OVERVIEW

The course's aim resides in getting students acquainted with the main patterns in the evolution of the concept of 'public opinion', focusing both on historical examples and contemporary issues (the future of public opinion, new media, fake news, post-truth etc.).

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Helping students to get in touch with the most relevant topics developed by classical and contemporary theories of public opinion. 

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Getting acquainted with the main patterns in the evolution of the concept of 'public opinion' through reading and commentary of classic and contemporary texts.

TEACHING METHODS

Traditional lectures plus direct participation of students by means, as well, of the online platform Aulaweb.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The Power of Illusions. Mass Media and the Evolution of Public Opinion.

The course will present the main patterns in the evolution of the concept of 'public opinion' from the era of democratic revolutions to the most recent trends. A special focus will be devoted to the machinery of propaganda and the impact of new media on the manipulation of public opinion.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

For students who attend classes on a regular basis.

1) A book chosen among the following:

- M. Ferri, L’opinione pubblica in democrazia. Ruolo, analisi, prospettive, Milano-Udine, Mimesis, 2017;  

- M. Lenci, Il Leviatano invisibile. L’opinione pubblica nella storia del pensiero politico, Pisa, Edizioni ETS, 2012.

2) P. P. Pasolini, Scritti corsari, Milano, Garzanti, 2015 (pages. 5-64, 77-81, 88-93, 122-134, 155-161, 175-178).

3) A book chosen among the following:

- Byung-Chul Han, Nello sciame. Visioni del digitale, Roma, Nottetempo, 2015;

- F. Martini, La fabbrica delle verità. L'Italia immaginaria della propaganda da Mussolini a Grillo, Venezia, Marsilio, 2017 (pages 9-45 e 109-181);

- K. R. Popper, Cattiva maestra televisione, Venezia, Marsilio, 2002;

- C. Salmon, La politica nell’era dello storytelling, Milano, Fazi, 2014.

For student who do not attend classes on a regular basis.

1) A book chosen among the following:

- M. Ferri, L’opinione pubblica in democrazia. Ruolo, analisi, prospettive, Milano-Udine, Mimesis, 2017;  

- M. Lenci, Il Leviatano invisibile. L’opinione pubblica nella storia del pensiero politico, Pisa, Edizioni ETS, 2012.

2) P. P. Pasolini, Scritti corsari, Milano, Garzanti, 2015 (pages. 5-178).

3) Two books chosen among the following:

- Byung-Chul Han, Nello sciame. Visioni del digitale, Roma, Nottetempo, 2015;

- F. Martini, La fabbrica delle verità. L'Italia immaginaria della propaganda da Mussolini a Grillo, Venezia, Marsilio, 2017 (pages 9-45 e 109-181);

- K. R. Popper, Cattiva maestra televisione, Venezia, Marsilio, 2002;

- C. Salmon, La politica nell’era dello storytelling, Milano, Fazi, 2014.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ALBERTO GIORDANO (President)

ANDREA CATANZARO

MIRELLA PASINI

LESSONS

LESSONS START

October 10, 2017

Class schedule

HISTORY OF PUBLIC OPINION

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment includes the observation of students' interaction and active participation while attending classes. The final examination will be an oral test.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who cannot attend classes on a regular basis, are kindly asked to get in touch with prof. Giordano by writing an e-mail to alberto.giordano@tiscali.it.