Digital content and discourse Analysis
Programma
This course introduces into various methods of text, content and discourse analysis applied to digital media. We will discuss how traditional analytical tools, such as standardized content analysis, claims-making analysis, critical discourse analysis or narrative analysis can be used for the study of online and digital communication. Through selected readings the course will exemplify uses, benefits and best practices of single methods as applied in case studies and comparative research designs in the fields of political mobilization, representation and legitimacy research. The focus is on strategies of case selection, sampling, and standardized coding through multiple variables that apply to both quantitative and qualitative analysis. This includes a discussion of new opportunities for the analysis of social media generated content (e.g. Facebook and Twitter) through the inclusion of multiple content generators, such as journalists, political representatives, users and their various forms of mediated interactions.
Obiettivi formativi
The course has a seminar format. Participants are asked to read the assigned texts and discuss them in the class.. The course is divided into seven seminars according to the timetable provided below. Every seminar involves a mixture of a lecture and discussion. For each of the meetings, students are required to adopt a pro-active stance based on the reading of all the articles/chapters in the reading list. In particular, at each meeting, one student will present the readings, describing their content, methods and findings in critical perspective. Then a general discussion will follow. All students must do the readings and participation in the seminars is compulsory