Media Sociology

With a specific focus on political communication, Media Sociology provides students with various tools to understand and master the complexity, diversity, and latest transformations that characterize the contemporary media ecology. It does so by first imparting knowledge and skills related to the main theories and methodological approaches for studying the three primary actors in political communication: the political sphere, the media, and the citizens.
In the first theoretical part of the course, Media Sociology offers students a critical reflection on the roles and characteristics of various media and political actors, their interactions, and their transformations over time. It focuses on all types of media environments and audiences with which these two actors engage, not only during extraordinary moments like election campaigns and protests, but also in the everyday routine of political and media activities.
To better support students in understanding the key theories of media sociology and, in particular, political communication, the course brings them into close contact with practitioners and professionals in political communication, such as journalists, spin-doctors, public relations experts, academics with expertise in specific topics, and actors from civil society, among others.

By the end of the course, students will have developed the ability to critically assess the main characteristics and recent developments in the field of media sociology—particularly political communication. They will also have gained specific knowledge, through in-class "testimonials," on how to effectively apply this knowledge in the professional world and beyond.