69506 - Sociosemiotics (1)

Learning outcomes

The course, assuming that students are already familiar with the basic concepts of semiotics, aims to teach them how to apply these concepts to social phenomena, particularly those related to popular culture.

 

 

Course contents

The first part of the course will introduce the fundamental principles of the socio-semiotic approach, whilst the course will subsequently take on a monographic focus, centring on pop culture and the narrative identities of pop icons and musical celebrities.

Case studies will be examined through homework and classroom exercises, analysing the biographical journeys and works of artists such as:

• Milva
• Lucio Dalla
• Renato Carosone and Pino Daniele
• The Beatles
• David Bowie
• Iggy Pop

Readings/Bibliography

• INTRODUCTION AND METHOD - compulsory reading

Landowski, E. (1997), Présences de l’autre: essais de socio-sémiotique II, Paris, PUF (two essays, French original or Italian translation).

 

Ricoeur, P. (2020), Sé come un altro, Jaca Book (“Quinto studio”, pp. 201-230, French original or Italian translation).

 

Spaziante, L. (2016), Icone pop. Identità e apparenze tra semiotica e musica,  Bruno Mondadori.

 

• CASE STUDIES (three essays of your choice)

1. Lorusso, A.M., Spaziante, L. (a cura di) (2023), In arte, Milva, Silvana Editoriale.
2. Spaziante, L. (2017), Bowie playing to be. La narrazione e il raffinato gioco della rockstar senza soggetto, «La Rivista di Engramma», 141.  
3. Spaziante L. (2022), “Lucio Dalla, per brevità chiamato cantautore", Comunicazioni sociali, vol. 3, pp. 315-330.
4. Spaziante, L. (2023), "The Beatles", in D. Mangano and F. Sedda, Simboli d’oggi: critica dell’inflazione semiotica, Mimesis, pp. 125-148.
5. Spaziante, L. (2025), Qui dove il mare luccica. Tradizione e traduzione nella canzone napoletana, tra Renato Carosone e Pino Daniele, «Versus», 54, pp. 77 – 92. 
6. Spaziante, L. (2026), Iggy Pop, Nude & Rude. Modelli e rituali di trasgressione nelle culture musicali giovanili, «E/C», 44, pp. 39 – 50.  

 

• Optional further reading 

Spaziante, L. (2007), Sociosemiotica del pop. Identità, testi e pratiche musicali, Carocci, 2007.

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures, and attendance is recommended in order to encourage active participation in the course.

The lessons will include group activities, classroom exercises and assignments to be completed at home.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Assessment methods

Assessment takes the form of a TERM PAPER (individual or in groups of up to four) to be discussed during an oral examination, focusing on a topic and/or a case study related to the areas covered during the course, to be agreed in advance with the lecturer.

Methodological support will be provided for the preparation of the term paper, and the criteria for its drafting and assessment will be outlined at the start of the lectures.

Non-attending students may, as an alternative, sit an oral examination based solely on the books and articles on the syllabus.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

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EVALUATION CRITERIA

The ability to argue in a critical, in-depth and original way - quoting names and definitions - combined with the possession of an expressive mastery, which demonstrates the learning of a specific language, as well as the mastery of analytical tools, will be assessed overall with marks of excellent range (28 / 30L).

The mechanical and / or mnemonic knowledge of the subject, combined with poorly articulated synthesis and analysis skills and / or an incorrect use of specific language, will lead to evaluations of a good range (24/27).

Obvious training gaps and / or inappropriate language - while showing a set of minimal knowledge of the exam material - will lead to grades that, depending on the case, will exceed the sufficiency, or a little more (18/23).

Training gaps, inappropriate language, lack of orientation within the bibliographic materials offered during the course, inability to argue, will be evaluated below sufficiency.

 

Teaching tools

During the lectures, multimedia and digital equipment (PCs, audiovisuals, projectors, online teaching platforms) will be used according to the teaching needs.

Office hours

See the website of Lucio Spaziante