The course presents the basic elements (historical and theoretical, with practical elements) which help to understand the mechanisms of contemporary publishing as a phenomenon of cultural mediation for communication and for the dissemination of literary content in the book and multimedia field, with particular reference to the Italian contemporary background. The teaching capitalizes on and updates the literary skills and experiences of students acquired during their studies.
Course Prerequisites
The course is open to various study paths, since publishing involves every sector of culture (literature, social communications, foreign languages, philosophy, history and art, law, economics, etc.), requiring a basic knowledge of contemporary literary culture.
Teaching Methods
Presentation of the study context in lectures with case studies of contemporary publishing; viewing of in-depth documentation; practical didactic exercises on some phases of the editorial work; meetings and testimonies (in presence or video) of professionals.
Assessment Methods
At the end of the course there is a written test which is valid as an exam (the final evaluation takes into account attendance and exercises), with an oral interview for further verification only for those who have not passed the minimum allowed
Texts
Bibliography: Letture per il corso di Editoria, EDUCatt, Milano 2016. R. CICALA, I meccanismi dell’editoria, il Mulino, Bologna 2021. Extra: B. BLASSELLE, Il libro. dal papiro a Gutenberg, EDUcatt. Milano 2009. G.C. FERRETTI, Storia dell’editoria letteraria in Italia. 1945-2003, Einaudi, Torino 2004 (capp. I, IV e V).
Contents
THEORETICAL PART FOUNDATIONS Stages of editorial mediation from the author to the reader Historical and theoretical basis of publishing in relation to recent studies Text and paratext according to G. Genette Digital revolution in the humanities area Standards of book and multimedia publishing: from hypertext to the web Digital resources for literary studies in the publishing area E-book: ongoing changes in content, media, distribution, reading
HISTORICAL PART CONTEMPORARY EXPERIENCES The writers-editors Vittorini: militant publishing at 360 degrees Sereni: editorial direction Calvino: from the press office to the series Experiences between the twentieth century and 2000 Literary series of the twentieth century: from classics to paperbacks The Bur-Oscar cases The main series with literary directors The publishing of classics, poetry and children New series and new genres: not just graphic novels
PRACTICAL PART EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS Writings and editorial phases between text and paratext Writing for books: between editing, graphics and production Texts, spaces and media for promotion and distribution Technologies and professions inside and outside the publishing house and in relation to the media Possible meetings with experts and analysis of contemporary editorial cases
