Sociology of political and communicative processes

Course objectives

The course aims to offer students the knowledge of the main theories on political communication, mass-communication and political/social actors communication's strategies. In addition, special attention will be paid to some issues, such as political communication effects, campagin's strategies and the evolution of political communication throughout online tools (such as social networks and blogs). Communication skills and the ability to elaborate analysis and judgments on the issues addressed will also be stimulated through active participation in open discussions with external guests and by gathering and discussing empirical case-studies. Through these opportunities, the course aims to offer theoretical and empirical tools for the analysis of the political communication processes and the relationships among media, political and social actors.

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ANTONIO PUTINI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The course is divided into two modules The first module, lasting approximately 6 weeks, is theoretical and focuses on the evolution of communication theories.In particular, this first module covers:the birth of communication research; limited effects theories; two-stage flow of communication theory; critical and culturological theory;cultural studies and agenda setting hypothesis; spiral of silence theory and cultivation analysis; from mass media to self-communication media. Second module: duration six weeks. Political communication and its actors. Media and the media system; Communication and electoral campaigns; Political communication and citizens; AI and digital platforms: new boundaries in political communication.
Prerequisites
None
Books
Mazzoleni G. (2021), ed., Introduction to Political Communication, Bologna, Il Mulino. Attending students will receive handouts and scientific articles in lieu of the indicated textbook.
Frequency
Attendance is not compulsory.
Exam mode
Assessment will be oral for non-attending students.In the scheduled examination dates, each student is asked a minimum of three questions for a total test duration of approximately 30 minutes. For attending students, papers relating to the main topics covered by the course and the presentation of the research project resulting from the workshop are foreseen. These tests may replace the examination roll.
Lesson mode
The course is structured by means of frontal teaching; in the course of the lectures, the topics covered are deepened through discussions and external guests.
  • Lesson code10600087
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CoursePolitical Sciences and International Security
  • CurriculumScienze della Politica (percorso valido per il conseguimento del doppio titolo italo-francese)
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDSPS/11
  • CFU9