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HISTORY OF PUBLIC OPINION

CODE 72984
ACADEMIC YEAR 2022/2023
CREDITS
  • 6 cfu during the 1st year of 8769 INFORMAZIONE ED EDITORIA (LM-19) - GENOVA
  • 6 cfu during the 2nd year of 9917 SCIENZE STORICHE (LM-84) - GENOVA
  • 6 cfu during the 1st year of 8465 METODOLOGIE FILOSOFICHE (LM-78) - GENOVA
  • SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR SPS/02
    LANGUAGE Italian
    TEACHING LOCATION
  • GENOVA
  • SEMESTER 1° Semester
    TEACHING MATERIALS AULAWEB

    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

    Aims:

    - Defining context and purpose of the history of public opinion

    - Assessing the main patterns in the evolution of public opinion by way of precise and specific lectures

    - Introducing students to the knowledge of the most important works in the history of public opinion

    - Supplying intellectual tools in order to grasp the meaning of contemporary debates on new media and public opinion

    Learning Outcomes:

    - Comprehension and commentary of classic and contemporary texts

    - Reinforcement of argumentative skills as to political communication

    - Ability to grasp the conceptual roots of contemporary debates on public opinion and new media

    PREREQUISITES

    - Interest for political and communication

    - Basic knowledge of historical eras

    TEACHING METHODS

    Traditional lectures, reading of classic, modern and contemporary texts plus direct participation of students by means, as well, of the online platform Aulaweb.

    SYLLABUS/CONTENT

    True lies. Truth, storytelling and public opinion from classic propaganda to climate change.

    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 social media and post-truth politics on the manipulation of public opinion.

    RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

    For students who attend classes on a regular basis.

    Two books chosen among the following:

    - E. L. Bernays, Propaganda. L’arte di manipolare l'opinione pubblica, Prato, Piano B edizioni, 2018;

    - M. Mann, La nuova guerra del clima, Milano, Edizioni Ambiente, 2021 (pages 11-110 and 201-294);

    - F. Martini, La fabbrica delle verità. L'Italia immaginaria della propaganda da Mussolini a Grillo, Venezia, Marsilio, 2017;

    - L. McIntyre, Post-verità, Torino, Utet, 2019;

    - P. Pomerantsev, Questa non è propaganda. Avventure nella guerra contro la realtà, Milano, Bompiani, 2020 (pages 7-58, 69-110, 173-201, 232-278).

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

    1) E. L. Bernays, Propaganda. L’arte di manipolare l'opinione pubblica, Prato, Piano B edizioni, 2018 ;

    2) Two books chosen among the following:

    - M. Mann, La nuova guerra del clima, Milano, Edizioni Ambiente, 2021 (pages 11-110 and 201-294);

    - F. Martini, La fabbrica delle verità. L'Italia immaginaria della propaganda da Mussolini a Grillo, Venezia, Marsilio, 2017;

    - L. McIntyre, Post-verità, Torino, Utet, 2019;

    - P. Pomerantsev, Questa non è propaganda. Avventure nella guerra contro la realtà, Milano, Bompiani, 2020 (pages 7-58, 69-110, 173-201, 232-278).

    TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

    Exam Board

    ALBERTO GIORDANO (President)

    MIRELLA PASINI

    ANDREA CATANZARO (Substitute)

    LESSONS

    LESSONS START

    Lessons will start at the beginning of October 2022.

    EXAMS

    EXAM DESCRIPTION

    The exam will be carried out by means of an oral test.

    ASSESSMENT METHODS

    The final test will ascertain the students’ knowledge and  comprehension of classic and contemporary texts, the reinforcement of their argumentative skills as to political issues and the ability to grasp the historical and conceptual roots of contemporary debates.

    Exam schedule

    Date Time Location Type Notes
    14/12/2022 09:00 GENOVA Orale
    18/01/2023 09:00 GENOVA Orale
    01/02/2023 09:00 GENOVA Orale
    07/06/2023 09:00 GENOVA Orale
    21/06/2023 09:00 GENOVA Orale
    19/07/2023 09:00 GENOVA Orale
    13/09/2023 10:00 GENOVA Orale

    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@edu.unige.it

    Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are kindly asked to get in touch with prof. Giordano and the Department Delegate prof. A. Canepa as soon as possible.