare different theoretical perspectives and critically assess the social consequences of mass and digital communication, with particular attention to power, gender, inequalities, surveillance and algorithmic discrimination.

Communication skills: students will be able to present the main course topics clearly, using appropriate sociological terminology, and to formulate coherent and well-supported interpretations.

Learning skills: students will be able to study sociological texts independently, connect different concepts and perspectives, and apply the knowledge acquired to the interpretation of new or continuously evolving communication phenomena.

These learning outcomes are consistent with those specified in the SUA (Annual Programme Report) of the Bachelor’s degree programme in Philosophy and Communication.