04336 - Semiotics

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students will:
- know the basic concepts of general Semiotics
- possess text analysis tools given by Generative Semiotic Theory

Course contents

A first part of the Course will be dedicated to the explanation of the basic concepts of Semiotics (sign,
language, signification, interpretation, structure, text, etc...), in particular those of Generative Semiotics. A
second part will concern the presentation of some examples of textual analysis.

Readings/Bibliography

Basic texts: Marsciani, F., Minima semiotica, Mimesis, Milano 2012; Marsciani, F. e Zinna, A., Elementi di semiotica generativa, Esculapio, Bologna 1991; Marsciani, F., Esercizi di semiotica generativa, Esculapio, Bologna 1999.
A book choosen among the list below: Marrone, Gianfranco e Fabbri, Paolo, Semiotica in nuce, vol.I, Meltemi, Roma 2000 (pp. 1-111 e 176-215); Bertetti, Paolo, Lo schermo dell'apparire, Bologna, Esculapio 2013; Landowski, Eric, La società riflessa, Meltemi, Roma 1999; Landowski, Eric, Rischiare nelle interazioni, Milano, Franco Angeli 2011; Marrone, Gianfranco, Corpi sociali, Einaudi, Torino 2001; Marrone, Gianfranco, L'invenzione del testo, Laterza, Roma-Bari 2010; Ricoeur, Paul e Greimas, Algirdas J., Tra semiotica ed ermeneutica, Meltemi, Roma 2000; Floch, Jean-Marie, Identità visive, Franco Angeli, Milano 1997; Semprini, Andrea (a cura di), Il senso delle cose, Franco Angeli, Milano 1999; Fabbri, Paolo, La svolta semiotica, Laterza, Bari 1998 2 succ.; Marsciani, Francesco, Tracciati di etnosemiotica, Franco Angeli, Milano 2007; Marsciani, Francesco, Ricerche semiotiche I: Il tema trascendentale, Bologna, Esculapio 2012; Marsciani, Francesco, Ricerche semiotiche II: In fondo al semiotico, Bologna, Esculapio 2012.

Teaching methods

All along the course, discussion will be encouraged. In the second part of the course, students will be
encouraged to give their own contribute in analyzing texts. No use of "powerpoint".

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 test. Students have to demonstrate their knowledge of basic concepts and terminology of Semiotics.
They have to demonstrate, moreover, to be able to approach with semiotic instruments the textual
analysis.
The achievement of a comprehensive vision of the issues, the possession of a specific language, the
originality of the reflection as well as familiarity with the Semiotics analysis tools will be evaluated with
marks of excellence. Knowledge mostly mechanical or mnemonic of matter, a capacity of synthesis and
analysis articulated or not, a use of proper language but not always appropriate, as well as a school domain
of Semiotics will lead to fair valuations. Training gaps or use of inappropriate language, as well as a lack of
knowledge of the Semiotics analysis tools will lead to votes that will amount on the sufficiency threshold.
Training gaps, inappropriate language, lack of orientation within the bibliography and inability to analyze
Semiotics will be evaluated negatively.

Teaching tools

Oral lessons. Some video materials useful for the examples of textual analysis.
Links for further information
http://www.marsciani.net; http://www.dar.unibo.it

Links to further information

http://www.dar.unibo.it

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Marsciani