About

Mediating Italy in Global Culture Eighth Edition

The University of Bologna, in collaboration with Brown University, Dickinson College,
The University of Michigan, The Ohio State University and Wesleyan University,
invites you to join us for the eighth edition of
the Mediating Italy in Global Culture Summer School

in partnership with Università del Salento

June 8-11, 2025

Location: Lecce, Apulia (Italy)

Application Deadline: March 21st, 2025

Notification of acceptance: March 31st, 2025.

Open to: Graduate and Post-Graduate Students with a background in Media Studies, Film Studies, Italian Studies, Cultural Production, American Studies, and similar degrees

About the Program

The Department of the Arts of the University of Bologna, in collaboration with Brown University, Dickinson College, The University of Michigan, The Ohio State University, and Wesleyan University, invites applications for the 2025 edition of the “Mediating Italy in Global Culture” Summer School. This intensive program will be held in Lecce, Apulia, from Sunday, June 8th, to Wednesday, June 11th, 2025, and is specifically tailored for graduate and post-graduate students seeking an enriching academic experience.

The summer school is designed to enhance participants’ theoretical and methodological skills while facilitating dynamic discussions on the creation, dissemination, and reception of Italian cultural and media products. These discussions will be contextualized within various global frameworks, including but not limited to the United States, the UK, the European Union, the Mediterranean, and the Global South, with a focus on how these regions influence and shape global perceptions of Italy.

Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and roundtable discussions centered on specific topics and case studies, the program offers a platform for students to engage actively by presenting and discussing their research with our esteemed international faculty. Dedicated Q&A sessions, alongside individual and group activities, further foster interdisciplinary dialogue and engagement throughout the course.

Curriculum Highlights

This year’s curriculum, developed in collaboration with the University of Salento, highlights the nuanced representations of Mediterranean culture as part of “Brand Italy” in media such as film, television, digital platforms, music, and culinary traditions. The program includes immersive visits to Lecce’s cultural institutions and artistic communities, offering participants a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage. Participants will also explore the area’s natural ecosystems and coastal landscapes, while engaging with Lecce’s renowned Baroque architecture and Roman history through visits to archeological landmarks such as the Roman Amphitheater. To enrich the experience further, the program incorporates opportunities to engage with the region’s vibrant artistic and musical traditions. Together, these diverse activities aim to foster a profound and comprehensive connection to the cultural richness of Lecce and its surrounding areas.

Costs

The tuition fee for the program, including all supplementary activities, is €100. Although travel and accommodation expenses are not included, the program will provide special rates for hotel rooms and shared apartments. As Lecce is a sought-after tourist destination, applicants are encouraged to apply early. Successful candidates will be notified promptly to facilitate timely travel arrangements.

Application Process

To apply, interested candidates must complete the online application form and submit a detailed CV and a motivation letter by March 21st, 2025. Notifications of acceptance will be issued by March 31st, 2025.

For additional information, please refer to the Apply Now section.

Contacts

Specific inquiries can be addressed to dar.mediatingitaly@unibo.it, Prof. Luca Barra, luca.barra@unibo.it, Dr. Elisa Farinacci, elisa.farinacci2@unibo.it and Dr. Emiliano Rossi, emiliano.rossi5@unibo.it.

This year, the summer school is generously sponsored by and organized as part of the project Digital and International Arts through Augmented Reality and Research for Young Students (Artists) – “D.I.A.R.Y.”.

In collaboration with Università del Salento and Gambero Rosso Academy

In partnership with DAMSLab.

Under the patronage of Consulta Universitaria del Cinema (CUC).