These are some courses I created and taught recently for undergraduates and postgraduates. Each link accompanies a blog created by students.
Queer Media
The course provides students with the history and politics of queer media across time. Students acquire skills in reading critically queer artworks and media production in the West and the Global South, as well as reassess their own position towards the media acts and products deemed as queer or that explore sexual or gender diversity. The course is ultimately tailored to feed collective or individual projects that can advance queer media today, challenge its commodification, and address its criticality for our times.
Introduction to Data Journalism
This course introduces students to the rapidly evolving field of data journalism, which comprises a range of techniques applied by journalists and researchers to utilize data for investigation, analysis, and interactivity. Students become acquainted with several strategies, resources, and data repertoires that allow them to discover, present, synthesize, and control datasets to educate and inform diverse publics. Data journalism is pivotal not only for journalists but also institutions, such as NGOs, public companies, and other groups interested in raising awareness for many issues of our time.
Foundations in Critical Media Studies/Research Methods
The module has as its main aim to present students with methodological and theoretical pathways to study and analyse new media technologies. In this module, they will reflect on the impact of new media in society by developing a project based on their interests and gaps in literature. Activities include the development of a research project, including the main sections of a research project, where students will be guided on how to write literature reviews, methods, discussion, and a conclusion.
Writing Across the Media
The course introduces students to the various kinds of media writing. Participants will see how to write for distinct areas of the media, according to standards accepted in several media professions and digital multimedia productions. The course can also prepare them for more advanced media courses in the Communications and Media Studies program. Students will also be introduced to basic legal and ethical issues, such as libel, copyright, and privacy. The Only in Italy blog shows some of this course’s production.