Starting from the definition of the collective imagery as a symbolic heritage and as a form of communication through images, the course aims to provide the theoretical and methodological analysis of the contemporary imagery and forms of visual culture: form the statutes of the image in the cultural and artistic industry to the centrality of the visual dimension i in modern and contemporary social and communicative contexts.
Knowledge of the theory and practices of imagination can stimulate the ability to critically observe the symbolic forms of the present with which the professionals of the communication and advertising world have to deal with.

Specifically, the course has the following objectives:
- provide theoretical and empirical tools to observe and experience the meta-territorial and widespread character in the media territories of the contemporary collective imagery;
- introduce elements of critical analysis of the contemporary cultural industry and the "zeitgeist";
- propose a particular focus on travel practices and its representations;
- provide critical tools and analysis of the transition from a representationist imagery to a performative one;
- introduce to the study and critical analysis of visual culture with particular reference to gender representations and post-colonial studies;
- provide the tools necessary to set up a visual research project in accordance with the Visual Sociology approach.

1. Fundamentals of theory of the imagery
1.1. imaginary definition
1.2. The studies on the imaginary and the birth of a controversial discipline

2. The keywords of the imagery:
2.1. The symbolic and myth
2.2. The archetype: archetype itself and archetypal images
2.3. The individual level and social / collective level of the imagery
2.4. Social and collective representations

3. Imagery, collective representations and images of modernity
3.1. cultural industry and mass culture
3.2. Forms and media in the cultural contemporary aesthetic
3.3. Archetypes and stereotypes in media representations and advertising

4. Imagery and visual communication:
4.1. Visual culture and Iconic Turn
4.2. Images and way of seeing
4.3. Media technologies and virtualization of the image
4.4. Visual Networking: the visual status of social media

5. The imagery of the travel: from representation to performance
5.1. Forms of travel and society structure
5.2. The sightseeing theory
5.3. Epistemology and representationalist imagery of travel
5.4. Epistemology and performative imagery of travel

6. The Visual Sociology:
6.1. The design of the visual search
6.1. Research on pictures and images: visual analysis methodology and techniques

1. Knowledge and understanding: the forms and language of the collective contemporary imagery through the acquisition of theoretical models with particular attention to the dynamics related to the transformation of the culture industry. 1.1. Students are awarded this basic knowledge by attending the lectures and seminars, the study of the texts discussed in class and exercise class.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding through the ability to analyze cultural products by applying the main methods of analysis. 2.1. Skills acquired through moments of training workshop in class. 
3. Capacity of judgment: critical reflection on the evolutionary dynamics of the relationship between forms of the imaginary and society as well as the changes taking place that affect communication as a whole and the forms of communication through images in particular. 3.1. That judgment will be applied in the confrontation in the classroom with the teacher and colleagues, during exercises and in the preparation of the final exam.
4. Communication skills: Students are required to interact in the classroom through questions, trade with fellow students, writing of short presentations during the exercise. 4.1. Skill practicing in the classroom with the organization of moments of discussion and exercise.
5. Learning skills: students comes required to adopt a method of critical learning skills that can connect theoretical and empirical analysis, oriented to the specification of independent thought. 5.1. Ability to strengthen thanks to the argument with the teacher and classmates.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Lectures, seminars, exercise class.

Attendance

It will be a compulsory attendance 50% of the lesson time.

Course books

- Morin E. (2017), Lo spirito del tempo, Meltemi, Milano (a cura di A. Rabbito). 
- Gemini L. (2008), In viaggio. Comunicazione, immaginario e pratiche del turismo contemporaneo, FrancoAngeli, Milano.
- Faccioli P., Losacco G. (2010), Nuovo manuale di sociologia visuale. Dall'analogico al digitale, FrancoAngeli, Milano (da p. 9 a p. 105).
- Boccia Artieri G. (2001), Lo sguardo della Medusa e la virtualizzazione dell'immagine, in Faccioli P. (a cura di), In altre parole. Idee per una sociologia più visuale, FrancoAngeli, Milano (pp. 75-98).
- Gemini L. (2018), Zeitgeist seriale. L’immaginario e i suoi archetipi nella serialità televisiva, in Cleto F., Pasquali F. (a cura di), Tempo di serie. La temporalità nella narrazione seriale, Unicopli, Milano (pp. 131-148).

- Gemini L. (2021), Immaginario e comunicazione: teorie a confronto, in Centorrino M., Romeo A. (a cura di), Sociologia della comunicazione. Teorie, concetti, strumenti, Mondadori, Milano (pp. 403-422).

- AA.VV. (2021), Other texts indicated.

Assessment

The exam will be held through an individual interview based on textbooks suggested. The aim is to evaluate both student's comprehension of the content and his ability in reworking concepts and in argumenting. It is possibile to present a written document on a topic agreed with the teacher. 

Excellent grades will be given in presence of: a good critical perspective and in depth study; knowing how to link among them the main subjects addressed during the course; the use of an appropriate language.

Good grades will be given in presence of:  good mnemonic knowledge of the contents; a relatively good critical perspective and connection skills related to the treated topics; the use of appropriate language.

Sufficient grades will be given in presence of: the achievement of a minimal knowledge on the treated themes, even in presence of some gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Negative grades will be given in presence of: a difficult orientation related to the the treated topics; knowledge gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Study of the exam books.

Course books

- Morin E. (2017), Lo spirito del tempo, Meltemi, Milano (a cura di A. Rabbito). 
- Gemini L. (2008), In viaggio. Comunicazione, immaginario e pratiche del turismo contemporaneo, FrancoAngeli, Milano.
- Faccioli P., Losacco G. (2010), Nuovo manuale di sociologia visuale. Dall'analogico al digitale, FrancoAngeli, Milano (da p. 9 a p. 105).
- Boccia Artieri G. (2001), Lo sguardo della Medusa e la virtualizzazione dell'immagine, in Faccioli P. (a cura di), In altre parole. Idee per una sociologia più visuale, FrancoAngeli, Milano (pp. 75-98).
- Gemini L. (2018), Zeitgeist seriale. L’immaginario e i suoi archetipi nella serialità televisiva, in Cleto F., Pasquali F. (a cura di), Tempo di serie. La temporalità nella narrazione seriale, Unicopli, Milano (pp. 131-148).

- Gemini L. (2021), Immaginario e comunicazione: teorie a confronto, in Centorrino M., Romeo A. (a cura di), Sociologia della comunicazione. Teorie, concetti, strumenti, Mondadori, Milano (pp. 403-422).

AA.VV. (2021), Other texts indicated on moodle platform for the blended learining.

Assessment

The exam will be held through an individual interview based on textbooks suggested. The aim is to evaluate both student's comprehension of the content and his ability in reworking concepts and in argumenting. It is possibile to present a written document on a topic agreed with the teacher. 

Excellent grades will be given in presence of: a good critical perspective and in depth study; knowing how to link among them the main subjects addressed during the course; the use of an appropriate language.

Good grades will be given in presence of:  good mnemonic knowledge of the contents; a relatively good critical perspective and connection skills related to the treated topics; the use of appropriate language.

Sufficient grades will be given in presence of: the achievement of a minimal knowledge on the treated themes, even in presence of some gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Negative grades will be given in presence of: a difficult orientation related to the the treated topics; knowledge gaps; the use of a not appropriate language.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

For part-time students attendance of the lectures is not mandatory. Students who will not attend at least the 50% of the lectures will have to contact the teacher.