78150 - Communication and Digital Media

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student: - will have a basic knowledge of the sociology of communication in its evolution, - knows the main forms and communication functions, as well as the most important theories / schools / research in communications, - have critical knowledge of the phenomena related to communication and media, - knows how to apply the empirical tools of analysis of the communication processes in contemporary society

Course contents

The course is organized into two complementary modules.

Module A

This module aims to introduce the main theoretical paradigms of media sociology, addressing their evolution from the more traditional analog dimension—starting from which critical theories on the effects of mass media and the construction of agenda-setting themes take shape and develop—to the more recent evolutions related to the digital turn. In this context, particular attention will be given to the ability of digital media to reshape the dynamics of social relations, the opportunity to create renewed participatory cultures, but also to reintroduce new "cages" of commodification and exploitation. Specifically, the module will delve into the processes of "datafication" and the development of so-called artificial intelligence.

Texts/Bibliography

• C. Riva, R. Stella, G. Ciofalo, P. Degli Esposti (2022), "Sociologia dei Media", UTET, Novara.
• Bennato, D. (2020). "Un mondo governato da dati e algoritmi. La data literacy attraverso il cinema", Media Education, 11(1), 5-13.
• Esposito, E. (2022). "Artificial Communication? Algorithms as Interaction Partners", Artificial Communication.

Module B

Module B aims to explore in-depth specific topics related to media sociology and the digital society. Students will have the opportunity to analyze the crucial role of media in socialization and power, with a particular focus on the processes of digitalization and "platformization." During the module, fundamental concepts of media sociology will be examined, analyzing how they influence individual and collective socialization processes; special attention will be dedicated to the relationship between media and power, investigating the power dynamics mediated by media and their impact on contemporary society. The central focus of the module will be the analysis of the digitalization process, exploring the transition from traditional media to digital media and the emergence of digital platforms as new social actors. In this context, the concept of the digital "prosumer" (producer-consumer) will be examined in depth, along with its growing role in the use of social media and AI as a "prosuming machine."

Furthermore, the hybridization between physical and digital contexts will be examined, analyzing how interactions between the physical and digital worlds influence social and cultural dynamics.

Texts/Bibliography

• C. Riva, R. Stella, G. Ciofalo, P. Degli Esposti (2022), "Sociologia dei Media", UTET, Novara.
• P. Degli Esposti (2015), "Essere prosumer nella società digitale. Produzione e consumo tra atomi e bit", Franco Angeli, Milano.
• G. Ritzer, P. Degli Esposti (2020), Creative Destruction and Cultural Lag in the Digital Age [https://digitalcommons.providence.edu/sbg/vol5/iss1/5/], Sociology Between the gaps

The two modules will be conducted sequentially; however, it is possible that some lessons from Module B may be advanced or some from Module A may be postponed.

 

Readings/Bibliography

• C. Riva, R. Stella, G. Ciofalo, P. Degli Esposti (2022), Sociologia dei Media, UTET, Novara.
• P. Degli Esposti, C. Riva, F. Setiffi (2018), Sociologia dei consumi, UTET, Novara.
• P. Degli Esposti (2015), Essere prosumer nella società digitale. Produzione e consumo tra atomi e bit, Franco Angeli, Milano.
• S. Spillare (2019), Cultura della responsabilità e sviluppo locale, Franco Angeli, Milano. (Solo Capitolo 5)

In addition to the above syllabus, non-attending students and those who will fail the final exam should increase their preparation with:

• N Couldry (2015), Sociologia dei nuovi media. Teoria sociale e pratiche mediali digitali, Pearson. (Soltanto i capitoli 1, 2 e 3)
• H. Jenkins (2007), Cultura Convergente, Apogeo, Milano. (Soltanto i capitoli 1 e 2)
• D. Lupton (2018), Sociologia digitale, Pearson. (Soltanto i capitoli 2 e 3)
• G. Ritzer, P. Degli Esposti (2020), Creative Destruction and Cultural Lag in the Digital Age [https://digitalcommons.providence.edu/sbg/vol5/iss1/5/], Sociology Between the gaps

 

Teaching methods

Teaching will be structured through face-to-face lectures that will present and discuss the key themes of the module. Particular attention will be devoted to practical exercises and the analysis of case studies,group discussions aimed at encouraging discussion on the specific issues of the course will be stimulated.
Therefore, students will be required to play a very active role.
This type of activity is recognized by the lecturer and is part of the overall assessment.

Students are required to come to class having already read the assigned lecture material. During seminar activities, active class participation will be required; knowledge gained from individual readings will be useful in the development of thematic insights or case studies.

Attendance at the course is strongly recommended.

Assessment methods

Students will hand in two tests, one for each teaching module, one halfway through the course and one at the end, to verify the achievement of the teaching objectives; furthermore, a classroom presentation (individual or group depending on the size of the class).
The final assessment consists of three elements:
1. Participation in classroom activities and classroom presentations (40% of the final grade)
2. Mid-term test (30% of the final grade)
3. Final examination (30% of the final grade)

Minimum requirements for passing the course
1. Passing the mid-course examination
2. Positive evaluation in the Classroom Presentation
3. Passing the Final Examination

Non attending students:

 In order to compensate for the activities carried out by attending students, non-attending students or those who have failed the mid-term tests have to submit a written paper and take the oral examination.
(N.B. the written paper must be sent to the lecturer five days before the date on which the oral examination is scheduled - the paper may be a synopsis of the course syllabus or an in-depth study of a topic covered during the semester)

Evaluation criteria:

1. 50% paper evaluation
2. 50% oral exam

Paper has to be 4.000 words 24.000 characters. (around 12 pages), references excluded. Chicago style for citations. Paper must be turned in 5 days before the oral exam.

For every paper 10% rules applies on the number of characters (a length of work higher or lower than 10% is accepted)

To register the final grade is necessary that you enrol in the official dates in the website Almaesami

Teaching tools

The course makes use of innovative teaching tools such as woolclap and the use of interactive collaboration platforms. In addition to classroom participation, it aims to stimulate blended collaboration among studnets through the creation of working groups and the development or collective projects and exhibitions.
Teaching materials will be available to students.

All student papers will be verified through the anti-plagiarism verification system Compilatio.net

Office hours

See the website of Piergiorgio Degli Esposti

See the website of Stefano Spillare