90855 - TV and Serials Culture

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student Is expected to know the most important turning points of history and theory of television, its main formats and genres. Among them, he is able to analyze in all its aspects the contemporary seriality and to consciously evaluate the narrative and formal aspects of television shows. Finally, the student is able to recognize the most important production dynamics of the audiovisual creative industries.

Course contents

The course aims to provide the essential tools to understand the industry landscape and cultural horizon of contemporary audiovisuals. It focuses on television, but also on all new forms of distribution and fruition of products, from on-demand to over-the-top platforms.

There will be two main units:


1. Television genres

2. Forms of seriality

Readings/Bibliography

1. I generi televisivi, by Giorgio Grignaffini (the most recent edition on the market is recommended), Carocci.


2. Che cos'è una serie televisiva, by Giorgio Grignaffini and Andrea Bernardelli, Carocci.


Supplementary and study-support materials will be posted during the course on VIRTUALE. Students must also know some TV programs or series from a list and should be able to recognize them during the exam.

Teaching methods

Lectures with audiovisual projection of series episodes, power point slides.

Assessment methods

The examination consists of a written test in which the student's knowledge of television genres and serial forms will be ascertained. No oral tests are scheduled.

The test will consist of 21 closed multiple-choice questions (1 point each) and 2 open-ended questions (up to 5 points each).


The achievement of an organic view of the topics covered, possession of specific language, ability to orient in the history of television and digital media, and the ability to link media history and social and cultural context will be evaluated with marks of excellence. A manualistic knowledge of the subject, unarticulated synthesis and analysis skills or correct but not always appropriate language, such as a scholastic command of the discipline, lead to fair grades. Formative gaps or inappropriate language, such as a poor knowledge of media history, result in grades on the threshold of sufficiency. Formative gaps, inappropriate language, lack of orientation within the bibliography and inability to analyze are rated negatively.


To take the exam, it is necessary to register to the list through AlmaEsami. Unregistered students will not be admitted to take the test. You must show up with your UniBo credentials and carry identification.


Students with DSA who need adjustments are asked to write to the professor with the Office of Students with DSA in cc.

Teaching tools

Presentations, projection of audiovisual material, use of clips and archival content, use of YouTube, Rai Play and digital platforms, links and resources available online.

Office hours

See the website of Veronica Innocenti