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.

Readings/Bibliography

Bibliography for non-attending students and attending students who want to take the written exam on the books

Coose 3 books among the following (1 book for each group)

1) F. Anania, Storia delle comunicazioni di massa, 2007

    or

    L. Gorman, D. McLean, Media and Society into the 21st Century. A

    Historical Introduction, 2009

2) M. McLuhan, Understanding Media: The Exstensions of Man, 1964

    (and subsequent editions)

3) D. Welch, The Third Reich. Politics and Propaganda, 2002 or

    S. Salustri, Orientare l'opinione pubblica. Mezzi di comunicazione

    e propaganda politica nell'Italia fascista, 2018

Teaching methods

Lectures and films discussion with guided analysis.

Students are required to participate actively in the lessons.

Assessment methods

Non-attending students:

written exam on 3 books chosen among the proposed bibliography; 3 open questions.

Attenting students:

Attending student may write and discuss a short Essay (5000 words) in English. The essay must further develop one of the thematic issues suggested in class.

All essays must include a full scholarly apparatus of footnotes or endnotes to indicate the source of all information, quotations, as well as a full bibliography.

To be considered attending students, students need to participate actively in the lessons and discussions.

Attending students may take the written exam on 3 books chosen among the proposed bibliography (see non-attending students).

Teaching tools

Printed and audiovisual material, PPT, on line resources.

Office hours

See the website of Roberta Mira