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

A) 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

2) J. C. Alexander, "Dagli abissi della disperazione: l'11 settembre come performance culturale" (cap. IV), in J.C. Alexander, La costruzione del male. Dall'Olocausto all'11 settembre, il Mulino, Bologna, 2006, pp. 193-222

3) One chapter according to student's choice among the following chapter in the main volume:  

A) P. Violi, "Ri-presentare l'orrore. Il Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide Crimes a Phnom Penh, Cambogia" (cap. III), in P. Violi, Paesaggi della memoria. Il trauma, lo spazio, la storia, Bompiani, 2020 (seconda ed.), pp. 159-190

or:

B) P. Violi, "Le difficili memorie delle dittature in America Latina. Il caso argentino" (cap. VI), in P. Violi, Paesaggi della memoria. Il trauma, lo spazio, la storia, Bompiani, 2020 (seconda ed.), pp. 281-305

or:

C) P. Violi, "Quando il trauma incontra l'arte: il Museo per la Memoria di Ustica a Bologna" (cap. VII), in P. Violi, Paesaggi della memoria. Il trauma, lo spazio, la storia, Bompiani, 2020 (seconda ed.), pp.307-336

Additional in-depth material—covering various topics—will be made available by the professor on the Virtuale platform.

 

B) 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

2) J. C. Alexander, "Dagli abissi della disperazione: l'11 settembre come performance culturale" (cap. IV), in J.C. Alexander, La costruzione del male. Dall'Olocausto all'11 settembre, il Mulino, Bologna, 2006, pp. 193-222

3) Christie N., Victim Movements at a Crossroad, in
Punishment & Society, Vol. 12, Issue 2, 2010, pp. 115-
122.

4) C. Volpato, Deumanizzazione. Come si legittima la violenza, Ed. Laterza, Roma, 2011

5)S. Opotow et al. (Eds.), From Moral Exclusion to Moral Inclusion: Theory for teaching Peace, in: Theory into practice, vol. 44 nr. 1, Peace Education, 2005, pp. 303-318 

 

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, the final grade will be determined by an assessment based on: a careful reading of the assigned texts and articles; class participation and contributions to discussions on the topics covered and any supplementary readings indicated by the instructor; and the preparation and in-class presentation of written papers (one individual, one group-based). The final grade is not merely an arithmetic sum of the evaluations for the aforementioned activities; rather, it takes into account the development of a victimological perspective and of critical, analytical thinking, the contribution made through original and personal engagement with the topics addressed in class, and the ability to share ideas and work collaboratively with others students.

Specific guidelines regarding the preparation of the project paper (structure, content, length, format, etc.) will be provided by the instructor during the course. The book and articles listed in the bibliography are suggested as foundational readings for preparing the papers and, more generally, for productive class participation.

For non-attending students, the exam is oral, covers the entire syllabus, and takes place on the dates listed on Almaesami.

Teaching tools

articles on Virtuale, viewing of documentaries and/or films

Office hours

See the website of Susanna Vezzadini