Duration
30h Th
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
This course explores the relationship between books and digital technology, in a perspective broadened to include the computerization of the book chain. It begins with an analysis of the major contradictory myths surrounding the emergence of the digital book, highlighting both the prospective discourses and the symbolic oppositions it generated. It then moves on to examine the impact of information technology on book professions at the end of the twentieth century, as well as the presentation of pioneering digital publishing projects.
The course then addresses the different editorial forms of the digital book (homothetic, enriched, interactive applications) and their reading devices (computer, e-reader, tablet, smartphone). These are compared in order to identify differentiated and complementary reading practices. Within this framework, the printed book is considered as one of the possible realizations of content in the digital ecosystem, alongside the audiobook.
Special attention is devoted to the functioning of the digital book chain and to the professions involved. The analysis focuses in particular on distribution, bookstores, and libraries, while also considering the redefinitions, creations, and possible disappearances of roles induced by disintermediation. Specific cases, such as online self-publishing or print-on-demand, are used to illustrate these transformations.
Finally, the course examines new forms of mediation linked to reader communities and to contemporary figures of criticism and recommendation (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok). It confronts the commercial publishing model with alternative paradigms emerging from libraries, scientific research, or even the sphere of piracy, in order to highlight the profound upheavals that digital technology is bringing about in the print book industry.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- understand the major transformations of the book chain in the digital era;
- distinguish between digital publishing typologies and formats, and link them to reading devices;
- analyze economic models and the tensions (internal and external) structuring digital publishing;
- identify new practices of diffusion, criticism, and mediation;
- evaluate the impact of digital technology on publishing professions, reading practices, and cultural paradigms;
- adopt a critical stance towards emerging issues (disintermediation, piracy, ecology, AI).
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
None.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
- Theoretical and analytical lectures.
- Case studies and documented examples.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
Further information:
The main material is a slideshow covering the course content. Additional readings (articles, industry reports) may be recommended.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( open-ended questions )
Further information:
Assessment takes the form of a written, in-person exam, closed book. The exam combines different types of questions designed to assess mastery of knowledge, understanding of concepts, analytical skills, and critical reflection on the subject matter.
Evaluation criteria include accuracy of knowledge, soundness of analysis, clarity and organization of answers, and language correctness.
Use of artificial intelligence?:
The use of AI is prohibited during the exam. For preparatory work (readings, note-taking), limited and critical use may be tolerated (e.g., linguistic or reformulation support). Any use must be declared. AI must never replace reading or comprehension of the material.
Work placement(s)
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Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
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Contacts
Tanguy HABRAND
tanguy.habrand@uliege.be
Association of one or more MOOCs
There is no MOOC associated with this course.