The Department of Communication and Social Research (CoRiS) was born in 2010 from the union between the Department of Social Research and Sociological Methodology (RISMES) and the Department of Sociology and Communication (DISC). The latter represents the legacy of the Institute of Sociology, founded by Professor Franco Ferrarotti over 50 years ago.

The Department offers and promotes teaching and research activities in the areas of sociology, humanities, and media studies, performing remarkably at national and international level. 

The Department includes around 100 people between faculty members and administration employees.

As of 2010, the Department is a part of the Faculty of Political Science, Sociology, Communication of Sapienza University of Rome.