15958 - History of Mass Communications (M-Z)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student acquires the essential tools for understanding the historical processes that condition the formation and development of the mass communications system in contemporary society; moreover he/she is able to analyze the evolution of the media over the last 150 years, highlighting the multiple and complex correlations with the more general historical context.

Course contents

Topic of the course is the history of mass media from the 19th century to the present day. The evolution of the media system (press, cinema, radio, television, up to digital media) will be analysed with attention both to technological development and to the impact on modern mass societies, relating the functioning of the media to the whole of cultural, social, economic and political processes. On the basis of numerous case studies and through a comparative approach, the lectures will focus in particular on the use of the media as instruments of information, entertainment, and commercial or political propaganda.

Specific in-depth studies will focus on: a) American mass culture and its hegemony on a global scale; b) interaction between global media production and permanence of national or local cultural specificities; c) Italian case study.

The first part of the course (Module 1, lectures 1-15) will focus on the period between the end of the 19th century and the Second World War. The second part (Module 2, lectures 16-30) will cover the subsequent historical era up to the present time.

Readings/Bibliography

All students (attending and non-attending) must study the following texts:

1) A. Sangiovanni, Le parole e le figure. Storia dei media in Italia dall'età liberale alla seconda guerra mondiale, Donzelli, Roma 2012.

2) A. Sangiovanni, Specchi infiniti. Storia dei media in Italia dal dopoguerra ad oggi, Donzelli, Roma 2021.

3) Lecture slides provided by the professor on Virtuale.

 

Non-attending students are also advised to read the following book:

- L. Gorman, D. McLean, Media e società nel mondo contemporaneo, Il Mulino, Bologna 2011 (or later editions).

 

Only Erasmus students can agree with the professor on an alternative programme.

Teaching methods

Lectures with use of Powerpoint and audiovisual materials. Frequent attempts at interaction with students in the classroom.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Assessment methods

The examination consists of a written test, which will take place in the computer lab (further details will be provided in classroom).

In the middle of the course, there will be an optional intermediate written test on the first part of the programme.

Only Erasmus students may ask the professor to conduct the oral examination.

Thorough in-depth knowledge of the topics covered in the course, together with analytical and critical skills and command of the specific language, will qualify for top marks (30-30L).

A good grasp of the topics covered in the course, together with good critical analysis and command of the specific language, will qualify for high marks (27-29).

A more mechanical and less articulate grasp, and/or correct use of language though not always appropriate, will qualify for a medium-range mark (23-26).

Weak analytical capacity and frequently inappropriate language – together with some knowledge of exam material – will receive a pass mark or little more (18-22).

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Audio-visual materials and Powerpoint presentations (slides will be uploaded to the Virtuale platform before each lesson).

Office hours

See the website of Matteo Pasetti