B5387 - Sports and Media (LM)

Learning outcomes

The course focuses on the historical relation between sport and media from the end of the 19th century to the present. At the end of the course students are expected to: - have a clear frame work of the history of sports journalism; - develop an in-depth knowledge of the evolution of mass media and sports communication in Italy and globally; - are able to analyze both the transformations that the mass media have generated in the various sports disciplines and how the success of sport has favored innovations at a media level; - are able to understand the political and social implications of sports communication.

Course contents

The introductory lectures will provide students with basic knowledge of the history of sports and sports communication. Then, the focus will shift to analyze how sports communication has evolved in recent years in the digital age by examining various media, processes, and actors. Some lectures will feature professionals from the field.
Finally, we will discuss how different media outlets respond when political and social messages are conveyed through sports. Through analyzing specific case studies (not only from the past, but also related to current events), students will reflect on how cultural, identity, class, gender, and climate issues are conveyed by media dealing with sports.

Readings/Bibliography

Luca Bifulco, Alessandro Formisano, Giancarlo Panico, Mario Tirino, Sport e comunicazione nell'era digitale. Media, processi, attori, Franco Angeli, 2025.

For not attending students also one among:

- Pippo Russo, Filippide al pit stop.Performance e spettacolo nello sport post-moderno, Editpress, 2018

- Mario Tirino, Pippo Russo, Simona Castellano (a cura di), L’atleta digitale. Pratiche, narrazioni, scenari, Editpress, 2024.

- Mario Tirino, La mediatizzazione dello sport, Franco Angeli, 2025

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons

 

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

Oral exam

 

AI can be a useful tool to support individual study with in-depth analysis, summaries and self-assessment pathways. With regard to learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited during in-person examinations. Any use is a violation of academic integrity.

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.

Office hours

See the website of Nicola Sbetti