Media History

The aim of this course is to provide an introductory yet wide-ranging account over the emergence and development of different media throughout History, from Gutenberg’s printing press to the commercialization of social media. Based on a strong multidisciplinary outlook and a rough chronological perspective, the course explores the relationship between the adoption of technological innovations in the media sphere and social, cultural, economic and political change. The goal is to let students understand how the media not only contribute to historical development, but also influence human experience. Finally, in order to provide students with a global understanding of the topic, rather than concentrating on the West, the course includes case studies about Africa, India, and China.