28378 - Methodologies of Analysis (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will have acquired advanced methodological skills in the semiotic analysis of different types of texts: novels and hort stories, newspaper articles, advertising campaigns, photographs, websites, consumer objects.

Course contents

he aim of the course is to provide students with an introduction to the main approaches of text semiotics.

The course will present the basic tools for analyzing different types of textuality (literature, cinema and audiovisual media, artworks, media and advertising content, spaces, objects, and practices). Particular emphasis will be placed on the analytical methods developed from Algirdas Julien Greimas’ generative semiotics and Umberto Eco’s interpretative semiotics.

Topics covered in the course:

• Semiotics and textual analysis: the "empirical and descriptive vocation" of semiotics.

• Key concepts of semiotics: sign, text, narrativity, enunciation.

• Generative and interpretative semiotics: two complementary models for textual analysis.

• Greimas’ narrative semiotics: generativity and narrativity.

• Theory of enunciation: the semiotics of discourse.

• Umberto Eco’s narrative-interpretative model: Model Reader and interpretive cooperation.

• Introduction to visual and audiovisual semiotics (and syncretic semiotics).

• Introduction to the semiotics of passions: from the aesthesic to the aesthetic.

• Introduction to sociosemiotics.

Readings/Bibliography

Handbook:

• Pozzato, Maria Pia (2001) Semiotica del testo: Metodi, autori, esempi, Roma: Carocci.
  

Other reference texts:

• Eco, Umberto (1979) Lector in fabula. La cooperazione nei testi narrativi. Milano. Bompiani.
• Fabbri, Paolo (2001) La svolta semiotica, Bari: Laterza (Nuova edizione accresciuta. A cura di Gianfranco Marrone, La Nave di Teseo, 2024).
• Greimas, A.J.; Courtes, Joseph (1979) Semiotica. Dizionario ragionato della teoria del linguaggio, Milano: Bruno Mondadori (selezione di lemmi)

Other texts will be suggested by the teacher during class and in the teaching materials.

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures and analysis activities in class. Due to the applied nature of the course, students are strongly encouraged to attend in person.

Assessment methods

The exam will consist of an oral interview aimed at assessing the student’s theoretical knowledge of the main methodologies of semiotic analysis and their ability to apply analytical categories to the analysis of texts.
There will be two exam sessions for each examination period, tentatively scheduled for January, March, June, July, September, and November (preferably during teaching breaks).

Evaluation criteria

• 30 and 30 cum laude is awarded for exams that demonstrate a perfect mastery of the subject and semiotic metalanguage, accompanied by an outstanding ability to reflect critically and the original use of analytical tools.
• Excellent marks (27 to 29) are awarded for exams that demonstrate a solid knowledge of the subject and semiotic metalanguage, accompanied by a good ability to reflect critically and the original use of analytical tools.
• Good marks (23 to 26) are awarded for examination papers that demonstrate a good understanding of the topic and the ability to apply the relevant tools.
• Satisfactory marks (18 to 222) are awarded for examination papers that demonstrate basic knowledge and the ability to apply theories and methods of analysis.
• Gaps in preparation, lack of appropriate technical language and inability to apply the analytical tools will result in a deficient grade.

Students with disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders are entitled to special adjustments according to their condition, subject to assessment by the University Service for Students with Disabilities and SLD. Please do not contact teachers or Department staff, but make an appointment with the Service. The Service will then determine what adjustments are specifically appropriate, and get in touch with the teacher. For more information, please visit the page:
https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students

Teaching tools

Multimedial equipment of the class.

Slides and other teaching materials will be available on the dedicated section of "Virtuale" platform.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Mazzucchelli