Theories of the Moving Image
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the main theories of the image in motion, this definition including not only the filmic form, but also video-art and digital images. Within this general objective, students are expected to familiarize themselves with the language and web of concepts that characterize this field, though in its multiple interdisciplinary ramifications, such as aesthetics, art history, semiotics and media theory. The acquired knowledge is complementary to the philosophical theories of representation and aims to develop specific skills enabling students to operate with critical awareness in different arenas of the media sphere.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course, students will distinguish the main stages of the theoretical debate on cinema and video, the analogue and the digital moving image, with particular emphasis on classic and modern authors. The knowledge of the leading thinkers of the image in motion will be associated with understanding those artistic gestures in cinema and video that produced forms of visual thinking.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students will be able to employ a specific lexicon and to apply a proper methodology to the analysis of the gaze as expressed in different audiovisual material; they can apply the acquired notions to case studies; they can appropriately interpret film and video from different perspectives; they will be able to discuss the main theoretical models critically and to orient themselves in the corresponding literature. They will learn to propose autonomous and original solutions in applying film theory's classic problems to the realm of digital media.
At the end of the course, students will distinguish the main stages of the theoretical debate on cinema and video, the analogue and the digital moving image, with particular emphasis on classic and modern authors. The knowledge of the leading thinkers of the image in motion will be associated with understanding those artistic gestures in cinema and video that produced forms of visual thinking.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students will be able to employ a specific lexicon and to apply a proper methodology to the analysis of the gaze as expressed in different audiovisual material; they can apply the acquired notions to case studies; they can appropriately interpret film and video from different perspectives; they will be able to discuss the main theoretical models critically and to orient themselves in the corresponding literature. They will learn to propose autonomous and original solutions in applying film theory's classic problems to the realm of digital media.
Lesson period: Second semester
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
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
During the ongoing covid emergency, the course syllabus will be maintained with the following changes made to enhance the effectiveness of the online version of the course, which was originally designed for face-to-face teaching: some extracts from the essays discussed during classes will be uploaded in advance together with the power point used for teaching (at the end of each week).
The lessons will be held in dual mode. The face-to-face lessons will allow the participation of students connected with MSTeams as well as students in the classroom.
The recordings of the lessons will remain available for the entire academic year.
Online environments used:
Teams (keycode: cs4pj2r)
Students wishing to participate in face-to-face lessons must refer to the following University provisions: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/teaching-activities-campus
Students wishing to participate in MSTeams lessons must refer to the following technical guides: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/technology-and-online-services/microsoft-office-365-education
To participate in the exam sessions, students must refer to the following provisions:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/sitting-exams
The lessons will be held in dual mode. The face-to-face lessons will allow the participation of students connected with MSTeams as well as students in the classroom.
The recordings of the lessons will remain available for the entire academic year.
Online environments used:
Teams (keycode: cs4pj2r)
Students wishing to participate in face-to-face lessons must refer to the following University provisions: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/teaching-activities-campus
Students wishing to participate in MSTeams lessons must refer to the following technical guides: https://www.unimi.it/en/study/student-services/technology-and-online-services/microsoft-office-365-education
To participate in the exam sessions, students must refer to the following provisions:
https://www.unimi.it/en/study/bachelor-and-master-study/following-your-programme-study/sitting-exams
Course syllabus
The course will develop in two directions: on the one hand, a media-archaeology of the image in motion (from the optical toys to film, from the animated image to GIF), on the other, the discussion of the main theoretical frameworks thorough which the filmic phenomenon was thought from the Twenties on, with particular focus on the theory of the gaze and embodiment, and on the ontology of the cine-photographic image, especially with reference to the digital revolution.
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required.
Teaching methods
Lectures, discussions, analysis of works of art (videoinstallation, film, video), visual materials of contemporary digital culture (from GIF's to VR), presentations from the students.
Teaching Resources
B. Grespi, L. Malavasi, Dalla parte delle immagini. Temi di cultura visuale, McGRaw Hill, Milano 2021, pp. 250 (in corso di pubblicazione, disponibile da febbraio).
R. Eugeni, Capitale algoritmico. Cinque dispositivi postmediali (più uno), Scholé, Milano 2021, pp. 298.
R. Eugeni, Capitale algoritmico. Cinque dispositivi postmediali (più uno), Scholé, Milano 2021, pp. 298.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam testing the knowledge of the texts in the syllabus and the acquired skills, with a particular focus on concepts and case studies. The evaluation corresponds to:
- knowledge level of the theoretical frameworks;
- ability to apply concepts to case studies;
- making judgments;
- ability to argue with conceptual and linguistic precision
- knowledge level of the theoretical frameworks;
- ability to apply concepts to case studies;
- making judgments;
- ability to argue with conceptual and linguistic precision
L-ART/06 - CINEMA, PHOTOGRAPHY AND TELEVISION - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Grespi Barbara
Professor(s)
Reception:
From 28 April to 12 May 2025, reception office will still take place on Mondays, but only online from 13:30 to 16:30, by appointment requested by email or Teams (due to research transfer in the US).
Dipartimento di filosofia, second floor, and/or Teams