Social History of the Media
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course aims to offer the basic features of a history of media from its origins to today, contributing to the understanding of the central role of the mass media in the dynamics of social history.
In particular, it will deal with the interaction between the media and the political-economic and cultural vicissitudes of Western societies in the contemporary age, deepening the theme of the relationship between the media and public opinion, also in their use of propaganda tools in the context of totalitarianism. This will provide the essential tools for understanding the processes that condition communication in contemporary society, considering the role of the press, radio, cinema, television and digital media, in the context of the great transformations that characterized the twentieth century and invested the beginnings of the 21st century.
In particular, it will deal with the interaction between the media and the political-economic and cultural vicissitudes of Western societies in the contemporary age, deepening the theme of the relationship between the media and public opinion, also in their use of propaganda tools in the context of totalitarianism. This will provide the essential tools for understanding the processes that condition communication in contemporary society, considering the role of the press, radio, cinema, television and digital media, in the context of the great transformations that characterized the twentieth century and invested the beginnings of the 21st century.
Expected learning outcomes
During the course, through lessons and in-depth meetings with experts, students will acquire adequate knowledge and an effective ability to understand the historical evolution of the media, their peculiarities and their exploitation in different political and cultural contexts. Students will be able to orient themselves theoretically and practically in the modern world of communication based on the knowledge of the origins and development of today's media system, gaining a critical attitude towards the mass media universe. The final exam (oral test) will allow to verify the level of understanding and in-depth study of the issues dealt with, and the correct use of the technical terminology of the discipline.
Lesson period: First trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
First trimester
Course syllabus
The course aims to examine the interaction between the media and the political and cultural events of western societies in the contemporary age, with particular attention to the evolution of the relationship between the media and public opinion.
The following topics will be analyzed:
- the history of the press from its origins to the contemporary age;
- newspapers and magazines between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries;
- the role of the journalist;
- press and wars;
- radio broadcasting;
- propaganda and media censorship;
- the age of television;
- the advent of digital communication.
The following topics will be analyzed:
- the history of the press from its origins to the contemporary age;
- newspapers and magazines between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries;
- the role of the journalist;
- press and wars;
- radio broadcasting;
- propaganda and media censorship;
- the age of television;
- the advent of digital communication.
Prerequisites for admission
Both attending students and not attending students are strongly advised to take the exam of 'Social media history' after having passed the exam of 'Contemporary history'.
Teaching methods
The course includes frontal lessons and a series of meetings with media communication experts.
Teaching Resources
For ATTENDING students:
- Knowledge of the topics covered in the course;
- Study of the following text:
L. Gorman, D. McLean, Media e società nel mondo contemporaneo, Bologna, il Mulino, 2011.
- Study of a text chosen from the following:
P. Murialdi, Storia del giornalismo italiano. Dalle gazzette a internet, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2006;
P. Allotti, Quarto potere. Giornalismo e giornalisti nell'Italia contemporanea, Roma, Carocci editore, 2017;
I. Piazzoni, Storia delle televisioni in Italia. Dagli esordi alle web tv, Roma, Carocci, 2014;
V. Meloni, Il crepuscolo dei media. Informazione, tecnologia e mercato, Bari-Roma, Laterza, 2017.
For NOT ATTENDING students:
- Study of the following texts:
L. Gorman, D. McLean, Media e società nel mondo contemporaneo, Bologna, il Mulino, 2011;
P. Murialdi, Storia del giornalismo italiano. Dalle gazzette a internet, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2006.
- Study of a text chosen from the following:
P. Allotti, Quarto potere. Giornalismo e giornalisti nell'Italia contemporanea, Roma, Carocci editore, 2017;
I. Piazzoni, Storia delle televisioni in Italia. Dagli esordi alle web tv, Roma, Carocci, 2014;
V. Meloni, Il crepuscolo dei media. Informazione, tecnologia e mercato, Bari-Roma, Laterza, 2017.
- Knowledge of the topics covered in the course;
- Study of the following text:
L. Gorman, D. McLean, Media e società nel mondo contemporaneo, Bologna, il Mulino, 2011.
- Study of a text chosen from the following:
P. Murialdi, Storia del giornalismo italiano. Dalle gazzette a internet, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2006;
P. Allotti, Quarto potere. Giornalismo e giornalisti nell'Italia contemporanea, Roma, Carocci editore, 2017;
I. Piazzoni, Storia delle televisioni in Italia. Dagli esordi alle web tv, Roma, Carocci, 2014;
V. Meloni, Il crepuscolo dei media. Informazione, tecnologia e mercato, Bari-Roma, Laterza, 2017.
For NOT ATTENDING students:
- Study of the following texts:
L. Gorman, D. McLean, Media e società nel mondo contemporaneo, Bologna, il Mulino, 2011;
P. Murialdi, Storia del giornalismo italiano. Dalle gazzette a internet, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2006.
- Study of a text chosen from the following:
P. Allotti, Quarto potere. Giornalismo e giornalisti nell'Italia contemporanea, Roma, Carocci editore, 2017;
I. Piazzoni, Storia delle televisioni in Italia. Dagli esordi alle web tv, Roma, Carocci, 2014;
V. Meloni, Il crepuscolo dei media. Informazione, tecnologia e mercato, Bari-Roma, Laterza, 2017.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral examination.
M-STO/04 - CONTEMPORARY HISTORY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Betri Maria Luisa
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Betri Maria Luisa