Learning objectives
The course aims to get students to critically reflect on the digital 'revolution' as a critical juncture that has profoundly marked the field of political communication by profoundly changing the logic, timing, actors and processes of this complex phenomenon.
Prerequisites
There are no particular prerequisites.
Course unit content
The course introduces students to the field of political communication, dwelling on the most recent developments in this strand of interdisciplinary studies, highlighting in particular how the digital 'revolution' has given rise to a hybrid system where traditional and digital media logics may clash or combine, generating constellations of actors and processes distinct from those that characterised the pre-digital era.
Full programme
The first part of the course will provide a historical introduction to the concept of political communication and illustrate the element of comparison between different media and political systems as a distinctive feature of this field of study. Subsequently, the focus will shift to the 3 actors that define the field of political communication: the media sphere (focusing in particular on the role of digital platforms, the link between journalism and politics, and pop culture), the political sphere (delving into the themes of party change, populism, electoral campaigns and political marketing), and citizenship (looking at both the individual and collective dimensions of bottom-up participatory dynamics). To conclude, the main challenges posed to the field of political communication by the 'digital revolution' will be illustrated, looking at how public opinion metrics are changing, how sentiment is heard on social platforms, the risks and opportunities related to the use of 'big data' and the dangers that the new information ecosystem poses to the quality of democratic regimes.
Bibliography
Mazzoleni, G., (ed.), 2021, Introduzione alla comunicazione politica, Bologna, Il Mulino.
Teaching methods
Lectures with constant involvement of students in discussions and presentations on topical issues related to the teaching content. The viewing, commentary and discussion of videos relevant to the topic of political communication is also planned.
Assessment methods and criteria
Student evaluation will be based on a 50-minute written test with three open-ended and six closed-ended questions (without penalty). Open-ended questions may be awarded up to 10 points; closed-ended questions are worth half a point. Attending students who present their work in the classroom may be awarded an additional mark (up to a maximum of 3 points) over the written exam grade. The grade for the written test will be announced within 2 weeks after the test. Please note that online registration for the examination is mandatory.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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