Sustainable tourism science

TITO VAGNI

The course aims to equip students with the necessary theoretical and conceptual tools of the Sociology of cultural processes. The course intends to develop a reflection on the role of culture and communication in contemporary society, on the one hand through the study of the structural and phenomenological aspects of culture as a scientific object, on the other hand through the examination of the contribution that the various social sciences have given to the foundation of the sciences of communication and culture.

The course aims to introduce students to theories and studies in media and cultural studies. Attending lectures and studying the assigned texts will enable students to: a) acquire a specific communication lexicon to articulate a critical reflection on cultural and communicative processes; b) understand the key moments of modern communication, from its origins to its developments in digital contexts; c) comprehend the workings of the cultural industry.

No particular requirements

The course aims to offer a study path and readings on communication and its sociological implications, covering a historical trajectory from the 19th century to the present day. The various media environments will be studied from a perspective that highlights continuity between the modern metropolis and digital platforms, while also demonstrating the connections that are generated between technology, culture, and forms of the imaginary. The outcome is the construction of a map of contemporary experience, with particular reference to specific key concepts: illusion, opinion, gossip, appearance, success, cynicism, celebrity, influence, authenticity. This network of terms seeks to connect some critical moments in the history of media and the history of the self. Special attention will be given to the genesis and evolution of the cultural industry.

1) McCormick S., La chiacchiera. Una storia concettuale dei discorsi quotidiani, Guerini e Associati, Milano, 2024.

2) Dispensa di teoria della cultura e della comunicazione, disponibile su classroom

3) Slide del corso [disponibili su Classroom]

Abruzzese A., La grande scimmia. Mostri, vampiri, automi, mutanti. L'immaginario collettivo dalla letteratura al cinema e all'informazione, Luca Sossella Editore, 2008.
Adorno T. W., Prismi. Saggi sulla critica della cultura, Einaudi, Torino, 2018.
Boccia Artieri G., Fiorentino G., Storia e teoria della serialità. La forme della narrazione contemporanea tra arte, consumi e ambienti artificiali (Vol. 3), Meltemi, Roma, 2024.
Codeluppi V., La morte della cultura di massa, Carocci, Roma, 2024.
Eichhorn K., Content. L’industria culturale nell’era digitale, Einaudi, Torino, 2023.
Kracauer S., Il romanzo poliziesco, SE, Milano, 2011.
Lipovetsky G., La fiera dell’autenticità, Marsilio, Venezia, 2021.
Peters J. D., Parlare al vento. Storia dell’idea di comunicazione, Meltemi, Roma, 2005.
Williams R., Cultura e rivoluzione industriale, Einaudi, Torino, 1997.

The lectures will include the close reading and discussion of selected passages from the classics of sociological and media studies, to facilitate a smoother approach to the course topics. Audiovisual and photographic materials will also be presented and analyzed

Attendance is strongly recommended but not mandatory

The exam is oral. Attendance is strongly recommended but not mandatory. Attending students will have the option to take a midterm written test, which can exempt them from part of the final exam. Detailed information will be provided during the lectures.

Describe the birth and evolution of the cultural industry.
What are the characteristics of the digital amateur?
What does Simmel mean by the term "blasé"?
Explain the concept of simulacrum according to Jean Baudrillard.