Ateneo - UPO

The course Communication Skills and Social Media aims to provide students with foundational knowledge of the central role of human communication and of the media through which communication is mediated today. Course contents are presented from the perspectives of the philosophy of language and the sociology of cultural and communicative processes, with the aim of: (i) clarifying the role oflanguage in the construction of social reality; and (ii) investigating the uses of language in specific contemporary cultural and social contexts. Through the analysis of concrete examples drawn from international politics, current affairs, social media language, and television series, the course examines the linguistic devices and communicative strategies that contribute to shaping social reality. Students will thus become familiar with the main factors that foster the virality of images, narratives, and cultural products in digital environments, with particular attention to the most recent literature on disinformation, misinformation, and the viral circulation of false or misleading content. Special emphasis will be placed on identifying the mechanisms through which communication may produce potentially harmful effects, as well as on developing conceptual and practical tools to counteract them

Richard H. Thaler, Cass R. Sunstei, Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health, Wealth, and Happiness, 2008 (Introduction and Part I)Further materials (slides and handouts) will be provided by the lecturer on the DIR Platform

Basic level: a) develop awareness of how socially and scientifically relevant terms and expressions are conveyed through social media, with particular emphasis on the construction, interpretation, and communication of scientific data (especially in the medical and health-related domains); b) recognize common mechanisms of disinformation and manipulation in public communication, with specific attention to the complex interplay between expressive practices, social norms, cultural values, and individual beliefs. Advanced level: At a more advanced level, students will be encouraged to apply the acquired knowledge to understand how effective communicative tools can be designed and implemented - within the context of the ongoing digital transition - to address and counteract social injustices.

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Asynchronous online activities are primarily devoted to the transfer of theoretical knowledge, providing students with key conceptual frameworks, models, and tools for understanding organizational processes and dynamics.
Synchronous and face-to-face sessions are instead focused on the application and critical discussion of these concepts through case studies, simulations, and group work.
Students will engage in practical exercises, collaborative projects, and class debates designed to develop analytical, communicative, and teamwork skills. For this purpose, digital platforms will be used to facilitate interaction, collaborative learning, and the integration between individual and collective learning paths.
The overall teaching strategy aims to combine flexibility and engagement, encouraging active participation and the application of theory to real organisational challenges, particularly in sustainability, innovation, and work environments.

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.

Student performance will be assessed through a combination of continuous assessment (by platform and in-presence) and a final written examination. During the In-presence Session, Students will work in teams to analyse a simulated case, applying the theoretical concepts and frameworks discussed during the course. The exam is written and in-person, and consists of a quiz with multiple- choice questions. The final grade is expressed in thirtieths, and to pass the exam, a student must achieve at least 18/30. To pass the exam, students must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of at least the fundamental concepts of the subject. To achieve a high grade, students must demonstrate complete mastery of the topics covered. The final grade will combine the outcomes of both components, rewarding continuous engagement, teamwork, and the ability to apply theory to practice.

1. Elements of the social philosophy of language, with particular reference to implicit communication.2. An in-depth analysis of the relationship between persuasion and manipulation in social media communication. 3. Elements of media sociology, with particular reference to the phenomenon of the infodemic. 4. Interpretation of sources and aspects of public communication, with particular reference to socio-healthcare contexts and to cases of discursive injustice, subordination, and paternalism in institutional healthcare communication. 5. Communication as a vehicle of trust or distrust in public institutions, with particular reference to disinformation and conspiracy theories in contexts of health crises.

Throughout the course, students will be guided to develop critical interpretative skills, enabling them to analyse communicative practices, evaluate sources and narratives, and assess the social and institutional effects of language use in contemporary media and public communication. Basic level: 1. General knowledge of the theoretical aspects related to implicit communication. 2. Knowledge of the fundamental elements of media sociology. 3. Ability to explain the contribution of language to the construction of social reality. 4. Initial application of theoretical notions concerning the principles of social communication to public communication practices, with a progressive development of autonomy of judgement. Advanced level: Students are expected to demonstrate a full understanding of the course contents and to be able to apply, articulate, and communicate them with rigour, autonomy, and originality.