Intermedia Theory
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims to introduce students to intermedial theories, addressing the main theoretical and methodological issues related to the analysis of relationships between different media from an international and comparative perspective, with particular attention to the dialogue between literature and visual culture.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: Students will acquire an in-depth understanding of the main theories and methodologies for intermedial analysis, developing the ability to critically examine the interactions and contaminations between different media. Particular emphasis will be placed on the study of works from fields such as literature, cinema, visual arts, and digital media.
Skills: Students will develop analytical and interpretative skills that will enable them to engage with multiple expressive forms and cultural horizons, recognizing the specificities and intersections among various media. By the end of the course, they will be able to independently apply the knowledge acquired to analyze intermedial works and phenomena from different historical periods and cultural contexts, thus contributing to a broader understanding of processes of intermedial transformation.
Skills: Students will develop analytical and interpretative skills that will enable them to engage with multiple expressive forms and cultural horizons, recognizing the specificities and intersections among various media. By the end of the course, they will be able to independently apply the knowledge acquired to analyze intermedial works and phenomena from different historical periods and cultural contexts, thus contributing to a broader understanding of processes of intermedial transformation.
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
The course will begin, in Part A, by offering a description and analysis of some of the characteristic phenomena of contemporary media systems, through the presentation and discussion of Jay David Bolter and Richard Grusin's "Remediation: Understanding New Media" (2000) and Henry Jenkins's "Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide" (2006).
Subsequently, in Part B, we will explore the theme of space from an intermedial perspective. Through theoretical readings and case studies, we will examine the extent to which space constitutes a transmedial category (Thon)—that is, a fundamental narrative component independent of any specific medium—and how its construction nevertheless depends on the particular strategies of different media.
Subsequently, in Part B, we will explore the theme of space from an intermedial perspective. Through theoretical readings and case studies, we will examine the extent to which space constitutes a transmedial category (Thon)—that is, a fundamental narrative component independent of any specific medium—and how its construction nevertheless depends on the particular strategies of different media.
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required.
International and incoming Erasmus students are invited to contact the instructor at an early stage. Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLD) must be agreed upon with the instructor, in accordance with the provisions established by the relevant university office.
International and incoming Erasmus students are invited to contact the instructor at an early stage. Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLD) must be agreed upon with the instructor, in accordance with the provisions established by the relevant university office.
Teaching methods
The course topics will be presented by the instructor and discussed with the students, who will also be invited to give short group presentations.
Teaching Resources
For Part A, students will study one of the two texts discussed in class:
· Jay David Bolter and Richard Grusin, "Remediation: Understanding New Media", MIT Press, 2000;
· Henry Jenkins, "Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide", New York University Press, 2006.
For Part B, students will study the following works:
· Jan-Noël Thon, "Transmedial Narratology and Contemporary Media Culture", University of Nebraska Press, 2016, Part I. "Storyworlds Across Media", pp. 35-122;
· David Herman, "Basic Elements of Narrative", Wiley-Blackwell, 2009, "The Third Element. Or, How to Build a Storyworld", pp. 105-36;
· Marie-Laure Ryan, Kenneth Foote & Maoz Azaryahu, "Narrating Space/Spatializing Narrative", The Ohio State UP, 2016, ch. 2 and 5, pp. 16-43 e 101-37.
Further information will be provided during class and on the course Ariel website.
· Jay David Bolter and Richard Grusin, "Remediation: Understanding New Media", MIT Press, 2000;
· Henry Jenkins, "Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide", New York University Press, 2006.
For Part B, students will study the following works:
· Jan-Noël Thon, "Transmedial Narratology and Contemporary Media Culture", University of Nebraska Press, 2016, Part I. "Storyworlds Across Media", pp. 35-122;
· David Herman, "Basic Elements of Narrative", Wiley-Blackwell, 2009, "The Third Element. Or, How to Build a Storyworld", pp. 105-36;
· Marie-Laure Ryan, Kenneth Foote & Maoz Azaryahu, "Narrating Space/Spatializing Narrative", The Ohio State UP, 2016, ch. 2 and 5, pp. 16-43 e 101-37.
Further information will be provided during class and on the course Ariel website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination will consist of an oral interview in which students will be required to demonstrate their knowledge of the topics and texts covered during the course and their ability to discuss them clearly and critically. Particular consideration will also be given to the use of precise and rigorous language and to the accuracy of critical, theoretical, and historical references.
The final grade will be expressed on a 30-point scale. The minimum passing grade is 18/30.
The final grade will be expressed on a 30-point scale. The minimum passing grade is 18/30.
COMP-01/A - Literary Criticism and Comparative Literature - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Ballerio Stefano
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesdays, 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm, by appointment.
Dipartimento di Studi letterari, filologici e linguistici, Modern studies section, second floor