27928 - Laboratory (1) (LM) (G.D)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the laboratory, the student acquires the fundamentals of some specific aspects of audiovisual and multimedia languages through a program of guided exercises.

Course contents

This laboratory aims to explore in depth the theoretical frameworks surrounding the concept of subculture, offering a comprehensive overview of the key transformations that have marked its historical and contemporary evolution. Beginning with an analysis of the earliest forms of political subculture—firmly rooted in class struggle dynamics, as in the cases of the skinheads, mods, punks, ultras, and the cholombiana culture—the course will progress toward more recent configurations in which subcultures operate within hybrid networks that span both physical and digital spaces.

Particular emphasis will be placed on the reconfiguration of subcultural formation models, tracing the shift from territorially and class-based identities to digital domains increasingly mediated by online platforms. Within this context, social media enable the rapid and transnational circulation of symbols, styles, and cultural codes. The course will critically examine the continuities and ruptures in how subcultures articulate forms of symbolic resistance to dominant cultural paradigms.

In the first part of the laboratory, thematic discussions will be supported by selected theoretical readings and case studies, alongside an analysis of audiovisual and musical materials produced by the subcultures under consideration. The syllabus includes, for instance, an examination of Spike Lee’s early films in relation to processes of self-representation within marginalised communities; cinematic and television productions focusing on the skinhead movement and British subcultures of the 1970s; visual and media representations of the ultras phenomenon; and major musical scenes—from hip-hop and nu-metal to trap—analyzed through music videos as expressive and symbolic forms.

The second part of the course will integrate theoretical work with a hands-on exercise aimed at producing a video essay focused on a subculture of the student's choice. A video essay is a form of audiovisual scholarship that combines moving images, sound, music, narration, and editing to develop critical, argumentative reflections through multimedia language. As a form of “creative criticism,” the video essay allows for the expression of interpretive strategies that go beyond conventional textual analysis, making visible the aesthetics, connections, and narratives that might otherwise remain implicit. This practical assignment is designed to foster a deeper and more nuanced understanding of contemporary subcultures while activating critical and creative tools that bridge theory and practice.

Readings/Bibliography

The selected texts will be presented and discussed during the laboratory sessions.

As an introduction to the topic, students are encouraged to read: D. Hebdige, Sottocultura. Il significato dello stile, Meltemi, Roma, 2017

The original English version is available at:

https://www.erikclabaugh.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/181899847-Subculture.pdf

 

 

Teaching methods

The laboratory is structured around two integrated learning components:

• Lectures and seminar discussions, aimed at providing a theoretical framework on the concept of subculture and its historical transformations, through the analysis of foundational texts, case studies, and multimedia materials (films, documentaries, musical productions, etc.);

• Workshop activities, focused on the design and production of a video essay centered on the analysis of a specific subculture. The video essay, understood as a form of “creative criticism,” will allow students to experiment with and critically apply the concepts explored during the course by combining audiovisual language with theoretical reflection.

Additionally, sessions with cultural practitioners and professionals from the field are planned, in order to offer students the opportunity to engage with concrete research practices and methodologies. The course will also include moments of individual and small group work, aimed at fostering collaboration and the collective development of materials.

Assessment methods

Student learning will be assessed throughout the entire duration of the laboratory, through a process of continuous and participatory evaluation. Key criteria will include: active participation in lectures and seminar discussions; critical engagement with the materials presented (films, music, documentaries, theoretical texts); and the ability to work collaboratively, particularly during the design and production phases of the video essay.

The final evaluation will take into account both the individual learning trajectory and the quality of the audiovisual project, considered as a synthesis of the theoretical, analytical, and creative competencies developed during the course.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Throughout the laboratory, various tools will be used to support teaching activities: computers, internet access, and multimedia projections (including PowerPoint presentations, video excerpts, and audio materials).

All materials discussed during the sessions—slides, academic articles, theoretical contributions, reference bibliographies, music playlists, and selected filmographies—will be made available to students via the virtual platform virtuale.unibo.it .

Office hours

See the website of Emanuele Rinaldo Meschini