The main objectives of the course are: a) to introduce to the knowledge of interest groups whose role is as important as often overlooked in the analysis of decision-making processes in contemporary democracies; b) to identify the political-institutional contexts that most facilitate or hinder the activity of the groups; c) to examine the tactics and strategies through which group representatives (lobbyists) attempt to influence (with different degrees of success) public decision makers (parliamentarians, members of the government, senior managers and public officials); d) to examine the regulation concerning lobbying; e) to question the impact (positive, neutral, negative) of lobbying on the functioning of democracy; f) to understand the concrete tools in order to achieve effective lobbying

1. Knowledge and understanding of national and European institutions and decision-making process; 2) Knowledge and understanding of the Italian political system and the role of lobbies; 3) Knowledge and understanding of the comparative discipline of interest groups; Knowledge and understanding of lobbying tools and techniques; Autonomy of analysis of political processes, functioning of institutions, national and European decision-making process.

The course is divided into two parts. The first part is theoretical, and is aimed at providing the tools to understand what pressure groups are, what is the actual lobbying activity and what are the main regulatory models adopted in the UK, USA and Canada, in the European Union and in Italy. The second part is, instead, eminently practical; the various lobbying techniques are studied through the analysis of concrete cases. Some simulations are then programmed which allow us to use the notions and tools provided, devising possible pressure strategies. During the course, the testimonies of numerous important personalities of the sector are heard, who can contribute, with their experience and skills, to illustrate the difficulties and prospects of this profession.

PETRILLO P.L., Theories and techniques of lobbying. Rules, cases, procedures, Mulino, Bologna, 2019

Case study: Palm Oil case - frontal teaching - group work -role-playing and simulations of various kinds - case analysis -Testimonies -work and activities with companies and / or institutions

Based on the new rules introduced by the University, the evaluation will be differentiated according to whether the student is attending or not attending. For the attending student, that is, the one who has attended 70% of the lectures including at least 1 simulation and 2 testimonials, the evaluation will be based on 3 factors: 1) for 40 percent the evaluation will take into account the students' active participation in lectures, simulations, and testimonials; 2) for 30% percent will take into account in-class presentation of individual or group work on concrete lobbying cases that will be agreed with the lecturer at the beginning of the course; 3) 30 percent on a final oral test consisting of three questions on the issues addressed in class including at least 1 question on the cases and simulations conducted in class. For NON-attended students, the assessment will be based entirely on the final test, which consists of a double oral test, firstly aimed at knowing the general topics introduced in the volume Theories and Techniques of Lobbying (see reference textbook) and, secondly, aimed at understanding the knowledge of lobbying tools and techniques as described in the reference textbook.

Attention to current affairs, the desire to know in detail the working mechanisms of decision-making processes, predisposition to dialectics and negotiation. Participation in meetings with lobbyists, field missions and simulations. Ability to interact with public decision makers.