The course introduces the fundamental historical, theoretical, and practical elements needed to understand contemporary publishing as a form of cultural mediation for communication and the dissemination of literary content in both print and multimedia formats. The course builds upon and updates students’ literary knowledge and experience acquired during their studies, applying them to the world of books and publishing. Classroom exercises and field trips are included (with the possibility of visiting the Turin International Book Fair).
Course Prerequisites
Knowledge of contemporary Italian language and literature, a passion for reading, and an interest in understanding the mechanisms of the Italian publishing industry as the country's leading cultural industry.
Teaching Methods
Exercises, written assignments, and self-assessment activities on the Pandoracampus platform
Assessment Methods
Lectures with slides, practical exercises during the course, and mid-term tests. A final written examination is required.
Texts
R. CICALA, I meccanismi dell’editoria. Il mondo dei libri dalla carta all’intelligenza artificiale, il Mulino, Bologna 2025 (non l'edizione precedente in cui mancano aggiornamenti). R. CICALA, Andare per i luoghi dell'editoria, Il Mulino, Bologna 2024. Letture per il corso di Editoria, EDUCatt, Milano 2016. Additional updates, teaching materials, and instructions will be provided during the lectures.
Contents
The programme follows the contents of the textbook The Mechanisms of Publishing listed in the bibliography. Some of the main topics are outlined below. Although attendance is strongly recommended, recordings and materials from selected key lectures are available for working students and non-attending students through the Pandoracampus platform, accessible via the textbook or through the following link: https://www.mulino.it/isbn/9788815391629 THEORETICAL AND HISTORICAL SECTION
Foundations and history of the printed book Historical and theoretical bases of publishing in light of recent scholarship Text and paratext according to Gérard Genette The digital revolution in the humanities Standards in book and multimedia publishing: from hypertext to the web E-books: ongoing changes in content, formats, distribution, and reading practices
CONTEMPORARY PUBLISHING AND CASE STUDIES
The mechanisms of the publishing world from author to reader Writing and editorial processes between text and paratext Technologies and professions inside and outside publishing houses and in relation to the media Writing for books: editing, copy-editing, graphic design, and production Elio Vittorini: publishing activism in all its dimensions Italo Calvino: from press office work to editorial series Twentieth-century literary series: from classics to paperbacks The BUR and Oscar case studies Major literary series directed by writers and intellectuals New series and new genres: beyond graphic novels and romance fiction Places and logos of publishing Texts, spaces, and media for promotion and distribution
