Sociology of Communication

The course will focus on the main orientations of the sociological approach to the study of mediated and digital communication. In particular, the following topics will be covered:

Definition and discussion of the concept of communication
Theories of mass communication and digital media
Digital sociology

The course aims to provide students with a general understanding of the complexity of contemporary media ecology. The course therefore aims to identify actors, media content, mediated communication flows, mediated communicative interactions, uses of digital media and traditional media, effects on cognitive skills and on social relations. Therefore, constantly changing communication models will be identified due to the hyper personalization of communication, linked to the possibility of constant intervention in the production of content due to digital media and social media. Consistent with the general objectives of the Degree Course in which it is inserted and above all with reference to the objectives of the communication area, the course of "Sociologia della comunicazione" aims to provide tools of knowledge and sociological competence with respect to communication mediated as a tool of a multiplicity of social relations in contemporary society.

At the end of the course the students will have developed: Knowledge and understanding of the functioning of communicative dynamics mediated on a daily level, at the level of organizations and institutions. Knowledge and understanding of the communicative dynamics of global corporations and national companies that professionally produce content. Knowledge and skills with respect to the areas of interaction in which the various actors of communication - from those with wide market margins such as the most important global media companies (Apple, Microsoft, Google, Facebook and Amazon) to those who cover minority roles but not infrequently equally important for the current balance in the world of communication. Finally, the ability to apply knowledge and understanding even to the narrowest areas of everyday life characterized by capillary use and the constant production of content circulating through the media. Judgment, communication skills and learning skills will be developed through group work done by the students. The final exam aims to verify the expected learning outcomes in relation to the dynamics of knowledge and understanding, of critical presentation of concepts, theoretical perspectives, areas of discussion and empirical research concerning the topic of sociology of communication and digital sociology.