OVERVIEW

Communication and Media Ethics deals with the moral issues concerning communication both from a theoretical and an applicative point of view. Through the critical reading of classical texts and the analysis of particular issues and / or cases, it aims to develop specific ethical skills.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to clarify the moral implications of communication through the analysis of various communication theories and models, from Aristotle to contemporary debate. From an applied perspective, the issues and rules of communication in the media, institutions, doctor-patient relationships, advertising, cultural mediation, and business are studied in working groups through the analysis of codes of ethics, protocols, guidelines, and specific case studies. Seminars and remote support activities for students unable to regularly attend classes are organized on Aulaweb.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Knowledge: the dialectic ethics/communication ethics; main models of communication ethics; ethics and professional deontology.

2. Capabilities: ability to analyze significant cases from an ethical point of view and finding solutions to ethical dilemmas in the field of communication.

3. Skills: organizing team work; design of an oral and written presentation; public speaking.

PREREQUISITES

Knowledge of the development of mass media.
Attention to the problems of information and communication.
Interest in ethical and deontological issues.

TEACHING METHODS

Traditional lectures, reading of modern and contemporary texts plus direct participation of students at in-class discussions of the course's topics. Students are required to register on Aulaweb, where useful materials for the course will be uploaded.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course is divided into two phases. Within the first, prof. Michel Croce will deal in detail with the main models of communication ethics, the role of experts in the public realm and the ethics of fake news. In the second, prof. Alberto Giordano will present a conceptual analysis of the moral dilemmas aroused by lying, manipulation, deceit and hypocrisy, focusing as well on a great number of case studies.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

For students who attend classes on a regular basis

Two books chosen among the following:

• T. Piazza-M. Croce, Che cosa sono le fake news, Roma, Carocci, 2022.
• N. Pitrelli, Giornalismo scientifico, Roma, Carocci, 2021.
• G. Scorza, Diario di un chatbot sentimentale. Come le macchine ci imitano e ci manipolano, Roma, Luiss University Press, 2025.
• A. Sgobba, La società della fiducia. Da Platone a WhatsApp, Milano, Il Saggiatore, 2020 (pages 11-64 and 119-210).
• L. Fr. H. Svendsen, Filosofia della menzogna, Milano, Guanda, 2022.
• N. Urbinati, L'ipocrisia virtuosa, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2023.

For students who do not attend classes on a regular basis

A book chosen among the following:

• L. Ceri, Etica della comunicazione, Bologna, il Mulino, 2018.
• A. Fabris, Etica della comunicazione, Roma, Carocci, 2014.

Two books chosen among the following:

• T. Piazza-M. Croce, Che cosa sono le fake news, Roma, Carocci, 2022.
• N. Pitrelli, Giornalismo scientifico, Roma, Carocci, 2021.
• G. Scorza, Diario di un chatbot sentimentale. Come le macchine ci imitano e ci manipolano, Roma, Luiss University Press, 2025.
• A. Sgobba, La società della fiducia. Da Platone a WhatsApp, Milano, Il Saggiatore, 2020 (pages 11-64 and 119-210).
• L. Fr. H. Svendsen, Filosofia della menzogna, Milano, Guanda, 2022.
• N. Urbinati, L'ipocrisia virtuosa, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2023.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

TBD

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

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

ASSESSMENT METHODS

1. Acquired knowledge is ascertained in the oral exam.

2. The competences, both expressive and linguistic, will be verified in the oral discussion.

3. Skills will be verified in the final test.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who cannot attend classes on a regular basis, are kindly asked to get in touch with prof. Giordano and prof. Croce by writing an e-mail to alberto.giordano@edu.unige.it and michel.croce@unige.it. Students are kindly asked, as well, to register on the online platform Aulaweb before lessons begin-