11661 - Theory and Techniques of New Media (1)

Academic Year 2020/2021

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course students will:
- understand the theoretical implications and the major forms of historical evolution of digital media;
- know the contemporary media scenario, crossed by digitization and convergence phenomena, and the forms of online and mobile net communication at global and national level;
- interpret the constant connections and interactions between technologies, communicative potentials, cultural forms, social discourses and consumer practices;
-apply the theoretical, methodological and technical skills acquired to the analysis of individual content and digital services;
- adopt a stratified and complex look on everyday objects having a strong cultural, social, economic, and relational impact.

Course contents

The course aims to provide an introduction, in historical and theoretical terms, to digital media. In particular, it focuses on the impact of digitization processes on the media system, using a systemic approach that relates technology, industrial logic and socio-cultural practices.

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

  • Internet and the World Wide Web: short technological history and operating principles
  • Redefinition of communication and media forms in the digital environment
  • Copyright, copyleft, open source, piracy and remix cultures
  • Cultural convergence and practices of participatory cultures
  • Forms of online communication

The second part will be devoted to changes in the production, distribution and consumption of audiovisual content in the digital scenario:

  • Database and algorithm logics
  • Computerization of culture
  • Data-driven decision cultures
  • Logics and rhetoric of non-linear and on-demand platforms

Readings/Bibliography

Non-attending students are required to prepare the following bibliography:

  • A. Ardvisson, A. Delfanti, Introduzione ai media digitali, Il Mulino, Bologna 2016.
  • L. Paccagnella, A. Vellar, Vivere online. Identità, relazioni, conoscenza, Il Mulino, Bologna 2016.
  • M. D. Smith, R. Telang, Streaming, Sharing, Stealing. I big data e il futuro dell’intrattenimento, Minimum Fax, Roma 2019

Attending students, in addition to the notes of lessons and materials made available, must instead prepare the following limited bibliography:

  • Anthology of selected texts, prepared by the teacher and available after the beginning of the course
  • M. D. Smith, R. Telang, Streaming, Sharing, Stealing. I big data e il futuro dell'intrattenimento, Miminum Fax, Roma 2019

Teaching methods

Lectures with slides, audio-visual materials, web resources, shared materials with students. This course will also host digital media experts and professionals.

Assessment methods

This examination is in a written form and aims to evaluate whether students have achieved the learning outcomes and the knowledge of the topics treated during the lectures and in the bibliography.

Attending students will have a reserved exam date with a specific test based on the course contents. For attending students, the examination will consist of a test with 23 closed-ended questions (1 point each) and 2 open questions (4 points each).

For non-attending students, the examination will consist of a test with 31 closed-ended questions: a positive answer is given a point, while with a wrong answer is given 0 points. The final mark is the total sum.

Teaching tools

Presentations, audio-visual material, links and resources available online.

The classroom discussion will be stimulated and encouraged and will also be prolonged through the activation of a forum on IOL and on Padlet's boards.

Office hours

See the website of Paola Brembilla