Prof. Micaela Latini
Teaching of Languages and theories of the image.
Title: 'The images of wars: instructions for use'.
In italian
The aim of the course is to explore the field of action of images in a path that tackles the most significant issues of the contemporary world, from colonialism to the First World War, up to 11 September, passing through the construction of Auschwitz and the destruction of Hiroshima. It is planned in a very broad perspective, ranging from a more strictly philosophical analysis to a more literary, filmic investigation or even linked to YouTube videos. For this reason, the lessons of the course are intended to range in different directions, from the aesthetic-philosophical to the historical-political, from the literary to the visual. It is within the network traced by these paths (and others to be discovered) that the connection between war and image is configured in all its cultural relevance.
The lessons will be aimed at analysing - through the reading and commentary of some key passages borrowed from classical texts (by Anders, Benjamin, Brecht, Kafka, Jünger, Musil, Sebald, Simmel) - the fruition of the "image", in all its war potential and in its most internal contradictions. On this basis, some typical examples of war images will be examined from an "intermediate" perspective: from a classical literary reading to a philosophical approach and a visual or filmic reading. In the exploration of war images, one encounters the question of the potential of the gaze, but also of its limit. Through the analysis of some texts, the course therefore proposes to offer students the ability to master the basic techniques of philosophical, literary and visual narration of conflicts, in order to then export them to the communicative strategies they have chosen as their preferred field of interest.
Strong interest in the humanities (particularly in philosophy and literature), consolidated during high school; focus on the world of communication and consideration of the field of visual and intermediate culture.
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This 7-credit course consists of 56 hours of face-to-face lectures. Each lecture includes moments of discussion. It is also intended to use slides and films as teaching material. An (optional) section of the course could be dedicated to the students' exposition on their pathway.
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The examination will cover the course content and will focus on the study of the texts in the programme and the ability to analyse them with the text in hand (reading a passage and commentary). In addition to the knowledge of the course content, the ability to place the works in their appropriate socio-cultural framework (10 points), the ability to explore a theme in depth (5 points), and to critically argue it (5 points), the ability to connect different aspects and to draw affinities/divergences between the different authors (5 points), as well as the correctness of exposition (5 points) will be assessed. Non-attendees are requested to contact the lecturer.
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The examination will cover the course content and will focus on the study of the texts in the programme and the ability to analyse them with the text in hand (reading a passage and commentary). In addition to the knowledge of the course content, the ability to place the works in their appropriate socio-cultural framework (10 points), the ability to explore a theme in depth (5 points), and to critically argue it (5 points), the ability to connect different aspects and to draw affinities/divergences between the different authors (5 points), as well as the correctness of exposition (5 points) will be assessed. Non-attendees are requested to contact the lecturer.
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Basic text:

M. Guerra (ed.), Le immagini delle guerre contemporanee, Meltemi, Milano 2017

2 (two) texts (or groups of texts) to be chosen by the student from among those listed below:
Anders, G., L’odio è antiquato, Bollati Boringhieri
Anders, G., L’ultima vittima di Hiroshima, Mimesis, Milano
Benjamin