Sociology of digital media

According to the Dublin descriptors, students, at the end of the course, will demonstrate:

1. Knowledge and understanding

Knowledge of social processes occurring in platforms, awareness of the role of algorithms in social processes, new emerging social processes, history of digital technologies

2. Applying knowledge and understanding

The ability to recognize the components of digital social phenomena, digital research techniques, the historicity of technologies

3. Making judgment

The political consequences of digital platforms, the role of digital technologies in shaping contemporary society

4. Communication skills

The ability to use digital technologies, the writing skills in digital spaces

5. Learning skills

The understanding of the socio-technical functioning of digital platforms, the ability to collect reliable information through the internet

The course takes place essentially in the form of the frontal lesson, with extensive use of tools for student involvement: questions for the verification of concepts, collective discussion of crucial cases, digital tools for involvement and participation

Module A

Digital social processes and the role of technology in the construction of social space

Module B

The main technologies underlying the contemporary digital infrastructure (computer, mobile phone, internet), the transition from analogue to digital media.

MODULE A – The characteristics of digital social processes

R. Stella, C. Riva, C. M. Scarcelli, M. Drusian, Sociologia dei new media, Torino, UTET, 2014, pp. 220

MODULE B – History and sociology of digital media

G. Balbi, P. Magaudda, Storia dei media digitali, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2014, pp. 204

Please remember that in compliance with art 171 L22.04.1941, n. 633 and its amendments, it is illegal to copy entire books or journals, only 15% of their content can be copied.

For further information on sanctions and regulations concerning photocopying please refer to the regulations on copyright (Linee Guida sulla Gestione dei Diritti d’Autore) provided by AIDRO - Associazione Italiana per i Diritti di Riproduzione delle opere dell’ingegno (the Italian Association on Copyright).

All the books listed in the programs can be consulted in the Library.