Programme

In the first part of the course, we will analyze and discuss the key authors and works in the sociology of media featured in Mario Ricciardi’s book, Communico. Linguaggi, immagini, algoritmi (TAB Edizioni, 2021). Students will be asked to submit written responses to the readings (typically divided into three sections) via the forum available on the Moodle platform. These responses will be presented and discussed in class in the following days, fostering an exchange of the various perspectives that emerge from the submissions. In the second part, we will introduce and analyze the concept and practice of the “geopolitics of digital knowledge”—that is, the forms and structures through which access to knowledge is constructed today, including the role of AI in the global landscape. Finally, we will examine a specific case study: the phenomenon of oligopolistic concentration in international scientific publishing and the hegemonic role of the Anglosphere in the production of knowledge.

Core Documentation

Throughout the course, a series of materials and handouts—including readings and PowerPoint slides—will be distributed and posted on Moodle. However, both attending and non-attending students are required to study Mario Ricciardi’s book, “Communico. Linguaggi, immagini, algoritmi” (TAB Edizioni, Rome, 2021).

Attendance

Since this is a course with practical implications, attendance is strongly recommended.

Type of evaluation

For students attending at least 70% of classes (50/64 hours), and who have diligently carried out all class activities during the semester, the final exam will be a written questionnaire consisting of three open questions based on the volume edited by Ricciardi (cf. Mario Ricciardi, "Communico", TAB, 2021). Practical sessions during the course consist of: 1) individual comments published on the online group or mailing list; 2) exercises; 3) individual research that will be assigned during the second part of the course. Each of these activities will be marked and assessed separately, and the final mark will be the result of an overall evaluation. For example: Activity I: 28; Activity II: 25; Activity III: 30; final written questionnaire: 27. Final mark: 27.5. All foreign students who are not attending the course are required to contact the instructor to arrange an ad-hoc programme and will be assigned a reading list (see also "Testi").

Programme

In the first part of the course, we will analyze and discuss the key authors and works in the sociology of media featured in Mario Ricciardi’s book, Communico. Linguaggi, immagini, algoritmi (TAB Edizioni, 2021). Students will be asked to submit written responses to the readings (typically divided into three sections) via the forum available on the Moodle platform. These responses will be presented and discussed in class in the following days, fostering an exchange of the various perspectives that emerge from the submissions. In the second part, we will introduce and analyze the concept and practice of the “geopolitics of digital knowledge”—that is, the forms and structures through which access to knowledge is constructed today, including the role of AI in the global landscape. Finally, we will examine a specific case study: the phenomenon of oligopolistic concentration in international scientific publishing and the hegemonic role of the Anglosphere in the production of knowledge.

Core Documentation

Throughout the course, a series of materials and handouts—including readings and PowerPoint slides—will be distributed and posted on Moodle. However, both attending and non-attending students are required to study Mario Ricciardi’s book, “Communico. Linguaggi, immagini, algoritmi” (TAB Edizioni, Rome, 2021).

Attendance

Since this is a course with practical implications, attendance is strongly recommended.

Type of evaluation

For students attending at least 70% of classes (50/64 hours), and who have diligently carried out all class activities during the semester, the final exam will be a written questionnaire consisting of three open questions based on the volume edited by Ricciardi (cf. Mario Ricciardi, "Communico", TAB, 2021). Practical sessions during the course consist of: 1) individual comments published on the online group or mailing list; 2) exercises; 3) individual research that will be assigned during the second part of the course. Each of these activities will be marked and assessed separately, and the final mark will be the result of an overall evaluation. For example: Activity I: 28; Activity II: 25; Activity III: 30; final written questionnaire: 27. Final mark: 27.5. All foreign students who are not attending the course are required to contact the instructor to arrange an ad-hoc programme and will be assigned a reading list (see also "Testi").