20710006 - methods of communication sciences

The course aims to:
• introduce the main concepts of the methodology of research in the field of social and communication sciences;
• consolidate the skills in research methodology, through the design and implementation of ethnographic investigation paths;
• enhance critical analysis skills through interactive and laboratory teaching;
• encourage the active participation of the students with exercises and presentations during the lessons, in order to improve their verbal abilities and communication skills.
teacher profile | teaching materials

Programme

The course aims to develop methodological competences in the communication and social sciences. The first part of the course will examine research design in the social sciences, differentiating between qualitative and quantitative methods.
The second part of the course will outline the main approaches and strategies of research in the communication sciences, with a focus on qualitative and creative methods for social research.


Core Documentation

FIRST PART
- Wendy Griswold (2009), Un framework metodologico per lo studio della cultura, in M. Santoro, R. Sassatellin(a cura di), Studiare la cultura. Nuove prospettive sociologiche, Il Mulino, Bologna, pp. 253-285


SECOND PART
- Mario Cardano, Luigi Gariglio (2024), Metodi qualitativi. Pratiche di ricerca in presenza, a distanza e ibride, Carocci, Roma
- Alberta Giorgi, Micol Pizzolati, Elena Vacchelli (2021), Metodi creativi per la ricerca sociale. Contesto, pratiche, strumenti, il Mulino, Bologna (Up to and including Chapter 7).

Reference Bibliography

Further readings (recommended but not mandatory for the exam). Fabrizio Martire, Paolo Parra Saiani, Silvia Cataldi (2023), La ricerca sociale e le sue pratiche, Carocci, Roma. Howard S. Becker (2007), I trucchi del mestiere. Come fare ricerca sociale, Il Mulino, Bologna Richard Rogers (2016), Metodi digitali. Fare ricerca sociale con il web, Il Mulino, Bologna Diana Salzano (2008), Etnografie della rete. Pratiche comunicative tra on line e off line, Franco Angeli, Milano

Type of delivery of the course

The course mainly consists of lectures supported by Power Point presentations. Some classes will be hosted by guest lecturers who are leading in this field. The professor will communicate and upload teaching material through the Moodle and Teams platforms available at the University website.

Attendance

Attendance is not compulsory

Type of evaluation

EXAM Both attending and non-attending students must pass a written test, which will consist of three open questions, each of them is awarded a mark from one to ten. The students, with two hours to spare, will have to answer three questions extensively. Assessment Criteria: Knowledge and Understanding: The student demonstrates a solid grasp of the course content, showing a deep and well-structured understanding of the topics covered. Communication Skills: The student uses specialist language accurately and appropriately. Independent Judgment: The student is able to formulate critical and independent judgments, demonstrating analytical and reflective thinking. Argumentative Skills: The student is able to develop a structured and coherent discussion on the proposed topic, avoiding overly brief or generic responses. LABORATORY-BASED PROJECT During the course, attending students can participate in a laboratory-based project dedicated to the use of creative and qualitative methods for social research. The students will develop group work on the basis of the arguments provided by the professor Antonietta De Feo. Professor will provide all the materials necessary for the realisation of the project. The results will be presented in Power Point and discussed in the classroom. The participation to the laboratory will result in a mark from 1 to 3 which will be added to the examination grade. More information will be provided later both during the lessons and on the Moodle 's page of the course. NB: the participation to laboratory is not compulsory