DIGITAL MEDIA FOR CULTURE AND TOURISM

The course aims to introduce the main sociological theories related to digital media through an in-depth overview of the transformation process underway in tourism and cultural enterprises, following the extraordinary evolution of Information and Communication Technologies. To this end, an introduction will be offered to the issues associated with the design, representation and communication in a digital environment and on the Web of resources associated with the different types of Cultural Domains. Students will develop a theoretical and practical basis strengthened by the analysis of various case studies that will enable them to understand and actively contribute to digital projects, aimed at providing resources and services in the tourism and cultural sector, with particular reference to the role of cultural heritage in the construction of a peaceful and democratic society and to the consequences on the social and territorial context, in terms of individual and collective identities, emerging cultures, inequalities and participatory styles.

1) Knowledge and understanding

At the end of the course, the student will be able to frame the effects of media use in the broader context of the sociology of culture; place contemporary media in a context of historical evolution and understand the key characteristics of contemporary digital communication. He/she will also be able to contextualize the political framework and strategic directions in the field of digitalization at a national and international level.

2) Applying knowledge and understanding

At the end of the course, the student will be able to connect the theories learned during the course to specific communicative facts. He/she will also be able to support an analytical interpretation of a communicative event based on the theoretical approaches offered by the course and to use, understand and design digital resources appropriate to the contexts and recipients, regarding different types of Cultural domains and audiences.

3) Making judgments

At the end of the course, the student will be able to analyze specific communicative acts (e.g. case studies, promotional campaigns, applications, web platforms and social media) based on the theoretical knowledge acquired, both in the field of sociology of culture and in the field of sociology of the media.

4) Communication skills

At the end of the course, the student will be able to clearly expose the effects of certain communication choices. He/she will have the ability to use digital platforms with a critical attitude.

5) Learning skills

At the end of the course, the student will be able to independently acquire information from multiple sources to support his/her analytical conclusions. The student, equipped with the basic analytical tools, will be able to continue studying the subject in more advanced contexts.

The course is divided into three modules:

1 Cultural sociology (2 CFU)

2 Sociology of digital media (3 CFU)

3 Methods for the study of digital platforms (4 CFU)

-Introduction to the sociology of communication;

-The concept of culture and prevailing theories: Digital Humanities and Cultural Domains;

-The sociology of Media and the framework of normative sources, political agendas and transnational community perspectives on digitalization and culture;

-From the Information Society to the Knowledge Society: perspectives of Web 4.0;

-Culture and identity in digital spaces: tourism as experiential between off-line and on-line;

Digital platforms as spaces for collaboration and participation: virtual communities;

-Transmedia storytelling and digital platforms for tourism and Culture; How to study digital platforms: cultural analysis and design applied to the tourism sector between theoretical foundations, quality and sustainability;

-Digital methods and creative capital.

-         Module 1 (2 CFU) Griswold, W. (2005). Sociologia della cultura. Il Mulino. ch.1, 2, 3, 4 and 7.

-         Module 2 Balbi, G. (2022). L'ultima ideologia. Breve storia della rivoluzione digitale. Bari-Roma: Laterza. Pp 168

-        Module 3 (4 CFU) Arvidsson, A., & Delfanti, A. (2013). Introduzione ai media digitali. Il Mulino. pp 200; E. Bonacini, Digital storytelling nel marketing culturale e turistico. Manuale pratico con esempi applicativi. Flaccovio 2021, ch. 1, 2 and 3 (pp. 15-167) and a case from cp. 4.

Further in-depth teaching materials will be provided and/or discussed in class and made available by the teacher.

Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Faro Convention, 2005);

Three-Year Plan for the Digitization and Innovation of Museums, Directorate-General for Museums, 2018;

National Plan for the Digitization of Cultural Heritage, Mibact 202;

Glossary of Technologies, ICOM 2020 European Agenda for Tourism 2030 - Council Conclusions (adopted on 1.12.2022);

Strategic Plan for Tourism 2023-2027, Ministry of Tourism;

 I. Di Natale, From Cultural Tourism to Cultural and Creative Enterprises. Cultural Heritage 3.0: Smart Heritage Project: Metropolitan Museums-landscapes between innovation and digital technology, PhD thesis, XXIX cycle, 2017, pp. 285 Please note that, pursuant to art. 171 of Law 22 April 1941, no. 633 and subsequent provisions, photocopying books on the market, in excess of 15% of the volume or magazine issue, is a criminal offense. For further information on the restrictions and sanctions for the illicit use of photocopies, you can consult the Guidelines on the management of copyright in universities (edited by the Italian Association for the Rights of Reproduction of Intellectual Works - AIDRO). The reference texts can be consulted in the Library.