New Media Sociology
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
The course aims to introduce students to the study of sociology applied to new media. We will discuss the main points of debate about the birth and development of digital media. In doing so, we will refer to the main sociological ideas on which they are based and we will analyse empirical examples in their social context.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the students will have learned to:
- Put in context the main theoretical approaches in the debate about the news media.
- Look at media products (content, frames, use) in their wider social context.
- Analyse communication as a socio-cultural process.
- Think critically and problematize points of views, techniques and routines.
- Put in context the main theoretical approaches in the debate about the news media.
- Look at media products (content, frames, use) in their wider social context.
- Analyse communication as a socio-cultural process.
- Think critically and problematize points of views, techniques and routines.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
This course traces the history of computers, of the Internet and of the Web, focusing on the digitalisation of certain sectors of the cultural industry such as music, press, cinema, radio and television. Considerable space is given to aspects of digital sociology, particularly the impact of the digital on the identity of the individual, interpersonal relationships and, more generally, on social groups. The concluding part covers the evolution of the work of the American sociologist and psychologist Sherry Turkle.
Modules:
· Introducing new media sociology
· Society, culture and computers
· Internet and Web history
· Digitisation of traditional media
· Sherry Turkle, the anthropologist of cyberspace
Modules:
· Introducing new media sociology
· Society, culture and computers
· Internet and Web history
· Digitisation of traditional media
· Sherry Turkle, the anthropologist of cyberspace
Prerequisites for admission
No previous knowledge is required.
Teaching methods
Lessons are face-to-face. Participatory lessons are preferred and will be supported by the use of digital, collaborative authentic activities, playful experiences (e.g. webquests) and scaffolding moments.
Teaching Resources
The following does not change for non-attending students.
1. Handbook
· Balbi, G. & Magaudda, P. (2021). Media digitali. La storia, i contesti sociali, le narrazioni. Laterza.
2. A text of your choice from:
· Turkle, S. (1984). The Second Self: Computers and the Human Spirit. Simon & Schuster.
· Turkle, S. (1995). Life on the Screen: Identity in the Age of the Internet. Simon & Schuster.
· Turkle, S. (2008). Falling For Science: Objects in Mind. MIT Press Ltd.
· Turkle, S. (2009). Simulation and Its Discontents. MIT Press Ltd.
· Turkle, S. (2011). Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other. Basic Books.
· Turkle, S. (2015). Reclaiming Conversation. The Power of Talk in a Digital Age. Penguin Press.
3. A text of your choice from:
· Miller et al. (2018). How the World Changed Social Media. UCL Press. https://www.uclpress.co.uk/collections/series-why-we-post.
· Calise, M. & Musella, F. (2019). Il Principe digitale. Laterza.
· Mazzoleni, G. e Bracciale, R. (2019). La politica pop online. I meme e le nuove sfide della comunicazione politica. Il Mulino.
· Pira, F. (2020). Figli delle app. Le nuove generazioni digital-popolari e social-dipendenti. FrancoAngeli.
· Balbi, G. (2022). L'ultima ideologia. Breve storia della rivoluzione digitale. Laterza.
4. Slides used during lectures.
In the case of point 3, students are allowed to choose a text of their own choice as long as it is consistent with the course programme. The choice must be approved by the teacher.
Course material is available at https://myariel.unimi.it/course/view.php?id=40.
1. Handbook
· Balbi, G. & Magaudda, P. (2021). Media digitali. La storia, i contesti sociali, le narrazioni. Laterza.
2. A text of your choice from:
· Turkle, S. (1984). The Second Self: Computers and the Human Spirit. Simon & Schuster.
· Turkle, S. (1995). Life on the Screen: Identity in the Age of the Internet. Simon & Schuster.
· Turkle, S. (2008). Falling For Science: Objects in Mind. MIT Press Ltd.
· Turkle, S. (2009). Simulation and Its Discontents. MIT Press Ltd.
· Turkle, S. (2011). Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other. Basic Books.
· Turkle, S. (2015). Reclaiming Conversation. The Power of Talk in a Digital Age. Penguin Press.
3. A text of your choice from:
· Miller et al. (2018). How the World Changed Social Media. UCL Press. https://www.uclpress.co.uk/collections/series-why-we-post.
· Calise, M. & Musella, F. (2019). Il Principe digitale. Laterza.
· Mazzoleni, G. e Bracciale, R. (2019). La politica pop online. I meme e le nuove sfide della comunicazione politica. Il Mulino.
· Pira, F. (2020). Figli delle app. Le nuove generazioni digital-popolari e social-dipendenti. FrancoAngeli.
· Balbi, G. (2022). L'ultima ideologia. Breve storia della rivoluzione digitale. Laterza.
4. Slides used during lectures.
In the case of point 3, students are allowed to choose a text of their own choice as long as it is consistent with the course programme. The choice must be approved by the teacher.
Course material is available at https://myariel.unimi.it/course/view.php?id=40.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is oral. It concerns the course programme and the books indicated in the "Teaching Resources" section. Grade is in thirtieths. Positive judgement is given to the ability to handle connections between theory and empirical examples. During the course, the teacher reinforces the process of acquiring knowledge and skills through continuous formative assessment aimed at facilitating the development of metacognitive skills.
SPS/08 - SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Iannella Alessandro
Educational website(s)