STUDY PROGRAMME
Graphic Design and Art Direction

AFAM CODE
ABPC65

DISCIPLINARY AREA
Theory and methodology of mass media

DISCIPLINARY FIELD
Theory and methodology of mass media

CREDITS
6

APPROACH
Theoretical

This theoretical course aims at presenting the socio-cultural impact of mass media through the critical analysis of their evolution - from mass media to digital media - with a focus on the main theories and contemporary mapping. It helps the students develop an analytical and critical approach to the cultural production of films, TV shows, websites, new media projects.

The programme consists of one single module, which grants 6 credits.

Successful students will be able to:

• Analyse cultural productions generated within both traditional and digital media

• Explain and present the theories and ideas presented in class

• Create links between communication and generic cultural elements

• Introduction to the historical evolution of media - from mass media to digital media - and analysis of their social and cultural impact

• Analytical elements that help decoding media and digital phenomena

• Reference to the most important theoretical contributions to the history of the discipline

• The impact of media on visual culture and examples in art

• Monograph focus on the impact on communication processes - advertising, graphics, web design

The programme focuses on theoretical courses.

Students will take part in the following activities, which may vary depending on the different topics covered:

• Classroom lectures

• Debates, presentations, peer assessment

• Use of tutorials, videos or other media tools

• Exercises and revisions

• Individual study and research

Assessment tools may include:

• Mid-term written exam: open questions on the themes treated in class

• Oral exams

Further details about the exams will be provided by the professors.

• Benjamin, W. (1935) The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction.

• Bolter, J.D., Grusin, R. (2000), Remediation, MIT Press.

• Hayles, N. K. (1999) How We Became Posthuman: Virtual Bodies in Cybernetics, Literature, and Informatics, Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

• Hayles, N. K. (2005) My Mother Was a Computer, Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.

• Manovich, L. (2001) The Language of New Media, MIT Press.

• McLuhan, M. (1964) Ed. 1967, Understanding Media, London: Sphere Books.

• Turkle, S. (2011) Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other, Basic Books.

Many of the recommended sources, together with additional material, are also available online on MyNaba, in the Library section.

Books and resources might be requested or suggested by the professors.