PSYCHOLOGY OF COMMUNICATION

The course aims to present the main theories of psychology of communication. Several aspects of communication will be described and analyzed: the processes that regulate communication, the psychological mechanisms and cognitive strategies involved in the communication process, and the applications in the different contexts of social life.

Knowledge and understanding. Understanding of current theoretical, experimental, and applied developments in psychology of communication. Adequate knowledge of the psychological mechanisms and processes that modulate communication. Adequate knowledge of applications of the psychology of communication in the different contexts of social life.

Applying knowledge and understanding. Ability to understand current theoretical, experimental, empirical, and applied developments of the discipline.

Making judgements. Ability to argue personal interpretations of the issues related to the study of communication. 

Communication skills. Ability to present one's knowledge clearly and with proper language. Ability to communicate with specialists, using an appropriate psychological vocabulary and, at the same time, ability to communicate psychological concepts to non-specialists in a simple and correct way.

Learning skills. Ability to develop adequate learning skills that allow for continuous and autonomous updating of one's knowledge. Ability to consult specialized literature and use appropriate bibliographic and scientific resources to better define and develop one's study and research work.

Lectures. 

Knowledge of fundamentals of general psychology.

Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended.

Basic concepts of communication; comprehension and production of messages; visual and verbal codes; non-verbal communication; persuasive communication; obstacles to effective communication; applications: communication in groups; communication in conflict management; mass communication; public and organizational communication; political communication; marketing and communication; communication and health promotion; communicate risks and dangers; communication technologies and social media. 

1.   Lotto L., Rumiati R., “Introduzione alla psicologia della comunicazione”, seconda edizione Il Mulino 2013 (per intero, circa 300 pagg.).

2.   Additional material provided by the professor.

The assessment of learning takes place through an oral exam, with the option of an in-depth study chosen by the student.

Below are the evaluation criteria: a) relevance of the answers to the questions asked; b) quality of contents; c) ability to connect with other topics covered in the programme; d) ability to provide examples; e) ability to use proper technical language; f) overall expressive ability of the student.

The questions will focus on all topics covered in the course.

By way of example only, some sample questions are given below:

Sample question 1: non-verbal communication systems.

Sample question 2: the possible obstacles to effective communication.

Sample question 3: marketing and communication.