B8771 - Theories and Models in Semiotics (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

Al termine del corso lo studente avrà acquisito le competenze necessarie per muoversi tra i diversi ambiti epistemologici e metodologici della semiotica. Avrà cioè acquisto una conoscenza di base utile a comprendere le differenze tra semiotica strutturale e semiotica interpretativa, e i modelli che negli ultimi anni hanno rivisto, e superato, questa divisione.

Course contents

The course is an introduction to the main authors, works, and theories of the semiotic tradition. Didactic plan goes through some central authors and works in this tradition. Basic theoretical categories (langue/parole, system/syntagm, expression/content, sign/object/interpretant, icon/index/symbol, dictionary/encyclopaedia, modes of sign production, enunciation, discourse, etc.) and the main problems related to these categories are introduced and explained by reading and criticism of the readings in the bibliography.

Readings/Bibliography

1) Ferdinand de Saussure, Corso di linguistica generale, Roma-Bari: Laterza, 1967; solo le seguenti parti: Introduzione: capitoli III e IV; Parte prima: capitoli I e II; Parte seconda: capitoli I, II, III, IV, V, e VI.

2) Louis Hjelmslev, I fondamenti della teoria del linguaggio, Torino: Einaudi, 1968

3) Charles S. Peirce, "Questioni concernenti certe pretese facoltà umane", "Alcune conseguenze di quattro incapacità", "Il fissarsi della credenza", "Come rendere chiare le nostre idee?" in Opere Milano: Bompiani, 2003 (lo studente può scegliere anche qualsiasi altra edizione)

4) U. Eco, Semiotica e filosofia del linguaggio, Torino: Einaudi, 1984. Solo i capitoli "Segno", "Significato" e "Codice".

5) C. Paolucci, Il primo libro di Semiotica, Torino, Einaudi.

Teaching methods

Class lectures with reading and critical discussion.

Assessment methods

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

Examination is oral. The aim of the exam is to ascertain knowledge of the main semiotic categories and the ability to discuss critically the theoretical, epistemological, and methodological problems that concern these categories.

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