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

The course's primary objective is to provide an overview of the discipline as an empirical science that seeks to understand human behavior, with particular reference to the processes related to communication.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• explain the fundamental concepts of psychology.
• distinguish between the major theoretical perspectives in psychology.
• describe the main theories of communication from a psychological perspective.
• identify the psychological processes underlying effective and functional communication.
• apply the knowledge acquired to enhance the effectiveness of their professional practice in communication-related contexts.

PREREQUISITES

No specific prior knowledge is required. Basic skills in text comprehension, critical thinking, and analysis of social phenomena are recommended. An interest in human behavior and communication processes will facilitate learning.

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
• Atkinson & Hilgard's (2017, 16th edition). Introduzione alla psicologia. Piccin

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lessons will take place in the second semester. In order to receive updates regarding any changes to the timetable and to access course materials, students are required to register for the course on the AulaWeb platform.

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

For Students with Disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) are reminded that, in order to request examination accommodations, they must first submit their certification to the Settore servizi per l’inclusione degli studenti con disabilità e con DSA. Subsequently, students with a disability or SLD who wish to request examination accommodations must complete the dedicated online form available on the following webpage: Servizi per studentesse e studenti con disabilità o con DSA | UniGe | Università di Genova. Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are required to send an email to the course instructor, copying both the School Representative for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and SLD (laura.traverso@unige.it) and the Student Inclusion Office (inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it).

The email must include:

• The course title;
• The date of the examination session;
• The student’s full name and student ID number;
• The compensatory tools and/or accommodations requested and considered necessary.

⚠️ Important: Requests for examination accommodations must be submitted well in advance (at least 7 working days before the examination date). Requests submitted after this deadline may not be accommodated. For further information regarding support services, accommodations, compensatory tools, and specific aids, please consult the document: Guidelines for Requesting Services, Compensatory Tools, Accommodations, and Specific Aids, available at: https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/modulistica