Lab.: Advanced Digital Methods
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The laboratory will introduce the theoretical and practical skills for auditing and analysing social media algorithms and generative artificial intelligence outputs. The focus will be on the socio-cultural biases embedded within algorithmic systems recommending content on the one hand, and on the other, on content created by generative AI models and chatbots
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the laboratory students will be able to:
- conduct a comparative analysis of a recommender algorithm or generative AI output
- identify the limits and strengths of a variety of qualitative and computational approaches for doing so
- conduct a comparative analysis of a recommender algorithm or generative AI output
- identify the limits and strengths of a variety of qualitative and computational approaches for doing so
Lesson period: First trimester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
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
First trimester
Course syllabus
The laboratory introduces the theoretical and practical skills for the audit and analysis of social media algorithms and generative artificial intelligence through a sociocultural lens. Building upon the digital methods paradigm, students will be introduced to qualitative, quantitative, and computational methods for the study of the outputs of social media algorithmic feeds (e.g.: TikTok, Instagram) and textual and visual generative AI models (e.g.: ChatGPT, Gemini, Midjourney).
Prerequisites for admission
Students are expected to bring their own laptops: the necessary software and tools will be introduced during the course of the laboratory.
Teaching methods
Lectures with theoretical concepts, hands-on classes, and discussion
Teaching Resources
Readings will be suggested during the course of the laboratory.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students will develop and present a project involving the collection, analysis, and presentation of digital data.
SPS/08 - SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION - University credits: 3
Laboratories: 20 hours
Professor:
Rama Ilir
Professor(s)