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).