History of Symbolic Communication in the Contemporary Era
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
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.
Expected learning outcomes
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.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Course title: Symbolic communication in the twentieth century: from theory to militant practice
Part 1: Theory and historiography of symbols: the historical research approach
Part 2: The pacifist principle and its symbols
Part 1: Theory and historiography of symbols: the historical research approach
Part 2: The pacifist principle and its symbols
Prerequisites for admission
A sound knowledge of the development of modern history from the late 19th century to the present day is required.
Teaching methods
The course consists of in-person lectures. The lecturer also makes use of images, audiovisual materials, and historiographical texts related to the topics covered. Although attendance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. Students who attend at least two-thirds of the lectures are considered attending students.
Teaching Resources
EXAM PROGRAMME FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS:
Attending students should be familiar with the topics covered in the lectures and study:
a) Carlotta Sorba, Federico Mazzini, La svolta culturale. Come è cambiata la pratica storiografica, Bari-Roma, Laterza, 2021;
b) Simboli della politica, a cura di Francesco Benigno e Luca Scuccimarra, Roma, Viella, 2010 [Introduzione e due capitoli a scelta].
Students attending the course may choose to replace the oral exam with an individual research project on a topic to be agreed with the lecturer and presented during the course.
EXAM PROGRAMME FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS:
Non-attending students should study:
a) Carlotta Sorba, Federico Mazzini, La svolta culturale. Come è cambiata la pratica storiografica, Bari-Roma, Laterza, 2021;
b) Simboli della politica, eds. Francesco Benigno and Luca Scuccimarra, Roma, Viella, 2010;
c) one volume of your choice from among:
- La morte per la patria. La celebrazione dei caduti dal Risorgimento alla Repubblica, eds. Oliver Janz e Lutz Klinkhammer, Roma, Donzelli, 2008;
- Maurizio Ridolfi, La politica dei colori. Emozioni e passioni nella storia d'Italia dal Risorgimento al ventennio fascista, Firenze, Le Monnier, 2014;
- Maurizio Ridolfi, Italia a colori. Storia delle passioni politiche dalla caduta del fascismo ad oggi, Firenze, Le Monnier, 2015;
- Federico Carlo Simonelli, D'annunzio e il mito di fiume. Riti, simboli, narrazioni, Ospedaletto-Pisa, Pacini, 2021;
- Frederic Spotts, Hitler e il potere dell'estetica, Milano, Johan & Levi, 2012 [pages 11-68 and four chapters of your choice];
- Angelo Ventrone, Il nemico interno. Immagini, parole e simboli della lotta politica nell'Italia del Novecento, Roma, Donzelli, 2005.
Attending students should be familiar with the topics covered in the lectures and study:
a) Carlotta Sorba, Federico Mazzini, La svolta culturale. Come è cambiata la pratica storiografica, Bari-Roma, Laterza, 2021;
b) Simboli della politica, a cura di Francesco Benigno e Luca Scuccimarra, Roma, Viella, 2010 [Introduzione e due capitoli a scelta].
Students attending the course may choose to replace the oral exam with an individual research project on a topic to be agreed with the lecturer and presented during the course.
EXAM PROGRAMME FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS:
Non-attending students should study:
a) Carlotta Sorba, Federico Mazzini, La svolta culturale. Come è cambiata la pratica storiografica, Bari-Roma, Laterza, 2021;
b) Simboli della politica, eds. Francesco Benigno and Luca Scuccimarra, Roma, Viella, 2010;
c) one volume of your choice from among:
- La morte per la patria. La celebrazione dei caduti dal Risorgimento alla Repubblica, eds. Oliver Janz e Lutz Klinkhammer, Roma, Donzelli, 2008;
- Maurizio Ridolfi, La politica dei colori. Emozioni e passioni nella storia d'Italia dal Risorgimento al ventennio fascista, Firenze, Le Monnier, 2014;
- Maurizio Ridolfi, Italia a colori. Storia delle passioni politiche dalla caduta del fascismo ad oggi, Firenze, Le Monnier, 2015;
- Federico Carlo Simonelli, D'annunzio e il mito di fiume. Riti, simboli, narrazioni, Ospedaletto-Pisa, Pacini, 2021;
- Frederic Spotts, Hitler e il potere dell'estetica, Milano, Johan & Levi, 2012 [pages 11-68 and four chapters of your choice];
- Angelo Ventrone, Il nemico interno. Immagini, parole e simboli della lotta politica nell'Italia del Novecento, Roma, Donzelli, 2005.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of an oral interview covering the topics in the syllabus and, for attending students, also those discussed during the lectures. The aim of the exam is to assess the knowledge acquired, as well as the students' critical thinking, logical-argumentative skills, and language proficiency. In the exam, students may also be asked to analyse and comment on images and symbols presented in class or included in the course materials. Attending students may opt to replace the oral exam with an individual research project, to be agreed upon with the lecturer and presented during the course.
Type of evaluation method: mark in 30s.
Incoming Erasmus students will have the option, upon request, to take the exam in English, according to a syllabus to be agreed with the lecturer.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities must be arranged in advance with the teacher, as well as the competent office.
Type of evaluation method: mark in 30s.
Incoming Erasmus students will have the option, upon request, to take the exam in English, according to a syllabus to be agreed with the lecturer.
The format of the exam for students with disabilities must be arranged in advance with the teacher, as well as the competent office.
Professor(s)