. – Theory and technique of Mass Communication - Information
PROF. MARCO DERIU
COURSE AIMS
During the course students will learn about the theoretical tools and know-how
required to understand and study mass communications, mainly focusing on the
distinctive traits of the media system. The first part of the course will provide an
overview of the main theories of communication, also defining the characteristic
features of various different media based on an analytical-pragmatic approach. The
second part of the course will take a closer look at the ethics of communication and
ethical code of people working in the media.
COURSE CONTENT
The course is divided into two parts:
- the first general section will provide a theoretical overview of the subject;
- the special subject will take a closer look at ethics and the ethical code of
media, studying specific cases.
First part (general section). “The media system” (for all students enrolled on
the single-semester and one-year courses).
During the first part of the course the theoretical and structural traits of the mass
communication system will be defined and outlined.
There will then be a study of the main theories of communication, taking a closer
look at the distinctive traits of individual media.
An analysis of selected cases will highlight the distinctive traits of media texts.
Special attention will focus on the television system, analysing the latest genres
and programs devised for the small screen.
Second part (special subject). “Media Ethics” (for students enrolled on the oneyear and two-year courses).
The second part of the course will take a closer look at media ethics and the
professional ethical code of people working in mass communications. After
studying a number of problematic cases, a basic theoretical overview will be
provided before studying selected ethical issues from a pragmatic viewpoint.
The course will also look at the main ethical codes of people working in the media,
using selected study cases to assess whether (and how) the industry actually
implements its rules governing self-regulation.
READING LIST
For the first part:
F. ANANIA, Storia delle comunicazioni di massa, Utet Università, Turin, 2007.
S. BENTIVEGNA, Teoria delle comunicazioni di massa, Laterza, Rome-Bari, 2005.
G. BETTETINI – A. FUMAGALLI – P. BRAGA (A CURA DI), Le logiche della televisione, Franco Angeli,
Milan, 2004.
P. MANCINI – R. MARINI (EDITED BY), Le comunicazioni di massa: teorie, contenuti, effetti, Carocci,
Rome, 2006.
P. C. RIVOLTELLA, Teoria della comunicazione, La Scuola, Brescia, 2001
G. SIMONELLI (EDITED BY), Speciale Tg. Forme e tecniche del giornalismo televisivo, Interlinea,
Novara, 2005.
M. SORICE, Le comunicazioni di massa. Storia, teorie, tecniche, Editori Riuniti, Rome, 2000.
J. B. THOMPSON, Mezzi di comunicazione e modernità, Il Mulino, Bologna, 1998.
For the second part:
G. BETTETINI – A. FUMAGALLI, Quel che resta dei media. Idee per un’etica della comunicazione, new
edition, Franco Angeli, Milan, 2010.
A. FABRIS, Etica della comunicazione, Carocci, Rome, 2006.
G. GALDÒN LOPEZ, Informazione e disinformazione, Armando, Rome, 1999.
G. GILI, La violenza televisiva, Carocci, Rome, 2006.
G. LINGUA (EDITED BY), Comunicare senza regole? Etica e mass-media nella società globale,
Medusa, Milan, 2002.
R. STELLA, Media ed etica: regole e idee per le comunicazioni di massa, Donzelli, Rome, 2008.
The reading list for the examination will be provided by the lecturer at lectures.
TEACHING METHOD
The course will be taught in lectures with the aid of multimedia tools, supervised
practical work, meetings with people working in the communications industry, and desk
analyses of study cases.
ASSESSMENT METHOD
. Oral and written examinations, possibly with intermediate tests, continuous assessment
of students attending the course.
NOTES
Students are expected to attend the course.
Lecture notes are an integral part of the examination program
Professor Deriu will see students on Fridays in his office from 4-5 p.m. after arranging
an appointment by email (marco.deriu@unicatt.it).
Further information can be found on the lecturer's webpage at
http://www2.unicatt.it/unicattolica/docenti/index.html or on the Faculty notice board.