Call for Applications: “Mediating Italy in Global Culture” Summer School, IX Edition

Organized by the Department of the Arts, University of Bologna (Italy),

in collaboration with Brown University, Dickinson College, The University of Michigan, The Ohio State University, and Wesleyan University

May 26-29, 2026

Location: Bologna (Italy)

***Application deadline: March 16th, 2026***

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

https://site.unibo.it/mediatingitaly/en

​About the Program

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 our international partners – will focus on the complex images, narratives and socio-cultural constructions of the brand “Italy” as articulated through screen media, literature, fashion, photography, celebrity culture, tourism, and sports, with particular attention to emerging and diversified audience clusters, on a local and international scale. Special emphasis will be placed on the circulation of audiovisual media across movie theaters, film festivals, and streaming services. As in previous editions, the program will also include cultural visits in the city, convivial social gatherings, and other special events, organized according to the composition of the class.

Costs

The tuition fee for the program, including all supplementary activities, is €120. Travel, accommodation and board expenses are not included. As Bologna is a highly crowded destination, successful candidates will be notified promptly to facilitate timely travel arrangements and accommodation bookings.

How to apply

  • Application deadline: March 16th, 2026.
  • Expected notification of acceptance: (by) March 31st, 2026.

Prospective applicants must complete and submit the online application form, accompanied by a comprehensive CV and a motivation letter; more detailed instructions can be found in the “Apply Now” section of the website https://site.unibo.it/mediatingitaly/en

Specific inquiries can be addressed to dar[dot]mediatingitaly[at]unibo[dot]it, or to the Director of the school, Prof. Luca Barra, luca[dot]barra[at]unibo[dot]it