Class Sociology of Communication and Consumption

Communication and consumption are two distinct but complementary elements that characterize Western society in contemporary times. This curricular unit aims to promote the knowledge of these two themes, analyzing the past, the present and the possible future trends, as social phenomena. Focus will be given to sociological issues in the context of communication and in the sphere of consumption, relevant dimensions in the elucidation of different domains of current societal life. The classes are based on the exposition, analysis and discussion of the various syllabus.

1. Communication concepts and models;
2. Media and communication;
3. Brands, communication strategies and advertising;
4. Consumption and lifestyles;
5. The consumption society;
6. Consumption as a social phenomenon;
7. Globalization in Western society: challenges and implications.

The innovative methodologies to support the teaching-learning process go through the ambivalence arising both from the combination of theoretical and practical elements and from individual and group work.

BONO, E. (2015). Lateral thinking: creativity step by step. New York: Harper Colophon.

BRIGGS, A. & BURKE, P. (2002). A social history of the media. From Gutenberg to the internet. Cambridge: Polity Press.

CAMPBELL, C. (1995). The sociology of consumption. In Daniel Miller (Org.). Acknowledging consumption: a review of new studies (pp. 96-126). London: Routledge.

CASTELLS, M. (2009). Communication power. Oxford: University Press.

KOTLER, P.; KARTAJAY, H. & SETIAWAN, I. (2017). Marketing 4.0.: mudança do tradicional para o digital. Coimbra: Actual.

MCQUAIL, D. (2003). Teorias da comunicação de massa. Lisboa: Fundação Gulbenkian.

RIBEIRO, R. (2010). Sociologia do consumo: aplicado ao marketing e à comunicação. Lisboa: Instituto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Políticas.

SANTOS, C. (2021). A pandemia e a publicidade: pistas para futuras reflexões. Comunicação Pública, 16 (30).

STILLERMAN, J. (2015). The sociology of consumption: a global approach, Cambridge: Polity Press.