81778 - History of Mass Communication (LM)

Learning outcomes

Mass communication is defined as communication reaching large numbers of people through various media, especially since the beginning of mass society. The aim of the course is to study history and development of mass communication. The main topics will be the development and growth of media from the past to the present; the role of media under various political systems and the influence of communication on national building; the relationship between media and politics within different historical environments, in order to understand the importance of media to mass communication both past and present. Particular attention will be given to several case studies to explain the role of media in the states propaganda.

Course contents

Mass communication is defined as communication reaching large numbers of people through various media, especially since the beginning of mass society. The aim of the course is to study history and development of mass communication. The main topics will be the development and growth of media from the past to the present; the role of media under various political systems and the influence of communication on national building; the relationship between media and politics within different historical environments, in order to understand the importance of media to mass communication both past and present. Particular attention will be given to several case studies to explain the role of media in the states propaganda.

Readings/Bibliography

1) L. Gorman, D. McLean, Media and Society into the 21st Century. A Historical Introduction, 2009, second edition

2) entries from International Encyclopedia of The Social & Behavioral Sciences ed. by Neil J. Smelser and Paul B. Baltes, 2001 (uploaded to Virtuale)

3) In addition to these readings, students will add a book or a group of articles indicated by the professor and related to a film to be chosen from a list that will be uploaded to Virtuale.

Teaching methods

The lessons will alternate with the viewing of films in English, with guided analysis and discussion requiring the active participation of students.

Assessment methods

Written exam.

The exam consists of:

- 15 multiple-choice questions on Gorman-McLean's book and on encyclopedia entries

- and 1 open-ended question on a film chosen by each student from a list provided by the professor and on a book or group of articles related to the film indicated by the professor (for the list of films and readings, see Virtuale); the answer consists of a short text highlighting the historical and/or media context of the film or story represented and the elements relevant to the topics covered in the class.

 

Students with SLDs or temporary or permanent disabilities: we suggest that you contact the relevant university office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en] and your professor immediately to work together to find the most effective strategies for attending classes and/or preparing for exams.

Any requests for accommodations must be made at least 15 days before the date of the exam, by sending an email to the lecturer and copying (Cc) the email address disabilita@unibo.it (in case of disability) or dsa@unibo.it (for students with Specific Learning Difficulties).

Assessment criteria:

30-30 cum laude: excellent, complete and solid knowledge, excellent expression ability, complete understanding of concepts and contents. 

27-29: good, adequate knowledge, correct and well-articulated expression, good understanding of concepts and topics.

23-26: fair, technically correct preparation, expression not particularly articulate and appropriate, fair understanding of concepts and topics.

18-22: sufficient; preparation has gaps in terms of content, lack of clarity in presentation, limited ability to understand concepts and topics.

Teaching tools

PPT slides, texts, audiovisual materials, and on line resources.

The lecture slides will be uploaded to Virtuale during the class.

Office hours

See the website of Roberta Mira