Ai & Data Cultures
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The main objective of this course is to build a critical understanding of digital cultures and their empirical study, placing a specific focus on how generative artificial intelligence affects both knowledge construction and creative processes. Students will be encouraged to develop an original research design and to conduct their own analysis of a digital phenomenon. Particular attention will also be paid to the challenges of using AI as a research tool and the implications for cultural and professional practices
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- understand the fundamental principles of sociological research in the digital field and the role played by AI (both generative and non-generative) within it;
- apply basic methods of collecting, analyzing, and visualizing digital data;
- develop independent judgment in evaluating applications and discourses related to AI; recognize the limits, potential, and epistemological implications of AI in social research;
- integrate interdisciplinary perspectives to critically analyse digital phenomena and their social and cultural impact.
- understand the fundamental principles of sociological research in the digital field and the role played by AI (both generative and non-generative) within it;
- apply basic methods of collecting, analyzing, and visualizing digital data;
- develop independent judgment in evaluating applications and discourses related to AI; recognize the limits, potential, and epistemological implications of AI in social research;
- integrate interdisciplinary perspectives to critically analyse digital phenomena and their social and cultural impact.
Lesson period: Third trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
Course syllabus
The programme combines theoretical lectures and practical workshops, aimed at helping students acquire practical skills for a sociologically informed analysis of digital phenomena. After a brief introduction to generative AI, its underlying social and cultural dynamics and its critical aspects, the course focuses on the different stages of digital research: digital data collection, the use of AI as a research tool, the analysis of digital data through various techniques (network analysis, content and visual analysis), and data visualization. Students will have the opportunity to apply these techniques and tools during dedicated workshops and tutorials, which will guide them in the preparation of the final assignment.
Lectures are held in English.
Lectures are held in English.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic command of Microsoft Excel (e.g. Pivot tables), attendance of the course 'Social media and platform cultures' is recommended but not mandatory.
Teaching methods
Lectures and in-class activities.
Teaching Resources
Main texts:
Gray, J.W. (2025). Public Data Cultures. Polity.
Rogers, R. (2024). Doing Digital Methods. Sage Publications. Readings and additional materials will be made available during the lessons.
Gray, J.W. (2025). Public Data Cultures. Polity.
Rogers, R. (2024). Doing Digital Methods. Sage Publications. Readings and additional materials will be made available during the lessons.
Assessment methods and Criteria
· Attending students: mid-term tests + oral exam
· Non-attending students: oral exam
· Non-attending students: oral exam
SPS/08 - SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Giorgi Giulia
Professor(s)