11661 - Theory and Techniques of New Media (1)

Academic Year 2022/2023

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course students will:
- understand the theoretical implications and the major forms of historical evolution of digital media;
- know the contemporary media scenario, crossed by digitization and convergence phenomena, and the forms of online and mobile net communication at global and national level;
- interpret the constant connections and interactions between technologies, communicative potentials, cultural forms, social discourses and consumer practices;
-apply the theoretical, methodological and technical skills acquired to the analysis of individual content and digital services;
- adopt a stratified and complex look on everyday objects having a strong cultural, social, economic, and relational impact.


Course contents

The course aims to provide an introduction, in historical and theoretical terms, to digital media. In particular, it focuses on the impact of digitization processes on the media system, using a systemic approach that relates technology, industrial logic and socio-cultural practices.

In the first part of the course, key words, interpretative frameworks and basic concepts related to digital media will be introduced:

  • Internet and the World Wide Web: short technological history and operating principles
  • Redefinition of communication and media forms in the digital environment
  • Copyright, copyleft, open source, piracy and remix cultures
  • Cultural convergence and practices of participatory cultures
  • Forms of online communication

The second part will be devoted to changes in the production, distribution and consumption of audiovisual content in the digital scenario:

  • Database and algorithm logics
  • Computerization of culture
  • Data-driven decision cultures
  • Logics and rhetoric of non-linear and on-demand platforms

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students, in addition to the notes of lessons and materials made available, must instead prepare the following limited bibliography:

  • Anthology of selected texts, prepared by the teacher and available after the beginning of the course
  • Henry Jenkins, Cultura Convergente, Apogeo 2006.

Non-attending students are required to prepare the following bibliography:

  • A. Ardvisson, A. Delfanti, Introduzione ai media digitali, Il Mulino, Bologna 2016.
  • L. Paccagnella, A. Vellar, Vivere online. Identità, relazioni, conoscenza, Il Mulino, Bologna 2016.
  • Henry Jenkins, Cultura Convergente, Apogeo 2006.

Teaching methods

Lectures with slides, audio-visual materials, web resources, shared materials with students.

Lectures will not be recorded.

ATTENTION: Given the unpredictability of the COVID situation, and since this program is published in June 2022, it is possible that the teaching mode will change in the upcoming months. In this case, timely communication will be given by updating this program, as well as through notices published on the institutional channels.

Assessment methods

This examination is in a written form and aims to evaluate whether students have achieved the learning outcomes and the knowledge of the topics treated during the lectures and in the bibliography.

Attending students will have a reserved exam date with a specific test based on the course contents. The examination will consist of a test with 31 closed-ended questions: a positive answer is given 1 point, while with a wrong answer is given 0 points. The final mark is the total sum.

For non-attending students, the examination will consist of a test with 31 closed-ended questions: a positive answer is given 1 point, while with a wrong answer is given 0 points. The final mark is the total sum.

Teaching tools

For those attending, the study material related to each lesson will be uploaded on the platform of support to teaching (Virtuale).

Class discussions will be stimulated and encouraged and will also be extended through the activation of a forum on the Virtuale platform and a bulletin board on the Padlet platform.

During the first lesson, all the teaching methods and tools used will be introduced.

Office hours

See the website of Paola Brembilla