12607 - History of Journalism (1)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to orient themselves in the historiographical debate on the relationship between journalistic communication and the historical, social, political and economic contexts in which it is expressed; they will be able to reflect and report critically on issues of a general nature; and they will demonstrate specific skills of analysis on historical moments of particular significance for the reality of our country.

Course contents

This monograph-based course deals with the topic of war journalism from the 19th century to the present, from a global historical perspective. The main objective will be to follow the evolution of the journalistic narrative of wars, analyzing how the various wartime conflicts have been prepared, justified, narrated, and opposed through the mass media (press, radio, television, internet). Particular attention will be paid to the relationship between information and political power, in order to understand what strategies of control and manipulation of public opinion have been implemented by governments over time. Part of the reflection will also concern the transformations that the war reporter's profession has undergone from its inception to the present day, especially in relation to technological advances and the commercial logic of the media system.

Readings/Bibliography

For attending students (at least 10 lessons out of 15):

1) Oliviero Bergamini, Specchi di guerra. Giornalismo e conflitti armati da Napoleone a oggi, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2009

2) A text of your choice from the bibliography given in class

 

For non-attending students: 

1) Oliviero Bergamini, Specchi di guerra. Giornalismo e conflitti armati da Napoleone a oggi, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2009

2) David Colon, La guerra dell'informazione. Gli stati alla conquista delle nostre menti, Einaudi, Torino 2024

Teaching methods

The course consists of 15 lectures with the use of Powerpoint and audiovisual materials. At least one of the lessons will be attended by a professional war reporter, who, on the basis of his or her personal experience, will explore some aspects of this job and its most recent transformations.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Assessment methods

The examination consists of an oral test, which will focus on the study of the books listed and of the teaching materials provided by the lecturer.
An accurate and thorough knowledge of the topics covered in the course, together with good analytical and critical skills and a mastery of the specific language will be assessed with marks of excellence (30-30L).
A solid knowledge of the topics covered in the course, together with clear analytical and critical skills and a command of the specific language will be assessed with very good marks (27-29).
A mostly mechanical and/or mnemonic knowledge of the subject, an ability to analyse not always well articulated and/or a correct but not always appropriate language will lead to fair marks (23-26).
Weak analytical skills and approximate or inappropriate language, albeit in a context of minimal knowledge of the examination material, will lead to sufficient marks (18-22).

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Audio-visual materials and Powerpoint presentations (slides will be uploaded to the Virtuale platform before each lesson).

Office hours

See the website of Matteo Pasetti