B8810 - Semiotics of Media (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, students will have the expertise and will have learned the semiotic tools to analyze the mass media products.

Course contents

The course aims to provide theoretical and methodological skills for the analysis of texts and media products.

Particular emphasis is placed on the role of sound in relation to images, as well as issues relating to sound design and the use of music.

The first part will provide an introduction to semiotic tools for the analysis of audiovisual language.

During the lectures, students will be asked to select a text (podcast, series, film, advert, music video, etc.) on which to practise their analytical skills with a view to writing a short dissertation.

Group case studies will also be undertaken to help develop a broader methodology for analysing media texts.

Readings/Bibliography

Bonini, T., Perrotta, M. (2023), Che cos’è un podcast, Carocci.

Spaziante L. (2026),Media sonori: il testo audiovisivo, tra suono e immagine, Meltemi.

Spaziante L. (2027), Il testo mediale, Pearson (in uscita).

Valentini, P. (2006), Il suono nel cinema: storia, teoria e tecniche, Marsilio.

Teaching methods

The course involves frontal lectures and encourages the presence and participation of students, as audiovisual materials will be shown during the lectures and collective analyses will also be conducted.

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 may be conducted in various ways, which are mutually exclusive:

• by producing a term paper, either individually or in small groups (of 2 to 4 people), on specific topics or case studies. The paper must draw on the ideas provided in lectures, applying the categories and analytical perspectives discussed throughout the course. The final paper must be approximately 20,000 characters in length. It must be submitted in advance (within 7 days of the exam session) and will then be discussed during the oral examination.

• alternatively, particularly for non-attending students but not exclusively, it will be possible to sit an assessment on the examination syllabus via:

- an oral interview
- a written test in the computer lab

 

Policy on the use of AI
AI can be a useful tool to support independent study by providing in-depth analysis, summaries and self-assessment exercises.

With regard to assessment, the use of AI is prohibited during face-to-face examinations. Any such use constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

The course will make use of IT resources and multimedia tools (computers and an audio-visual projector).

Office hours

See the website of Lucio Spaziante