93545 - Communication Laboratory (Lm) (G.A)

Learning outcomes

The workshop aims to equip students with skills in the field of journalistic and media content production (television, radio, and the internet). Upon completion of the course, the student:

• Masters the main techniques of informational and media content production
• Is able to independently produce informational content in written, oral, or multimedia form

Course contents

The workshop intends to combine the dual objective of imparting theoretical and historical-empirical knowledge on the fundamentals of constitutional democracies (their functioning, rights, protection of rights) through the viewing and filmic interpretation of feature films dedicated to particular junctions of the history of Western democracies or to events that highlight crucial characteristics.

The workshop (consisting of ten lessons, each lasting three hours) will begin with two introductory lessons focused on constitutional democracy and the basic elements of cinematic narratology (texts are provided for both themes), specific issues to be addressed through the viewing of films, and the organisation of classroom work. The following eight lessons will be dedicated to viewing films (4 in total) and a classroom discussion led by a group of students, aimed at extracting contents and filmic choices adopted to express them. An external guest expert on the topic being discussed is envisaged.

Readings/Bibliography

* G. Sartori, 'Costituzione' and 'Democrazia', in G. Sartori, Elementi di teoria politica, Bologna, il Mulino (any edition)

* Brown, L. A. (2023). How Films Tell Stories. The Narratology of Cinema. Creative Art Press.

Teaching methods

Following the two introductory lectures, the course involves in-class film viewing followed by seminar activity. Students will be divided into four groups, each tasked with introducing the film (director, cast, theme, etc.) and subsequently leading the discussion, identifying crucial filmic content and choices.

Assessment methods

The course will be passed attending at least 7 lessons (and three viewings and related discussions), participating in the seminar activity, and writing a mini-paper (9,000-12,000 characters) on a film of choice (different from those viewed in class) on a political theme, previously agreed with the teacher.

Teaching tools

Power Point, Projecto, PC.

Office hours

See the website of Sofia Ventura