OVERVIEW

The teaching unit focuses on an in-depth examination of public law issues relating to the right to information and the various forms of mass media, as well as on the study of the impact of the development of new communication technologies on contemporary democracies.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide the student with an in depth knowledge of the most relevant issues of law dealing with mass media and communication.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching unit aims to introduce students to the main public law issues relating to the law of mass communications. In particular, students will be provided with the legal tools necessary to understand this field, which is constantly evolving as a result of technological developments and their impact on the media and information-related activities.

In addition, through the analysis of selected decisions of the Italian Constitutional Court, students will have the opportunity to examine, critically assess, and present complex cases concerning the legal issues addressed in the teaching unit.

Teaching unit Learning Objective

The overall aim of the teaching unit is to provide students with the fundamental public law concepts necessary to understand the legal framework governing mass communications.

Learning Outcomes

1. Knowledge and Understanding

Students will be able to describe and distinguish the fundamental institutions and principles of public law relating to the right to information through mass media after attending classes and studying the materials prescribed by the instructor.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired to analyse complex cases involving the interpretation and application of public communications law during classroom activities and examinations.

3. Making Judgements

Students will be able to critically assess complex legal situations by independently applying the knowledge acquired in both academic and professional contexts.

4. Communication Skills

Students will be able to use the technical language of the discipline to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

5. Learning Skills

Students will be able to independently present and discuss the main topics of the discipline by making use of relevant legislation and case law concerning information and communication.

PREREQUISITES

No prerequisites are required.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching will consist in frontal lessons held by the professor in presence; some lessons will be held by other professors or experts invited to deepen particular topics. Active student participation will be encouraged throughout the teaching unit, including through the use of dedicated classroom activities designed to foster discussion and critical engagement with the subject matter.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

After outlining the basic concepts of public law, the teaching unit will provide an in-depth examination of the following topics:

• Freedom of expression as protected under the Italian legal system;
• The various forms of mass media, including the press and broadcasting;
• The rights and duties of journalists;
• Telecommunication law;
• The legal implications of the Internet, social media, and artificial intelligence.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

In addition to lecture notes and the materials that will be made available on AulaWeb, students are required to prepare for the examination using the following textbook: P. Caretti and A. Cardone, Il diritto dell’informazione e della comunicazione nell’era dell’intelligenza artificiale, Il Mulino, latest edition.

For students who do not attend classes, the examination may also be prepared using the following textbook: G. Avanzini, G. Matucci, and L. Musselli, Informazione e media nell’era digitale, Cedam, latest edition.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SIMONE FREGA (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lessons will be held in the first semester and will start in September 2026.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination will consist of several questions aimed at testing students' knowledge of the topics in the syllabus and legal argumentation skills.

The teacher's evaluation will be based on the level of knowledge of the subject matter and the ability to evaluate legal issues and legal argumentation.

For FREQUENT students only, an OPTIONAL written self-assessment test, including closed and/or open-ended questions, will be held in December. If successful, the student will have to take a reduced oral test. More information will be provided during the teaching unit.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The Examination Committee will assess the completeness of answers, ownership of language, and the ability to make connections between the various parts of the subject.

Specifically, the assessment of teaching knowledge will take place through students' responses to open-ended questions that require them to:

1. Knowledge and Understanding will be assessed through oral examination questions on the main institutions of public law principles affecting information and mass communication, requiring students to recall and distinguish key concepts. Ongoing assessment will take place during lectures through the review of previously covered material.

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: the oral examination will include the analysis of a case study concerning the impact of new technologies on communication, with particular attention to analytical skills. During classroom activities, the professor will involve students in the discussion of a case studies, encouraging exchange among participants and feedback to him/her.

3. Autonomy of judgment: Students’ ability to evaluate complex legal situations will be assessed during the oral examination. Judgement skills will be developed and assessed through in-class discussion of relevant issues.

4. Communication Skills: the evaluation will consider the appropriate use of legal terminology and the development of communication skills over the duration of the teaching unit.

5. Ability to learn: Assessment will focus on the ability to develop legal solutions to complex issues in public law in the field of sport.

Evaluation criteria include completeness, correctness, clarity of exposition, critical ability and connection with general principles of law.

FURTHER INFORMATION

To request compensatory tools or dispensatory measures, students with disabilities or SLD must fill in the dedicated Webform available at https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa, at least 7 working days before the exam.
Students with SEN may instead send their request by e-mail to the lecturer, copying the Department Representative, Prof. Aristide Canepa (aristide.canepa@unige.it) and the Inclusion Office (inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it).
Requests from students will be assessed by the lecturer and may be approved or rejected.