OVERVIEW

The course aims to provide the basic notions of psychology intended as a scientific discipline. The main key historical moments, the main psychological functions as well as the practical implications related to key concepts in psychology will be illustrated. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course aims to provide an overview of the study of human behavior as an empirical science, with a focus on communication

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student:

• will have learned most of the key concepts in psychology 
• will have learned the main theoretical frameworks in psychology 
• will be familiar with the psychological theories about communication
• will understand the the main psychological mechanisms subtending functional and non functional communication
• will handle how to use theretical knowledge about communication in everyday life or work environments

TEACHING METHODS

The course is based on frontal lessons, the teacher will provide informative materials to support individual learning.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course aims at providing basic notions of general psychology and psychology of communication. The course will allow students to comprehend the principal psychological mechanisms subtending human functioning, with a specific focus on communication functioning. The course is divided in three modules:

1) psychologists and their historical background: the significant events in the history of psychology, the application areas in psychology, the studies that contributed to define psychology ad an antonomous discipline will be illustrated. 

2) key psychological functions: the theoretical frameworks related to the main pyschological process (eg. personality) will be illustrated, with appropriate examples of their applications in everyday contexts (eg. how personality influences personal relationships)

3) psychology of communication: the main psychological theories abotu communication will be illustrated, with a specifis focus on the key components of the communicative process and practical examples that allow to apply communication knowledge in everyday and work environments.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anolli F. (2025). Fondamenti di psicologia della comunicazione. Il Mulino

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lessons will take place in the second semester.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written exam (multiple-choice and open questions) based on the topics illustrated during the course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The student will have to demonstrate acquired skills about: i) theoretical knowledge about general psychology and psychology of communication; ii) appropriate language related to the psychological discipline; iii) critical analysis of acquired knowledge

FURTHER INFORMATION

Information for Students with Disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Please note that to request exam accommodations, you must follow these steps:

1. Upload your certification on the University website at servizionline.unige.it in the “Studenti” section.
The documentation will be reviewed by the Inclusion Services Office for Students with Disabilities and SLD (see contact

2. At least 10 days before the exam date, send an email to the exam instructor (Prof. Giulia Cappagli), putting in cc also the Inclusion Coordinator (Prof. Laura Traverso, laura.traverso@unige.it) and the Inclusion Services Office (disabili@unige.it, dsa@unige.it, or inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it). The email must include:

• The name of the course
• The exam date
• Your full name and student ID number
• The compensatory tools and dispensatory measures you are requesting

Prof. Traverso will confirm to the instructor that you are entitled to request accommodations. The instructor will then reply, confirming whether the requested accommodations can be granted.

⚠️ Important: Late requests may not allow sufficient time to implement necessary changes (e.g., concept maps must be concise and suitable for the exam). If not submitted on time, adjustments may not be possible.

For more information, please refer to the document: https://unige.it/en/disabilita-dsa/modulistica