History of Communication in the Contemporary Age

A.Y. 2023/2024
6
Max ECTS
40
Overall hours
SSD
M-STO/04
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The goal of the course is to provide an introduction to the history of communication by analyzing how media networks originate, how they function and how they shape social practices and values. With reference to Marshall Poe's work, we analyse the five phases of the history of communication: speech, writing, printing, audiovisual media and the internet. Special attention will be paid to the re-mediatization of analogue media in the contemporary hybrid communication system.
Expected learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Know and understand the main phases of the history of communication
- Conceptualise, contextualise, and discuss the design and development of media networks in history
- Analyse and evaluate contemporary communication critically, based on a historical perspective.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
Third trimester
Students will be able to participate remotely in livestreamed lessons according to the class schedule. Lectures will also be recorded and released using Microsoft Teams or ARIEL. All information will be communicated via ARIEL.
Program information. The program and reading list will not be changed.
Exams. Oral exams will be conducted online using Microsoft Teams, or in person, if allowed.
Course syllabus
The goal of the course is to provide an introduction to the history of communication by analyzing how media networks originate, how they function and how they shape social practices and values. With reference to Marshall Poe's work, we analyse the five phases of the history of communication: speech, writing, printing, audiovisual media and the internet. Special attention will be paid to the re-mediatization of analogue media in the contemporary hybrid communication system.
Prerequisites for admission
None
Teaching methods
In-class lessons combined with multimedia resources and experts' talks. The students are invited to develop several themes independently and to report and discuss them with participants during the class hours.
Teaching Resources
Per i frequentanti: il materiale di riferimento per la preparazione dell'esame è costituito dalle slides rese disponibili nella piattaforma Ariel, da eventuali saggi integrativi indicati durante le lezioni e dallo studio dei seguenti testi:

- Marshall T. Poe, A History of Communication. Media and society from the evolution of speech to the Internet, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2011
- Gabriele Balbi, L'ultima ideologia. Breve storia della rivoluzione digitale. Bari-Roma, Laterza, 2022 (solo pp. 7-62 e 92-97)

Per i non frequentanti: alla bibliografia per i frequentanti dovranno aggiungere lo studio di un volume a scelta tra i seguenti:

- Martyn Lyons, Storia della lettura e della scrittura nel mondo occidentale, Milano, Ed. Bibliografica, 2019
- Lyn Gorman e David McLean, Media e società nel mondo contemporaneo, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2011.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The evaluation takes place by means of a written exam: test questions to verify not only knowledge and comprehension but also communications skills about the themes in the course.
M-STO/04 - CONTEMPORARY HISTORY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours