72518 - Ethnosemiotics (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

Students will learn the basis of the ethnosemiotic theory and methodology. This will lead them to better understand and manage the "semiotic glance" with regard to the signification of the daily practices and of the objects of the daily life.

Course contents

The course consists of a first part where the basis of Ethnosemiotics will be exposed, and a second part dedicated to various analysis exercises.

Readings/Bibliography

Marsciani, F. & Zinna, A., Elementi di semiotica generativa, Bologna, Esculapio 1991; Marsciani, F., Tracciati di etnosemiotica, MIlano, Franco Angeli 2007; one text to be choosen among books published in the Collection Quaderni di Etnosemiotica, Editore Esculapio, Bologna. Other texts will be suggested during the course.

Teaching methods

Lectures. All along the course, discussions will be encouraged. In the second part of the course, students will be encouraged to give their own contribute in analysing texts.

Due to the restrictions imposed by the current health emergency, teaching will be carried out in a didactic manner:

Traditional method: the teacher will always be in attendance in the classroom designated for teaching, the students will alternate in attendance according to a schedule of shifts being defined (more detailed information regarding the shift and how to access the lesson in attendance will be provided in the future). It will always be possible to connect remotely and follow live lessons in the classroom via the TEAMS platform.

Assessment methods

Oral examination. Whereby students are required to demonstrate their knowledge of basic concepts and terminology of Ethnosemiotics, through the study of suggested books. Written papers can be presented, if agreed with the teacher.

Teaching tools

For a proper understanding of the topic dealt with during the course, before the beginning of it, students are recommended to reading the chapter "Sul valore" in Ferdinand de Saussure, Corso di Linguistica Generale, Bari-Roma, Laterza.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Marsciani