Unit SOCIOLOGY OF DIGITAL MEDIA
- Course
- Communication studies
- Study-unit Code
- A001404
- Curriculum
- In all curricula
- Teacher
- Rita Marchetti
- Teachers
-
- Rita Marchetti
- Hours
- 60 ore - Rita Marchetti
- CFU
- 8
- Course Regulation
- Coorte 2025
- Offered
- 2026/27
- Learning activities
- Caratterizzante
- Area
- Metodologie, analisi e tecniche della comunicazione
- Sector
- SPS/08
- Type of study-unit
- Obbligatorio (Required)
- Type of learning activities
- Attività formativa monodisciplinare
- Language of instruction
Italian- Contents
The course provides theoretical and methodological tools from media studies to understand and analyse the role of digital platforms and the processes of data production, collection, and management within the contemporary communication ecosystem.
The first module explores the social implications of media and digital technologies, offering an introductory framework for navigating this complex field of study. Key topics include the relationship between technology and society, the information society, artificial intelligence, the cultural industry, digital capitalism, transformations of sociality and identity, and the dynamics of the public sphere and power. Particular attention is devoted to the functioning of digital platforms through the analysis of processes such as datafication, commodification, and algorithmic curation.
The second module offers a critical examination of the historical evolution of social media and artificial intelligence, focusing on the implications of these developments for political participation, public debate, and the quality of contemporary democracies.
The third module is dedicated to practical and laboratory-based activities aimed at developing hands-on skills in the use of artificial intelligence tools, as well as the critical assessment of their opportunities, limitations, and societal implications.- Reference texts
ATTENDING STUDENTS
Arvidsson A., Delfanti A. (2024 Terza edizione), Introduzione ai media digitali. Bologna: Il Mulino
(capitoli 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Van Dijck J., Poell T., De Waal M. (2019), Platform Society. Valori pubblici e società connessa, Milano, Guerini e Associati (capitoli 1 e 2).
Luna R. (2025), Qualcosa è andato storto. Come i social network e l’intelligenza artificiale ci hanno rubato il futuro, Milano, Solferino
NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Arvidsson A., Delfanti A. (2024 Terza edizione), Introduzione ai media digitali. Bologna: Il Mulino
Van Dijck J., Poell T., De Waal M. (2019), Platform Society. Valori pubblici e società connessa, Milano, Guerini e Associati
Luna R. (2025), Qualcosa è andato storto. Come i social network e l’intelligenza artificiale ci hanno rubato il futuro, Milano, Solferino
The indicated readings may be subject to updates until the beginning of the course, in response to the rapid developments characterizing the contemporary media ecosystem. Any changes will be communicated through the course page on the Unistudium platform.- Educational objectives
The course aims to provide students with the theoretical and methodological tools necessary to understand and analyse the transformations of digital media within the broader context of the technological, cultural, and social changes that characterize contemporary society.
The course seeks to develop a critical understanding of the main theories and key concepts in media studies, while fostering the ability to interpret the dynamics and emerging challenges of an increasingly complex, interconnected, and hybrid communication ecosystem. Particular attention will be devoted to the development of analytical skills that enable students to critically assess media content, digital platforms, and the processes of information production, circulation, and consumption.
By the end of the course, students will be expected to demonstrate a solid understanding of the principal paradigms and models used to study communication as a complex social phenomenon shaped by digital transformations; show awareness of the roles, functions, and effects of digital media; and apply the knowledge acquired with independent critical judgment to the production and consumption contexts of contemporary culture.- Prerequisites
No specific prerequisites are required, except for an interest in the subject matter, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to engage actively in class activities.- Teaching methods
Frontal lessons, work group and classroom discussion.- Other information
Attendance is strongly recommended.
To be considered as attending students, they must have attended at least 50% of the classes.
Attending students are eligible to take midterm exams.- Learning verification modality
Assessment methods differ for attending and non-attending students.
For attending students:
Learning outcomes will be assessed through two written tests and the evaluation of a group assignment.
The written tests will consist of open-ended questions designed primarily to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of key concepts, situations, and theoretical perspectives.
The first test will take place during the first week following the teaching break and will cover the topics addressed in the first part of the course.
The second test will be held during the final week of the course and will cover the remaining part of the syllabus.
Students will also complete an intermediate group assignment consisting of an in-class presentation. This activity is intended to assess students’ ability to work effectively in a team, discuss and critically argue their positions, present the results of their work in a clear and well-structured manner, and appropriately identify, analyse, and use scientific sources and content.
The final grade, expressed on a 30-point scale, will be calculated as follows: 70% based on the average score of the two written tests and 30% based on the group assignment.
For non-attending students:
Assessment will consist of a written examination and an oral examination covering the topics addressed in the required readings.
The oral examination will consist of a discussion of the written test and is intended to assess and clarify any weaknesses or gaps that may have emerged in the written assessment.
The final grade will be calculated by combining the results of the two examinations according to the following weighting: written examination (70%) and oral examination (30%).
Students may access the oral examination only if they have passed the written examination with a minimum score of 18/30.
Facilities for SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS:
http://www.unipg.it/disabilita-e-dsa- Extended program
The course will provide the foundational elements for understanding communication processes in a context characterized by the pervasiveness of digital technologies. Starting from theoretical frameworks, we will seek to answer the following questions: What are (digital) media today? How are communication processes articulated within the media ecosystem? What are the consequences of the pervasiveness of algorithms and datafication mechanisms on platforms? As citizens and communicators, how can we constructively contribute to fostering a media ecosystem that evolves beyond the mere demands of the market and technological innovation? What opportunities and risks arise from the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence?