Media studies

Learning outcomes

The course will be devoted to examining the main theoretical perspectives of the media system with a focus on digital media. At the end of each section, case studies will be proposed for students to analyze using the skills and knowledge they have acquired.

Expected learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have acquired the basics of understanding the evolution of the contemporary media ecosystem and the main analytical methodologies for studying media in the era of convergence and digital plenitude.Special attention will be paid to critically analyzing the role of media in the construction of celebrity.

Special attention will be paid to critically analyze the role of media in the construction of celebrity.

During the course, each student/class will be able to practice analyzing concrete case studies from film, TV series and social media (GIFs, webseries, video games etc).

Course contents

In the first part of the course some key-words, interpretive frameworks and basic concepts related to the redefinition of media forms in the digital environment, with special reference to audiovisual media, will be introduced.
In the second part of the course, central themes concerning the transformations introduced by digital media in celebrity culture will be explored.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required

Reading/Bibliography

1. lecture slides
2. lecture handouts
3. L. Ouellette, J. Gray (a cura di), Parole Chiave per i Media Studies, Minimum Fax, 2021, CAP.
4. D’Amelio, Gorgolini (a cura di), Media and Gender. History, Representation, Reception, BUP, 2023, CAP.

Knowledge of any other materials made available by the professor during the course is also required.

Teaching methods

A combination of lectures, case-study analysis and viewing of audiovisual materials. Students will also work in teams and prepare class presentations.

Assessment methods

Midterm; final exam (written and oral); in class tests.