Sociology

Irene Sigismondi

1. Knowledge and understanding: after having got these ECTS students should have basic knowledge of basic and cross-medial information systems.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding: after having got these ECTS students should know how to use systems and software met during teaching activities

The course is a useful complement in preparing professional profiles for graduates of the Sociology and/or Social Work Sciences and Techniques Curricula. The educational goal is twofold: to assess present skills and to enhance them so that they can be used for study purposes and in the future, also at work and/or for research objectives,. All that is pursued in accordance with the guidelines proposed by the Dublin descriptors, in terms of theoretical and applied knowledge, autonomy of judgment, as well as communication skills and the ability to learn and focus on content of personal interest, by learning to select reliable and authoritative sources, while promoting a responsible and ethical culture of ICT technologies and Artificial Intelligence tools and systems use.

For this subject matter there are no prerequisites required.

The course is organized into thematic MODULES (each covered in approximately 8 hours of lessons) and is described in detail below:

MODULE 1: Introduction and methodology. Computer Science as both an object and a tool; definition of computer science, programming models (overview of software development methodologies – open source philosophy – copyright/copyleft protection); a 'taxonomy' of ICT tools from technical, historical, and sociological perspectives; concepts of standards and technical regulation (ISO); the digital revolution of the knowledge society – an overview; prospects concerning the platform economy. Discussion and case studies.

MODULE 2: Telematics – Human-Computer Interaction – Artificial Intelligence. Telematics, interconnection, and networks; Internet and Web: history, structure and functioning, protocols, governance, and globalization (institutions and regulation). Technical profiles of electronic communications. Principle of net neutrality. Historical evolution (fixed networks, wireless, 5G). Sociological studies on Human-Computer Interaction: accessibility, usability; User Interface (UI) vs. User Experience (UX), Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) and its evolution). Artificial Intelligence: description, dissemination, and present/future. Towards the “Singularity”: ethical perspectives. Discussion and case studies.

MODULE 3: Infrastructure, applications, and security. Technical and regulatory framework and notes on topics of sociological interest in the private sector [e-commerce, online payment systems, smart working, gig economy, business intelligence, Sustainable Business Development Models (SBM), blockchain and smart contracts, Metaverse and social media]; and in the public sector [Digital Public Administration and services for citizens (including digital health and electronic health records, digital citizenship and ANPR, etc.), e-Government, e-Democracy; e-Justice, ODR - Online Dispute Resolution - ICT for the Environment and Territory, and references to the PNRR: priorities, missions, and investments]. Principles of cybersecurity for infrastructure and navigation: overview. Protection of rights regarding personal data processing. Control technologies and sociological issues related to the so-called surveillance capitalism. Discussion and case studies.

MODULE 4: Digital Identity Online: Legal Definition and Sociological Concepts. Digital identity online. Legal definition (SPID) and sociological concept; transformation of communicative and cultural processes on social networks and social media; critical issues and the need for conscious use in relation to risks [e.g., Echo Chambers, Filter Bubble, Fake News, Deep Fake, etc.]. The projection of the self online: creation of digital content, User Generated Content, and protection of copyright online (distinction from other types of intellectual property protection). Freedom of the press and censorship: the role of politics. Protecting oneself online: cyberbullying, cybercrime, gender-based violence, revenge porn, cyber addiction, gambling, Digital Footprint and Digital Inheritance, Deep Web and Dark Web. Introduction to Cybersecurity for users. Relevant regulations. Discussion and case studies.

MODULE 5: Online research. Sources, data, information, and tools. Online data and browsing data: Big Data, cookies, and critical issues regarding tracking, profiling, and the use of Artificial Intelligence. Online information and mis/disinformation (fact-checking) and EU regulations (briefly on the Digital Services Act – Digital Markets Act – AI Act, etc.). Methodology and logical pathways for research. Different approaches to social science research (legal, sociological, statistical, economic): insights and references. Use of the Internet for research (data-information-source); research preparation (mental maps before-during-after); verification of "results." Input-output-outcome, principles of evaluation. Institutional websites and various bibliographic research resources. Brief notes on meta-cognitive teaching for self-assessment of the educational "impact" of learning.

MODULE 6: IT tools for effective presentation. Digital skills for presenting oneself. Methodologies, techniques, tools and technologies for identifying strengths and weaknesses. Examples of Elevator Pitch, Pecha Kucha, etc. Discussion and case studies. Proposals for group / individual work, with device organization and effective time management to promote conscious use of ICTs.

The TEXTBOOK is currently being prepared: information about it will be updated as soon as available.
For the moment, REFERENCE MATERIALS and RECOMMENDED READINGS are suggested during the classroom course and posted on the course's classroom page.

Teaching is fundamentally in-person and it can leverage the use of individual devices, in line with the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) teaching methodology, in order to allow participants to carry out contextual sessions of operational and interactive activities.

To promote interaction, in addition to recommended readings and supporting materials, online questionnaires and practical "hands-on" sessions are also proposed, so that students are directly confronted with various concepts and tools and are encouraged to develop an increasingly conscious and critical understanding and use, through the implementation of question times, assessment forms, impromptu learning checks, data collection and comments, and the sharing of results in real-time or delayed on the course's e-learning platform.

The choice to prioritize topics and issues related to the specific University Curricula of this Faculty and Department where this course is offered, is devoted to foster collaboration among students in small study/workìng groups tasked with preparing a simulation of data and information research activities in presence or online, by applying methodological research principles in classroom presentation and in order to encourage cooperative learning and critical discussion on the topics.

External participation by experts in the use of information technology applied to various sectors may be envisaged, to provide an opportunity to explore new perspectives and vocational training insights for attendees. To this end, in-person, hybrid, or remote seminar sessions may also be organized at times different from the scheduled class hours, with free participation and subsequent dissemination of any links, audio/video recordings, or materials.

Regular attendance is not required.

The exam takes place in the form of an interview and, if necessary, it can include a practical test using an electronic device (e.g., completing an online questionnaire or form), always on topics covered by the course.
It is possible to prepare a project to be presented also in group with other fellow students: topics have to be communicated and approved by the teacher.
It is reminded that any computer certifications held (e.g., ECDL, Cisco, etc.) should not be considered equivalent to the competency achieved with this Digital Skills course.

Development of IT and digital skills related to the topics and issues addressed in the course and during the lectures, according to the division into modules and the possible interaction between topics.
Students are requested to be able to show an ability to navigate the various areas of the IT and technology world in general with regards to the learning objectives and to be able to demonstrate an understanding of technological evolution and critical thinking skills in the use of IT tools.
Example questions include: What are the main computer programming methodologies? What questions does standardization answer? What are the characteristics of the Internet? What are the institutions that govern the Internet? What is the difference between the Internet and the Web?

• The course is divided into modules as per the program, each of which is completed over two weeks of work to allow for appropriate in-depth study and discussion based on the needs that emerge in the classroom.
  • Books: The TEXT is currently being prepared and will be posted here as soon as available. RECOMMENDED READINGS are indicated during the lessons.