Theories of the Image
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide the students with an in-depth knowledge of the main representation and image theories. The proposed historical-critical path will address the fundamental questions and authors of this specific disciplinary field, which belongs to the wider domain of the aesthetic discipline (intended both as a theory of sensibility and as a theory of art), also taking into consideration its interdisciplinary connections with other domains such as: semiotics, art history, history of literature, media history and theory, psychology, anthropology, cognitive neurosciences.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course, the students will be able to master and discuss the main representation and image theories developed within the Western cultural tradition, with a particular emphasis on the contemporary debate. Along this path, the students will learn to hold a critical confrontation with the fundamental authors and concepts of this disciplinary domain, understanding its methods and being able to use its specific terminology.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
The students will acquire the skills necessary to apply the conceptual framework of the main representation and image theories to situations pertaining to the strategies of representation in the widest sense of the term and to the experience of the image (both artistic and non-artistic), having recourse to an adequate specific lexicon. They will be able to critically discuss the main theoretical models and to orient themselves in the corresponding literature. They will apply the acquired competences to the reading and critical comment of fundamental texts in representation and image theory. They will be encouraged to propose autonomous and original solutions to problems arising from the common discussion.
At the end of the course, the students will be able to master and discuss the main representation and image theories developed within the Western cultural tradition, with a particular emphasis on the contemporary debate. Along this path, the students will learn to hold a critical confrontation with the fundamental authors and concepts of this disciplinary domain, understanding its methods and being able to use its specific terminology.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
The students will acquire the skills necessary to apply the conceptual framework of the main representation and image theories to situations pertaining to the strategies of representation in the widest sense of the term and to the experience of the image (both artistic and non-artistic), having recourse to an adequate specific lexicon. They will be able to critically discuss the main theoretical models and to orient themselves in the corresponding literature. They will apply the acquired competences to the reading and critical comment of fundamental texts in representation and image theory. They will be encouraged to propose autonomous and original solutions to problems arising from the common discussion.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course is divided into three teaching units.
The first and second units will present the main methodological paradigms of Image Theory.
In the third unit, a contemporary classic will be read and commented on: the essay "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" by Walter Benjamin.
The first and second units will present the main methodological paradigms of Image Theory.
In the third unit, a contemporary classic will be read and commented on: the essay "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" by Walter Benjamin.
Prerequisites for admission
No preliminary knowledge is requested
Teaching methods
Lectures; classroom discussion; use of powerpoint presentations; projection of audiovisual material
Teaching Resources
Attending students 6 ECTS
· A. Pinotti, Il primo libro di teoria dell'immagine, Einaudi, Torino 2024
· R. Barthes, La camera chiara. Nota sulla fotografia, Einaudi, Torino 2003
· Materials available on the MyAriel site of the Course
Non-Attending students 6 ECTS
· A. Pinotti, Il primo libro di teoria dell'immagine, Einaudi, Torino 2024.
· R. Barthes, La camera chiara. Nota sulla fotografia, Einaudi, Torino 2003
· T. Elsaesser e M. Hagener, Teoria del film, Einaudi Torino 2009
· E. Modena, Immersioni. La realtà virtuale nelle mani degli artisti, Johan & Levi, Milano 2023
· S. Pirandello, Fantastiche presenze. Note su estetica, arte contemporanea e realtà aumentata, Johan & Levi, Milano 2023
Attending students 9 ECTS
· A. Pinotti, Il primo libro di teoria dell'immagine, Einaudi, Torino 2024.
· R. Barthes, La camera chiara. Nota sulla fotografia, Einaudi, Torino 2003.
· W. Benjamin, Aura e choc, Einaudi, Torino 2012 ("Introduzione", pp. IX-XXI; "Sezione I", pp. 5-73).
· Materials available on the MyAriel site of the Course
Non-Attending students 9 ECTS
· A. Pinotti, Il primo libro di teoria dell'immagine, Einaudi, Torino 2024.
· R. Barthes, La camera chiara. Nota sulla fotografia, Einaudi, Torino 2003.
· T. Elsaesser e M. Hagener, Teoria del film, Einaudi, Torino 2009
· W. Benjamin, Aura e choc, Einaudi, Torino 2012 (ALL).
· A. Pinotti, Il primo libro di teoria dell'immagine, Einaudi, Torino 2024
· R. Barthes, La camera chiara. Nota sulla fotografia, Einaudi, Torino 2003
· Materials available on the MyAriel site of the Course
Non-Attending students 6 ECTS
· A. Pinotti, Il primo libro di teoria dell'immagine, Einaudi, Torino 2024.
· R. Barthes, La camera chiara. Nota sulla fotografia, Einaudi, Torino 2003
· T. Elsaesser e M. Hagener, Teoria del film, Einaudi Torino 2009
· E. Modena, Immersioni. La realtà virtuale nelle mani degli artisti, Johan & Levi, Milano 2023
· S. Pirandello, Fantastiche presenze. Note su estetica, arte contemporanea e realtà aumentata, Johan & Levi, Milano 2023
Attending students 9 ECTS
· A. Pinotti, Il primo libro di teoria dell'immagine, Einaudi, Torino 2024.
· R. Barthes, La camera chiara. Nota sulla fotografia, Einaudi, Torino 2003.
· W. Benjamin, Aura e choc, Einaudi, Torino 2012 ("Introduzione", pp. IX-XXI; "Sezione I", pp. 5-73).
· Materials available on the MyAriel site of the Course
Non-Attending students 9 ECTS
· A. Pinotti, Il primo libro di teoria dell'immagine, Einaudi, Torino 2024.
· R. Barthes, La camera chiara. Nota sulla fotografia, Einaudi, Torino 2003.
· T. Elsaesser e M. Hagener, Teoria del film, Einaudi, Torino 2009
· W. Benjamin, Aura e choc, Einaudi, Torino 2012 (ALL).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral test: oral examination, the outcome of which will be evaluated in thirtieths according to the following criteria
(a) ability to discursively organise acquired knowledge and competences;
(b) capacity for critical reasoning;
(c) quality of exposition;
d) competence in the use of specialist vocabulary.
(a) ability to discursively organise acquired knowledge and competences;
(b) capacity for critical reasoning;
(c) quality of exposition;
d) competence in the use of specialist vocabulary.
Professor(s)
Reception:
In person and on-line (on TEAMS) office hours: please contact me via e-mail from @studenti.unimi.it
Dip. di Filosofia "Piero Martinetti", 2 floor