B8923 - Theories and Methods in Semiotics (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the main authors, works, theories, and traditions of semiotics. Upon completion of the course students know how to describe, discuss critically, and apply the basic theoretical concepts of contemporary semiotics – langue, parole, paradigm, syntagm, expression, content, sign, figure, interpretant, encyclopaedia, modes of sign production, enunciation, discourse, etc.

Course contents

Week 1

Introduction: What is semiotics?

Saussure: langue vs language; langue vs parole; signifier and signified

Week 2

Saussure: Nature of the linguistic sign; synchronic linguistics; linguistic identity and value; associative and syntagmatic relations

Week 3

Hjelmslev: Theory of language; linguistic analysis; functions; signs and figures; expression and content; invariants and variants; language and non-language; connotation and metalanguage

Week 4

Peirce: Logic and speculative grammar; definition of the sign; methods and problems in the classification of signs

Week 5

Benveniste: Discourse and enunciation; subjectivity in language; verbal tenses and enunciation; speech act theory

Readings/Bibliography

Ferdinand de Saussure, Course in General Linguistics. Transl. W. Baskin. New York: Philosophical Library, 1959.

Luis Hjelmslev, Prolegomena to a Theory of Language. Transl. F.J. Whitfield.Madison: The University of Wisconsin Press, 1961.

Charles S. Peirce, "Speculative Grammar". In Collected Papers of Charles S. Peirce. Vol. 2. Edited by C. Hartshorne and P. Weiss. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1932; §§ 227–308.

Émile Benveniste, Problems in General Linguistics. Miami: University of Miami Press, 1971 (selections).

 

Teaching methods

Class lectures with reading and critical discussion. Active participation is strongly encouraged.

Assessment methods

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 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

Powerpoint presentations, Virtuale.unibo.it

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Bellucci