Global Processes of Information Society
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
The concept of globalization has been traditionally the object of academic and political controversies, that have been exacerbated by the development of the past decade (2007-2008 Great Recession, emergence of populism, etc.). Rhetorics, myths, and biases surround today the concept of globalization especially on issues such as the future of work, robotisation, immigration, free-trade and protectionism, fake news and populism. In this context the course aims to treat, not only the key topics falling under the globalization label, but also to critically analyse the main rhetorics, myths, prejudices, and biases surrounding the debate on globalisation, confronting them with robust and valid scientific and empirical evidence. Hence, the objective of the first part of the course is providing students with epistemological and methodological foundations, as well as the understanding of rhetorical discourse and of the heuristic and of the cognitive and emotional biases that limit individuals' rationality and contribute to generate prejudices and distorted views. The objective of the second part of the course is that of applying the lenses provided in the first part to selected controversial issues that are central in the debate on globalisation.
Expected learning outcomes
The learning objective is two-fold, that is enable students
- To critically read and appraise the results of empirical research, available statistics, and the information spread by broadly defined media (both off and online)
- To select a topic, gather and appraise different sources, to develop their own critical analysis to be presented in class and that can eventually become the topic of their graduation thesis.
- To critically read and appraise the results of empirical research, available statistics, and the information spread by broadly defined media (both off and online)
- To select a topic, gather and appraise different sources, to develop their own critical analysis to be presented in class and that can eventually become the topic of their graduation thesis.
Lesson period: Third trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
In case of emergency conditions teaching, as in the previous academic year, the platform Teams will be used for live online lessons. The lessons will be video-recorded and made available online together with other teach material in the course website in the portal Ariel. The code for joining teams will also be made available to student on Teams. Should the conditions allow it, some in presence meetings will be held to have questions and answer sessions with the students.
Course syllabus
The concept of globalisation has been traditionally the object of academic and political controversies, that have been exacerbated by the development of the past decade (2007-2008 Great Recession, emergence of populism, etc.). Rhetorics, myths, and biases surround today the concept of globalization especially on issues such as the future of work, robotisation, immigration, free-trade and protectionism, fake news and populism. In this context the course aims to treat, not only the key topics falling under the globalization label, but also to critically analyse the main rhetorics, myths, prejudices, and biases surrounding the debate on globalisation, confronting them with robust and valid scientific and empirical evidence. Hence, the objective of the first part of the course is providing students with epistemological and methodological foundations, as well as the understanding of rhetorical discourse and of the heuristic and of the cognitive and emotional biases that limit individuals' rationality and contribute to generate prejudices and distorted views. The objective of the second part of the course is that of applying the lenses provided in the first part to selected controversial issues that are central in the debate on globalisation
Topics
Globalisation: definitions, controversies, measurement
Epistemological aspects and validity of empirical evidence
Rhetorics as forms of communication and conflict
The cognitive revolution: brain, emotions, and rationality
Science and public policy
National states and cultures within globalisation
Economic and financial globalisation
The future of work: technology and precarisation
Globalisation and inequalities
Post-truth, populism, and globalization
Topics
Globalisation: definitions, controversies, measurement
Epistemological aspects and validity of empirical evidence
Rhetorics as forms of communication and conflict
The cognitive revolution: brain, emotions, and rationality
Science and public policy
National states and cultures within globalisation
Economic and financial globalisation
The future of work: technology and precarisation
Globalisation and inequalities
Post-truth, populism, and globalization
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific prerequisites except English reading capabilities
Teaching methods
Lessons, group works and presentation in class
Teaching Resources
(1) Cristiano Codagnone, (2021). Between Rhetorics and Biases: A Guide to Reading Evidence and Information. Forthcoming.
(2) Cristiano Codagnone, et al, (2018). Scienza in vendita. Incertezza, interessi e valori nelle politiche pubbliche, Milano, Egea.
(3) Cristiano Codagnone et al, (2019). Platform economics. Rhetoric and Reality in the "Sharing Economy", London, Emerald Publishing. Introduzione, capitoli 1 e 3 (disponibili su Ariel).
(2) Cristiano Codagnone, et al, (2018). Scienza in vendita. Incertezza, interessi e valori nelle politiche pubbliche, Milano, Egea.
(3) Cristiano Codagnone et al, (2019). Platform economics. Rhetoric and Reality in the "Sharing Economy", London, Emerald Publishing. Introduzione, capitoli 1 e 3 (disponibili su Ariel).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written multiple choice exam
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)