Workshop: Sociology of Communication
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The workshop aims to introduce students to the analytical study of communication content, with a focus on mass media. Specifically, starting with the study of basic content analysis techniques, students will be guided by the instructor—through ad hoc practical activities in the classroom—to conduct empirical analyses aimed at analyzing how specific social categories (e.g., migrants, the elderly, young people, etc.) are represented by the mass media.
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
· Practice basic media content collection and sampling techniques
· Practice basic content analysis techniques
· Understand and critically analyze social representations conveyed by the mass media
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
· Practice basic media content collection and sampling techniques
· Practice basic content analysis techniques
· Understand and critically analyze social representations conveyed by the mass media
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the workshop, students will be asked to produce a small research report to present in class (via a dedicated PowerPoint presentation) for peer review. Students will serve as discussants for their classmates' presentations.
The presentations will then be evaluated by the instructor with a grade of approval.
The presentations will then be evaluated by the instructor with a grade of approval.
Lesson period: Second semester
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
Second semester
Course syllabus
List of Workshop Topics
(PLEASE NOTE: topics and dates are subject to change; some sessions may be held online in synchronous mode, in accordance with University regulations)
Week 1
Introduction
What is the sociology of communication?
Week 2
Mass media and mass culture
Content analysis
Week 3
In-class work (under instructor supervision)
In-class work (under instructor supervision)
Week 4
In-class work (under instructor supervision)
In-class work (under instructor supervision)
Week 5
Guest speaker
Group project presentation
(PLEASE NOTE: topics and dates are subject to change; some sessions may be held online in synchronous mode, in accordance with University regulations)
Week 1
Introduction
What is the sociology of communication?
Week 2
Mass media and mass culture
Content analysis
Week 3
In-class work (under instructor supervision)
In-class work (under instructor supervision)
Week 4
In-class work (under instructor supervision)
In-class work (under instructor supervision)
Week 5
Guest speaker
Group project presentation
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific prerequisites for participating in the workshop; however, a basic understanding of sociological concepts and theories is desirable.
Teaching methods
The course comprises a mix of lectures, examples, practical exercises, and group discussions. It also includes guest lectures by external experts (from the corporate world and/or academia).
Teaching Resources
Teaching materials will be provided by the instructor during classes and uploaded to Ariel.
However, for anyone wishing to further explore the concepts, theories, and key figures in the sociology of communication on a purely voluntary and independent basis, the instructor recommends the following text:
Paccagnella, L. (2020). Sociologia della comunicazione nell'era digitale. Bologna: Il Mulino.
However, for anyone wishing to further explore the concepts, theories, and key figures in the sociology of communication on a purely voluntary and independent basis, the instructor recommends the following text:
Paccagnella, L. (2020). Sociologia della comunicazione nell'era digitale. Bologna: Il Mulino.
Assessment methods and Criteria
At the end of the workshop, students will be required to produce a short research report and present it in class (using a dedicated PowerPoint presentation) in a peer-review format; specifically, the students themselves will act as discussants for their peers' presentations.
The presentations will then be comprehensively evaluated by the instructor, who will approve or reject the final submissions.
The presentations will then be comprehensively evaluated by the instructor, who will approve or reject the final submissions.
Professor(s)