Theories of the Moving Image
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
Students will acquire in-depth knowledge and skills in the disciplines of visual culture, with particular reference to the aesthetics of cinema and moving images.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire the ability to:
- critically evaluate the source of information and the reliability of data used to frame the optical media scenario
- apply reasoning skills in variously articulated scientific contexts that revolve in various ways around the issue of artistic and media moving images
- use relational, communication and organisational skills even in highly complex contexts and in the management of group work
- transfer the skills acquired even in non-specialist contexts
- reflect on their own abilities and the assessments obtained
- independently explore a philosophical position or theoretical thesis.
- critically evaluate the source of information and the reliability of data used to frame the optical media scenario
- apply reasoning skills in variously articulated scientific contexts that revolve in various ways around the issue of artistic and media moving images
- use relational, communication and organisational skills even in highly complex contexts and in the management of group work
- transfer the skills acquired even in non-specialist contexts
- reflect on their own abilities and the assessments obtained
- independently explore a philosophical position or theoretical thesis.
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
Course syllabus
The course is an introduction to the theory of moving images. It examines in particular the thinking of the major exponents of cinema in the second half of the 20th century, from André Bazin to Raymond Bellour, Roland Barthes to Gilles Deleuze, Christian Metz to Laura Mulvey, in order to work towards a definition of the "filmic" image beyond the cinematographic apparatus. Main topics include: film and theories of the sensible; feminist film theory; theories of the off-screen; neurofilmology; video art and expanded cinema.
Prerequisites for admission
None
Teaching methods
Lectures, discussions, analysis of works of art (videoinstallation, film, video, XR products), visual objects of contemporary digital culture, optional presentations from the students.
Teaching Resources
Slides and suggested readings will be uploaded on the Team "Teorie dell'immagine in movimento", Channel: Edition 2026-2027, Code: cs4pj2r.
Bibliography
A. D'Aloia, R. Eugeni (eds.), Teorie del cinema. Il dibattito contemporaneo, Cortina, Milano 2017,
nelle seguenti sezioni: Introduzione (pp. 9-21), Postfazione (pp. 373-385), Parte prima (pp. 31-150) e, a scelta, o parte seconda (pp. 153-266) o parte terza (pp. 269-361). Totale pp. 240.
T. Elsaesser, M. Hagener (eds.), Teorie del film, Einaudi, Torino 2009, pp. 238
S. Lischi, La lezione della videoarte. Sguardi e percorsi, Carocci, Roma 2020, pp. 115.
Non attending students should study the whole of:
A. D'Aloia, R. Eugeni (eds.), Teorie del cinema. Il dibattito contemporaneo, Cortina, Milano 2017, pp. 387.
Bibliography
A. D'Aloia, R. Eugeni (eds.), Teorie del cinema. Il dibattito contemporaneo, Cortina, Milano 2017,
nelle seguenti sezioni: Introduzione (pp. 9-21), Postfazione (pp. 373-385), Parte prima (pp. 31-150) e, a scelta, o parte seconda (pp. 153-266) o parte terza (pp. 269-361). Totale pp. 240.
T. Elsaesser, M. Hagener (eds.), Teorie del film, Einaudi, Torino 2009, pp. 238
S. Lischi, La lezione della videoarte. Sguardi e percorsi, Carocci, Roma 2020, pp. 115.
Non attending students should study the whole of:
A. D'Aloia, R. Eugeni (eds.), Teorie del cinema. Il dibattito contemporaneo, Cortina, Milano 2017, pp. 387.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam testing the knowledge of the requested bibliography 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
PEMM-01/B - Cinema, Photography, Radio, Television and Digital Media - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Grespi Barbara
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tuesday, 10.00-13-00, by prior email appointment. The last office hour before the summer break will be on 4.8.2026 (online only); it will resume in person on 1.9. With the beginning of classes (14.9), office hours will be divided into two time slots: Monday, 9:00–10:00 , and Tuesday, 8:30–10:30.
Dipartimento di filosofia, second floor, and/or Teams