Political Communication
People
Course director
Course director
Description
The course examines the fundamental characters of political communication, looking at its classical elements as well as at the contemporary context of the digital sphere.
The lessons will examine the different perspectives of political communication as art and science, and will reason on the difference between persuasion and manipulation. The course will take into consideration the variety of messages and techniques used by political leaders, parties, institutions, interest groups and other actors of the political communication arena.
Objectives
The course aims to help students develop the following skills:
- comprehend the various connotations of political actions
- distinguish political and scientific language
- identify the technical elements of political communication
- reflect on the psycho-cognitive and behavioral foundations of political communication
- know the technological, sociological, and cultural context of the different phases of political campaigning
- analyze and critically assess the variety of political messages produced historically and in current times.
Teaching mode
In presence
Learning methods
The classes will combine frontal lessons with class discussions, student presentations, laboratories and meetings with experts.
Examination information
The final examination is written. It will tackle the different topics faced in the course and the contents of the mandatory readings.
Bibliography
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Bitonti, Alberto, Trupia, Flavia. "Rhetoric" The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Interest Groups, Lobbying and Public Affairs: 1-7.
10.1007/978-3-030-13895-0_117-1 -
Blumler, Jay G.. "Core Theories of Political Communication: Foundational and Freshly Minted" Communication Theory, 25, 4 (2015): 426-438.
10.1111/comt.12077 - Mazzoleni, Gianpietro. La comunicazione politica. 3a ed. riv. e aggiornata. Bologna: Il mulino, 2012. (capitoli 1, 2 e 5)
- Oliverio, Albertina. Rischi, paure e ricerca di certezze nella società contemporanea: un punto di vista interdisciplinare. Soveria Mannelli: Rubbettino, 2014. (capitolo 2: Alberto BITONTI: Una nuova nozione della certezza tra questione gnoseologica, epistemologica e politica, pp. 25-53)
- Wills, Garry. Lincoln at Gettysburg: The words that remade America. New York London etc.]: Simon & Schuster, 1992. (capitolo 1)
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Hobbs, Mitchell. "The sociology of spin: An investigation into the uses, practices and consequences of political communication" Journal of Sociology, 52, 2 (2015): 371-386.
10.1177/1440783314562414 - Kahneman, Daniel. Thinking, fast and slow. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011.
- Lakoff, George. Don't think of an elephant: know your values and frame the debate. White River Junction, Vermont: Chelsea Green Publishing, 2004.
Education
- Bachelor in Communication, Lecture, 1st year
- Bachelor of Arts in Italian Language, Literature and Culture, Lecture, Communication, 1st year
