B8230 - PROCESSI DI VITTIMIZZAZIONE, POLITICA E RAPPRESENTAZIONI MEDIALI

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to offer a critical look with respect to the role and functions that victims (of crime and crimes, disasters and catastrophes, abuse of power and oppression, structural violence and processes of social exclusion) play today, in contemporary and globalized societies, with regard to the major theoretical approaches in the relevant disciplines; so as to encourage an in-depth and articulate reflection with respect to the changes that have affected this figure - in recent times and currently - and thus analyze their implications, particularly at the socio-political and cultural level. Specifically, attention is devoted to the ways and forms by which today's public and political discourse, as well as media narratives, represent victims and the victim condition, questioning the "functions" and objectives that such representations fulfill. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: critically analyze the processes of victimization in contemporary societies with regard to the broader framework of political and socio-cultural relations at work; situate the victimhood condition within a horizon marked by multiple interactions, locally, nationally and internationally; grasping and recognizing the ambivalences inherent in the "role" of victim, particularly with regard to the way politics, media and society - as well as the justice system - deal with that subject (individual, group, category), according to a comparative and multidimensional approach; applying the concepts and constructs proper to the new "human rights victimology" or "general victimology" within a critical, original and interdisciplinary approach.

Course contents

The aim of the course is to provide an advanced and critical overview and understanding of the role of victims of crime and abuse of power, social exclusion and repression in contemporary society with regards to the main theoretical approaches in the discipline as a reflection of the changing of structure dynamics and relations at all level in the "global era" with pecular attention to the political discourse and the media narrative.

The course will take place in the FIRST SEMESTER

Readings/Bibliography

For attending students:

1) S. Vezzadini (a cura di), Vittime ideali e reali. Discorso politico e narrazione mediatica nelle società contemporanee, Bologna University Press BUP, Bologna, 2025 (in corso di pubblicazione)

2) P. Violi, Trauma Site Museums and Politics of Memory, in:Theory, Culture & Society, SAGE - Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, and Singapore, Vol. 29(1), 2012, pp. 36-75

3) S. Opotow et al. (eds), From Moral exclusion to moral Inclusion: Therory for teaching peace, in: Theory into practice, vol. 44 nr. 1, Peace Education, 2005, pp. 303-318

 

For NOT attending students:

1) S. Vezzadini (a cura di), Vittime ideali e reali. Discorso politico e narrazione mediatica nelle società contemporanee, Bologna University Press BUP, Bologna, 2025 (in corso di pubblicazione)

2) L. Chouliaraki, The Mediation of suffering and the vision of a cosmopolitan public, Television &new media, 9 (5), 2008, pp. 371-391

3) P. Violi, Trauma Site Museums and Politics of Memory, in:Theory, Culture & Society, SAGE - Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, and Singapore, Vol. 29(1), 2012, pp. 36-75

4) S. Opotow et al. (eds), From Moral exclusion to moral Inclusion: Therory for teaching peace, in: Theory into practice, vol. 44 nr. 1, Peace Education, 2005, pp. 303-318

5) E. Jaudel, Giustizia senza punizione. Le commissioni verità e riconciliazione, O Barra O Edizioni, Pavia, 2010

Teaching methods

Lessons and lectures in the classroom, with the active and direct partecipation of students (for example presentation and discussion of papers on specific topics). With regards to this last opportunity, further information would be given to students at the beginning of the course.

Assessment methods

For attending students only, the final mark will be reached through the evaluation during the course, regarding partexipation, discussion of articles, presentation and discussion of papers students will be required to prepare in small groups.
For non attending students, the exam is an oral one in the dates on the website.

Teaching tools

articles on Virtuale, viewing of documentaries and/or films

Office hours

See the website of Susanna Vezzadini