INSTITUTIONS, MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGIES

The course aims to: a)provide an advanced understanding of the digital transformation of public institutions, considering organizational, communicative, technological, and regulatory dimensions b)analyze the role of digital media and platforms in reshaping the public sphere and public communication c)examine the functioning of digital technologies, with particular attention to algorithms, data, and artificial intelligence d)develop critical skills related to digital governance, including internet governance, data justice, and platform regulation e)foster the application of theoretical concepts to the design of solutions to public problems (services, policies, or platforms), integrating institutional, media, and technological dimensions

Basic knowledge of political science and of media and communication sociology.

1. Knowledge and understanding: At the end of the course, students will be able to: understand the transformation of public institutions in the digital context; describe the evolution of the media ecosystem (from information society to platform society); identify the core logics of digital platforms (datafication, commodification, algorithmic selection); understand the principles of data, algorithm, and technology governance. 2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: apply theoretical concepts to the analysis of real-world public problems; conduct a platform analysis using structured frameworks; design solutions (services, policies, or platforms) integrating institutional, media, and technological dimensions; interpret the role of data, algorithms, and AI in public processes. 3. Judgment skills: critically assess policies and models of open government and digital transformation; evaluate opportunities and risks related to digital platforms and technologies; discuss ethical, social, and political implications of data and AI; incorporate perspectives of data justice and responsible governance. 4. Communication skills: communicate complex analyses clearly and effectively; use appropriate terminology related to public communication, digital media, and technologies; present analytical and project-based results in a structured and effective way. 5. Learning skills: develop autonomous learning skills in analyzing complex digital phenomena; connect theoretical concepts with applied and project-based contexts; independently explore topics related to institutions, media, and technologies; integrate interdisciplinary knowledge in the design of innovative solutions.

The course examines the digital transformation of public institutions by integrating institutional, media, and technological perspectives. Starting from the principles of open government (transparency, participation, accountability), the course analyzes institutional change through organizational, communicative, technological, and regulatory lenses, introducing key topics such as open data, digital citizenship, and public sector innovation. At the same time, the course explores the evolution of the media ecosystem, from the information society to the platform society, focusing on the role of digital platforms in shaping the public sphere. It addresses processes such as datafication, commodification, and algorithmic selection, as well as transformations in public communication, including disinformation and post-truth dynamics. A significant part of the course is devoted to digital technologies, with particular attention to infrastructures, digital sovereignty, algorithms, and artificial intelligence. Key topics include internet governance, algorithm governance, data justice, and explainable AI. Finally, the course includes an applied component based on project work, where students design solutions to public problems (services, platforms, or policies), addressing areas such as digital public services, sustainability, and responsible AI governance.

Materials shared through the platform on a weekly basis

The course combines lectures, guided discussions, and applied activities, adopting a seminar-based and interactive approach. Lectures introduce the main theoretical concepts and analytical frameworks related to institutions, media, and technologies, also through the use of multimedia presentations and case studies. A central component of the course is dedicated to laboratory activities and project-based learning, where students work in groups to develop an applied project. Activities are structured around three main phases: problem framing, analysis of the digital ecosystem and platforms (platform analysis), and the design of a solution (service, policy, or platform). The course includes in-class discussions aimed at fostering critical thinking and argumentative skills, as well as intermediate milestones that support the progressive development of the project. Overall, the teaching approach is oriented toward the integration of theory and practice, with the aim of developing analytical, design, and collaborative skills.

Continuous Assessment (1/3 of the final grade) The continuous assessment is based on activities carried out during the semester and is aimed at evaluating active participation and the ability to apply theoretical concepts. It includes, in particular: Active participation in lectures and discussions Contribution to group work Development of project milestones, including: definition of the public problem and objectives; analysis of the digital ecosystem and platform analysis; solution design. The continuous assessment values consistency of engagement and the ability to integrate theory and practice throughout the course. Final Exam (2/3 of the final grade) The final exam consists of the discussion of the project developed during the course. The project involves designing a proposal (a platform, service, or digital policy) that integrates: an institutional dimension a media dimension a technological dimension The assessment will take into account: quality of the problem analysis ability to apply theoretical concepts depth of the platform analysis coherence and feasibility of the project proposal attention to ethical, social, and governance aspects quality of the user engagement model and integration of co-production in the service design clarity and effectiveness of the final presentation Non-attending students Non-attending students will be required to complete an oral exam.