28371 - Semiotic Interpretation (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the module, the student gains advanced proficiency in the theoretical and methodological aspects of interpretative semiotics, considered in conjunction with generative and tensive semiotics. They also acquire the ability to assess the effectiveness of this synthetic approach in the analysis of

Course contents

This year's course is dedicated to a semiotics of subjectivity, specifically focusing on how language and semiotic systems construct what is considered the "subject" in Western philosophical tradition. The course will also explore this through the analysis of contemporary languages, applying semiotic categories to both aesthetic texts and popular culture, such as films, TV shows, songs, music videos, etc.

In the first part of the course, the characteristics of interpretative semiotics will be illustrated, demonstrating how it can address and tackle the theme of the subject. Some concepts will be introduced to aid in the subsequent analyses, which will focus on the cinema of Lynch (Mulholland Drive, Lost Highway), Nolan (Inception), and Kaufman (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), TV series (Westworld), parodies (Guzzanti, Elio e le Storie Tese, Neri Marcoré), pop-rock author songs (Radiohead, Pink Floyd, The Doors, The Cure, Sigur Rós), and opera (Rossini).

Given the nature of the course, it is highly recommended to attend the classes.

Readings/Bibliography

C. Paolucci, Strutturalismo e interpretazione, Milano, Bompiani, only chapter 1 and 3.

F. Casetti, Dentro lo sguardo, Milano, Bompiani.

- C. Paolucci, Persona. Soggettività nel linguaggio e semiotica dell'enunciazione, Milano, Bompiani, pp. 1-217 e 285-362.

- C. Paolucci, "Una percezione macchinica: realtà virtuale e realtà aumentata tra simulacri e protesi dell’enunciazione", in: Meaning–Making in Extended Reality. Senso e Virtualità, Roma, Aracne, 2020, pp. 43 - 62.

Teaching methods

The course will integrate lectures and textual analysis in an attempt to apply the ideas of interpretive semiotics to film, music and art, with particular reference to the problem of the subject.

Assessment methods

Oral questions about the texts and the books listed above.

Exam sessions
During the 2025/2026 academic year, exam sessions are scheduled in the following months: January, March, June (two), September and December

Vote is assigned according to the following evaluation levels:

30 cum laude: excellent performance showing soundness of knowledge, rich discursive articulation, appropriate expression, interest of critical contribution;

30: Excellent performance, complete, and appropriate knowledge, well-articulated and appropriately expressed, with interesting critical contributions;

29-27: Good performance, more than satisfactory knowledge, correct expression.

26-24: Standard performance, essential knowledge, but not comprehensive and/or not always correctly expressed;

23-21: Sufficient performance, general but superficial knowledge; often inappropriate expression and/or confused articulation of speech;

20-18: Poor performance, sufficient expression and articulation of speech with significant gaps;

<18: Insufficient performance, knowledge absent or very incomplete, lack of orientation in the discipline, poor and seriously flawed expression.

 

Students with disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders have the right to special adjustments according to their condition, following an assessment by the Service for Students with Disabilities and SLD. Please do not contact the instructor but get in touch with the Service directly to schedule an appointment. It will be the responsibility of the Service to determine the appropriate adjustments. For more information, visit the page: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students.
It is recommended that students contact the University office in advance. Any proposed adjustments must be submitted at least 15 days in advance for the instructor’s approval, who will evaluate their appropriateness in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Digital and audio-visual supports

Office hours

See the website of Claudio Paolucci