Teaching Workshop: Theories, Techniques, Tools for Cultural Communication
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The "Theories, techniques and tools for digital cultural communication" workshop is a specialized course for the Bachelor's degree in 'Ancient Civilizations for the Contemporary World'. It aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively communicate concepts related to ancient, modern and contemporary cultural heritage, in particular the history and techniques of plant-based dyeing from ancient Greece to the present day. The workshop offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with modern digital communication tools and techniques, learning to apply them in the context of their academic research.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: in-depth knowledge of theories and techniques (Digital storytelling; content marketing; SEO copywriting; artificial intelligence; communication, monitoring and infographics on social networks) and tools (Wordpress; Shorthand; Canva; Chat-GPT/Claude; Figma; Tableau) for the digital communication of cultural heritage.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: ability to concretely apply the theories and techniques of digital communication learned thanks to the use of the practical tools shown during the lessons.
Communication skills: ability to recognize and use the most suitable communication methods for the context to be communicated.
Learning skills: autonomous ability to use techniques, theories and tools learned in a particular communication contexts.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: ability to concretely apply the theories and techniques of digital communication learned thanks to the use of the practical tools shown during the lessons.
Communication skills: ability to recognize and use the most suitable communication methods for the context to be communicated.
Learning skills: autonomous ability to use techniques, theories and tools learned in a particular communication contexts.
Lesson period: First semester
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Course syllabus
The laboratory (20 hours = 3 ECTS) is divided into seven sessions. The course will focus on the following tools:
· Shorthand and WordPress for digital storytelling
· StoryMap JS for creating interactive, map-based narratives
· Timeline JS for developing multimedia timelines
· Copilot for exploring generative AI in content creation
· Tableau for effective data analysis and visualization
Topics covered include ancient Greek and Roman dyeing practices, medieval and Renaissance developments, modern innovations, and contemporary sustainable dyeing techniques. Students will learn to apply these digital tools to communicate complex historical and archaeological information effectively. Each session combines theoretical learning about historical dyeing techniques with practical application of specific digital communication tools.
· Shorthand and WordPress for digital storytelling
· StoryMap JS for creating interactive, map-based narratives
· Timeline JS for developing multimedia timelines
· Copilot for exploring generative AI in content creation
· Tableau for effective data analysis and visualization
Topics covered include ancient Greek and Roman dyeing practices, medieval and Renaissance developments, modern innovations, and contemporary sustainable dyeing techniques. Students will learn to apply these digital tools to communicate complex historical and archaeological information effectively. Each session combines theoretical learning about historical dyeing techniques with practical application of specific digital communication tools.
Prerequisites for admission
Students are required to have an excellent cultural preparation and a certain aptitude in the use of modern digital tools (social networks, blog platforms, e-mail, etc). Any gaps in digital skills will be addressed during the workshop.
Teaching methods
The laboratory consists of theoretical lectures and hands-on practice with the specified digital communication tools, then concretely applied to topics concerning historical dyeing techniques. Each student must have access to a personal computer to participate in practical exercises. Workshops will include guided tutorials on using Shorthand, WordPress, StoryMap JS, Timeline JS, Copilot, and Tableau.
Teaching Resources
Teaching Resources:
- Finlay V., Color: A Natural History of the Palette, 2002
- Perrin Akçakoca Kumbasar E., Natural Dyes, 2022
- Bonacchi C., Digital Public Archaeology, 2022
- Rossi G., Tissoni F., Social Network. Comunicazione e Marketing, II Ed, Maggioli Editore, Sant'Arcangelo di Romagna, 2022.
- Crestodina A., Content e Inbound Marketing, Flakowsky edizioni, 2020.
- Finlay V., Color: A Natural History of the Palette, 2002
- Perrin Akçakoca Kumbasar E., Natural Dyes, 2022
- Bonacchi C., Digital Public Archaeology, 2022
- Rossi G., Tissoni F., Social Network. Comunicazione e Marketing, II Ed, Maggioli Editore, Sant'Arcangelo di Romagna, 2022.
- Crestodina A., Content e Inbound Marketing, Flakowsky edizioni, 2020.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students will work in small groups (maximum 4 students) to create a comprehensive digital communication project on a chosen topic related to historical dyeing techniques. The project should incorporate at least three different digital communication formats (e.g., blog post, infographic, social media campaign). Each team member will be responsible for a specific aspect of the project and will produce an individual report describing their contribution.
The project will be evaluated based on: 1) Overall effectiveness, structure, and design 2) Individual contributions of each team member.
Each student will receive an individual evaluation (pass/fail) based on their contribution to the group project and their individual report.
The practical project is designed to evaluate students' understanding of historical dyeing techniques and their ability to effectively communicate this knowledge using digital tools.
The project will be evaluated based on: 1) Overall effectiveness, structure, and design 2) Individual contributions of each team member.
Each student will receive an individual evaluation (pass/fail) based on their contribution to the group project and their individual report.
The practical project is designed to evaluate students' understanding of historical dyeing techniques and their ability to effectively communicate this knowledge using digital tools.
Professor(s)