Course 2012-2013 a.y.

Course Objectives

Always defined as a ‘window to the world’, television has been for many years the most important and the most penetrating media available with an extraordinary capability in amplifying the actuality depicted. In doing so it has contributed in determining the reality perception and in influencing its development. The analytical study of John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Richard Milhous Nixon personal and public story, as well as their political rivalry, will enable students to deeply and widely understand the strategic role held by the medium in social, cultural, political changes in any national and international contexts.

Course Content Summary

The course subject is the analysis of the television representation of two of the most important personalities of the nineteenth century: John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Richard Milhous Nixon.Built on a solid theoretical/critical basis, often strictly linked to cultural studies, sociology and political journalism theories, the course consider with particular attention three significant cases histories those have set the television event’s paradigm for many years:

• The historical 1960 debate between Kennedy and Nixon, that have revolutionized the way of looking at res publica in television and still nowadays influences the treatment reserved by the medium to the political topic. This is the television that informs.
• The 1963 Kennedy assassination in Dallas and the following few days, that had originated the longest and most important live coverage in the worldwide television history until 9/11. This is the television that narrates.
• The 1977 Frost/Nixon interviews,when the former U.S. President admitted his responsibilities in the Watergate scandal. This is the television that changes history.

The learning style is characterized by the regular screening of audiovisual materials, as well as a strong interaction between teacher-students-external lecturers

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

Detailed description of the exam will be communicated at the beginning of the course.

Textbooks

Detailed list of textbooks, articles and essays will be communicated at the beginning of the course.

Prerequisites

This class does not require prior knowledge of communications and mass media.