Corso di laurea in Scienze della Comunicazione

Aims of the lectures are

(a) Providing updated knowledge on the main research areas of the general psychology,

(b) Promoting a critical comprehension of the acquired knowledge as well as

(c) Favoring an autonomous thinking on the topics covered.

Each student is expected to:

a) Know the contents of the lectures

b) Recognize and use fields of application of the theoretical knowledge acquired

c) Reflect critically and flexible on the topics covered in the lectures

d) Present the acquired knowledge in a clear and comprehensive way

e) Contextualize and generalize the acquired knowledge

An expert in communication works an operates in contexts that require a good knowledge of the human cognitive functioning. The course aims to provide specific notions related to the organization and functioning of cognitive and communicative processes, as well as to the methods of investigation of these processes. The proposed contents lie in a framework that integrates cognitive psychology, cognitive science, neuropsychology and neuroscience. The main cognitive functions which may play a role on communication will be addressed. In particular, perception, attention, memory, language, and reasoning.

54 hours of face-to-face and interactive teaching.

The preparation about the entire course of General Psychology and Psychology of Communication is evaluated by an oral exam designed to determine learning of the main topics addressed within the two teaching modules. In particular, critical thinking skills, knowledge of key concepts, and use of language that reflects this knowledge will be assessed.

It is possible to take the oral exam in English.

Each student will also have the opportunity to take two written exemptions (esoneri) with annual validity

The first exemption will consist of 16 multiple-choice questions (4 answer choices) and will focus on the first part of the General Psychology module. Correct answers are scored 1 point, while not given or wrong answers are scored 0 points. The time available is 16 minutes.

The second exemption will consist of 16 multiple-choice questions (4 answer choices) and will focus on the second part of General Psychology module and on the Psychology of Communication module. Correct answers are scored 1 point, while not given or wrong answers are scored 0 points. The time available is 16 minutes.

The results of the two exemptions will be published anonymously (only the matriculation number) on the Moodle page of the course, and the students will also receive a message at their institutional email address (@edu.unito.it).

• If the overall grade of the two exemptions is sufficient (≥18/30), each student will be requested to communicate the decision to accept or not accept the score obtained, by responding to the email received using the institutional address (@edu.unito.com). The notification of acceptance of the obtained score implies to register the score in one of the exam sessions (appello) without having to take the oral exam.
• If the overall grade of the two exemptions is not sufficient (<18) or the score is not accepted, or at least one of the two exemptions has not been taken, the assessment of learning (for the entirety of the program or for the part of the program relating to one of the two modules) will take place orally during one of the exam sessions (appello).

Students are reminded that in all the cases described above, IT IS MANDATORY TO REGISTER TO ONE OF THE EXAM SESSIONS (appelli).

In addition, students are reminded that the exemptions’ grades are valid FOR ONE ACADEMIC YEAR.

The oral exam and the exemptions will be based on the reference text indicated as well as on the material presented at lectures, with no differences between attending and non-attending students.

UniTo offers to students with disabilities a set of services offered to support their academic activities. Please check https://www.unito.it/servizi/lo-studio/studenti-con-disabilitaopen_in_new and/or https://www.unito.it/servizi/lo-studio/studenti-e-studentesse-con-disturbi-specifici-di-apprendimento-dsa. In particular, the students are encouraged to check the dedicated services (https://www.unito.it/servizi/lo-studio/studenti-e-studentesse-con-disabilita/supporto-studenti-e-studentesse-conopen_in_new and/or https://www.unito.it/servizi/lo-studio/studenti-e-studentesse-con-disturbi-specifici-di-apprendimento-dsa/supporto) aimed at supporting special needs during the exams.

For non Italian speaking students, the above mentioned book may be replaced by the corresponding original English version, i.e.,

Schacter D., Gilbert D., Nock M. (2016). Psychology -; 4th Edition. New York, Worth Publishers.

(or latest versions: https://www.macmillanlearning.com/ed/uk/product/Psychology--6th-edition/p/1319498639).

The following chapters have to be prepared for the exam:

Chapter 1 - Psychology: The evolution of a science

Chapter 2 -; Methods in Psychology

Chapter 3 -; Neuroscience and behaviour

Chapter 4 -; Sensation and perception

Chapter 5 - Consciousness

Chapter 6 - Memory

Chapter 7 - Learning

Chapter 8 - Emotion and motivation

Chapter 9 - Language and thought

Chapter 11 - Development

Please note, the slides presented at lectures must be considered as integral part of the program.

The slides will be available on the Moodle page of the course (link at the bottom of the page) for all enrolled students, regardless of whether or not they attend the classes.

Prof. Gabbatore receives on appointment to agree upon via email.

Students are reminded that ENROLLING IN THE COURSE (at the bottom of this page) IS MANDATORY, in order to receive timely notices and information and to allow for a functioning organization of the course and learning control procedures.