History of Symbolic Communication in the Contemporary Era

The course is divided into two parts. The first part (didactic unit A) aims to offer a broad overview of the theories and the different approaches of cultural history, with emphasis on the trends that are most focused on the issues of symbolic representation, especially in the visual field, and on methodological aspects related to the history of communication. Several case studies related to the contemporary age will be presented, from which the function of symbols in the imaginary of power, in the construction of myths, in the definition of an elite or mass culture and in the affirmation of a given aesthetic can emerge. The second part (didactic unit B), which is monographic in nature, will propose a transversal reflection on the relationship between the body, representations and symbols in the media. The teaching is consistent with the objectives of the course of study, which aims to provide skills on communication systems and media languages, anchoring them to the students' humanistic education.

At the end of the course, students will be able to recognise the methodological issues related to the study of cultural history and symbolic representations, identify the different historiographical approaches to imagery and myths, and decipher the use of symbolic language in media representations, identifying its political, social and cultural functions. Students will also have acquired logical-argumentative and judgement skills in order to discern the complexity of the communication system, coming to define its different components, starting with the symbolic one, also as a result of the analysis of the documents proposed during the lessons.