Program Overview

Program Overview

The Semiotica dei nuovi media program is a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) offered by the University of Bologna. The course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the semiotics of new media, enabling them to critically analyze and discuss the concepts and themes related to digital media and communication.

Course Description

The course is divided into three main weeks, plus a week of introduction. Each week is composed of sections and units, with the units being the actual lessons in audio-visual and textual formats. The course covers topics such as media and technologies, old and new media, and interpersonal communication in the context of new media.

Prerequisites

For students who need to take the Semiotica dei nuovi media exam, the course assumes prior knowledge of theoretical and methodological tools introduced in fundamental semiotics courses. Specifically, it requires knowledge of the manual "Segni, linguaggi e testi: semiotica per la comunicazione" by C. Marmo and at least one of the following manuals: "Capire la semiotica" by M.P. Pozzato, "Le basi della semiotica" by S. Traini, or "Manuale di semiotica" by U. Volli.

Course Structure

• Week 1 - Media e tecnologie: Participants learn about digital media, the difference between technique and technology, and how technical-scientific sciences should dialogue with human sciences.
• Week 2 - Media vecchi e nuovi: Participants reflect on the concept of "new" applied to media and delve into the functioning of graphical interfaces and their relationship with visual metaphors.
• Week 3 - Comunicazione interpersonale e nuovi media: Participants explore various environments of interpersonal communication, mainly based on the internet, but also including SMS, voice calls, and instant messaging.

Assessment and Certification

• The course includes quizzes at the end of each week to consolidate learning.
• Each quiz question is worth 1 point.
• The MOOC is considered completed if participants answer at least 60% of the questions correctly.
• Upon completion and achieving the required score, participants can download and print an Attestato di partecipazione (Participation Certificate).

Additional Resources

• Forum: An open-access forum for participants to discuss course topics or propose discussions related to the content.
• Materiali aggiuntivi (Additional Materials): A section for further exploration of the topics, including a complete bibliography of the authors cited in the course and infographics accompanying the textual content.

Course Details

• Course Code: SNM101
• Start Date: September 15, 2025
• End Date: September 30, 2026
• Time Commitment: 3-4 hours/week
• Language: Italian

Instructor

The course is taught by Giovanna Cosenza, a Professor of Philosophy and Theory of Languages at the University of Bologna, specializing in semiotics, storytelling, and the semiotics of new media. She has written numerous articles and monographs, including "Semiotica e comunicazione politica" and "Introduzione alla semiotica dei nuovi media".