11661 - Theory and Techniques of New Media (1)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, each student understands the theoretical implications and the main historical evolutions of digital media. He obtains a basic knowledge of both the contemporary media scenario, crossed by digitization and convergence phenomena, and the developments of online and mobile network communication, globally and nationally. He understands the constant connections and interactions between technology, communication potentialities, cultural forms, social discourses and consumption practices. He applies the theoretical, methodological and technical skills to the analysis of specific digital contents and services. Lastly, he adopts a stratified and complex perspective on everyday objects with a large cultural, social, economic and relational impact.

Course contents

The course aims to provide an introduction, in a historical and theoretical key, to digital media. In particular, on the impact of digitization processes on the media system, relating technology, industrial logic and socio-cultural practices.

In the first part of the course, key words and basic concepts related to digital media will be introduced:

the network infrastructure, collaborative media, from free software to peer-to-peer, Internet and World Wide Web, redefinition of communication and media forms in the digital environment, copyright, copyleft, open source, piracy and remix culture, cultural convergence and practices of active audiences

The second part of the course will focus on the new rules of media production and distribution, a complex system in which a leading role is entrusted to data management.

Readings/Bibliography

A. Ardvisson, A. Delfanti, Introduzione ai media digitali, Il Mulino, Bologna 2016.

M. D. Smith, R. Telang, Streaming, Sharing, Stealing. I big data e il futuro dell’intrattenimento, Minimum Fax, Roma 2019

Teaching methods

The course will be held in mixed mode: face-to-face for those who book through the app Present, while those who want to follow remotely can do so through the Teams platform.

Assessment methods

The exam will consist of a written test with 31 multiple-choice questions and aims to assess the achievement of knowledge relating to the topics covered in class and in the bibliography. 1 point will be awarded for each positive answer, 0 points for each incorrect answer. The final grade will result from the sum of the total points.

Teaching tools

The study and in-depth material relating to each lesson will be uploaded to the special teaching support platform, Virtuale.unibo.it.

Office hours

See the website of Piero Di Domenico