Attendance

The course aims to address cinema as a matrix and crossroads of the contemporary iconosphere. Starting with the definition of the “iconic turn” that gave rise to the transdisciplinary field known as visual culture studies and Bildenwissenschaft, the course will analyze the specific role of cinema as a point of intersection of different iconic codes – from classical figurative traditions to advertising, from photography to archaic symbolism, from fashion to contemporary art – and as a generator and depository of images capable of shaping the iconic landscape in which we are immersed. By the end of the course, the students will have acquired the following notions and skills: 1. Knowledge and understanding skills Basic concepts and tools of visual culture studies, ability to understand the cultural dimension – technically, socially and historically determined – of the images and of the gaze. 2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding Ability to analyze film images from a transdisciplinary perspective, and to look at film history as part of a more complex media ecology. 3. Making judgments Cultivation of a critical reflection on the gaze, on its technical devices and on its psychological, sociological and cultural dimensions. Part of the course will include discussions under the guidance of the teacher. 4. Communication Scholarly and academic writing skills on cinema and visual culture. For the final exam, students will be asked to present and discuss a written paper; 5. Lifelong learning skills Ability to pursue study independently, following the bibliographic and filmographic guidelines provided during the lessons.