Corso di laurea in Scienze della Comunicazione

The aim of the course is:

• To provide the basic elements for understanding the mechanisms of communication, both interpersonal and mediated, in relation to dynamics, effects, production logics;
• To provide basic knowledge of the main theories of media communication, from mass communication to computer-mediated communication;
• To provide methodological tools for analyzing the different forms of communication and their social uses, with particular attention to the means of mediated communication.
• To provide tools and approaches for the critical analysis of the forms of digital influence, through persons, interfaces and algorithms.

The teaching aims to achieve the following learning outcomes:

- Knowledge and understanding

To acquire in-depth theoretical knowledge and develop understanding of communication and information issues, appropriate to the complexity of current communication scenarios.

- Ability to apply knowledge and understanding

To develop the appropriate conceptual tools to argue the most current issues of the debate with competence and on a scientific basis.

- Autonomy of judgment

To apply the knowledge acquired to develop original analyzes and support arguments on the topics covered during the course.

- Communication skills

To develop an adequate specialized vocabulary which will be subject to verification in the written exam. To develop good oral speech competences to apply during the workshops

- Learning ability

To apply the acquired knowledge to the analysis of an original scenario in the field of communication and of the media analysis

Communication Theories and Paradigms

1.1 The communication models
1.2. The structure of the communicative relationship and the functions of communication
1.3. Non-verbal communication, body and communication in physical and mediated spaces

Media analysis theories and methodologies
2.1. Media Effects Theories
2.2. Cultural industry: theories and approaches
2.3. Media analysis tools

The digital persuasion
3.1 The role of people and the dynamics of online influence, one to one, one to many, many to many
3.2 The role of interfaces: socio-technical affordances
3.3 The role of algorithms and platformization

Lectures, with the use of multimedia presentations and analysis of case studies.

Practical exercises, which will be conducted synchronously during the lessons, and asynchronously through the Moodle page of the course.

All teaching materials will be uploaded to the Moodle page of the course.

The written assignment, consisting of 10 closed and 2 open questions, will be aimed at:

- prove to have studied and assimilated the theories and examples contained in the texts indicated in the bibliography;

- demonstrate that they have studied and assimilated the materials presented in class, based on the slides and supplementary materials that will be made available at the end of the lessons;

- to demonstrate that they have acquired skills in the analysis and design of simple tools for digital communication: target analysis, analysis of the digital media dynamics of specific platforms. Partial exemption tests may be envisaged.

The test can also be done in English.

Students with specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) or other disabilities can have the relevant information regarding:

i) services and key support actions (Students with specific learning disability (SLD) | University of Turin (unito.it)); 

ii) admission requirements (Entering UniTO for students with SLD | University of Turin);

iii) and, in particular, support in taking exams (Support in taking exams for students with SLD | University of Turin (unito.it))

Further materials will be suggested during the Course

Practical exercises will be provided, during the course.

Students that will complete at least 3 exercitations, during the course, will obtain a  bonus of 2 points  for the final grade