28378 - Methodologies of Analysis (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student acquires advanced methodological ability in the semiotic analysis of several kinds of texts: short stories, newspapers articles, advertising campaigns, photographs, web sites, objects, etc.

Course contents

This year’s course is devoted to the structural methodology of analisis of sign systems on the basis of some of Roland Barthes’s classical analyses. The focus of the course is Barthes’ “fashion system”, not so much for the particular results of the analysis as for the generality and depth of the problems involved in this classical methodological exercize.

Readings/Bibliography

The course is an introduction to semiotic methodology applied to text analysis.

In the semiotic approach, the ability to analyse cultural objects in general represents a fundamental value of the discipline, as it allows the analysis procedure to be extended to very diverse cultural categories (novels, works of art, advertising, TV series, etc.).

In the course, basic semiotic notions (referring to authors such as Saussure, Hjelmslev, Peirce) will be taken for granted. For those who do not possess them in full, it is strongly recommended that the introductory course (optional) of Theories and Models of Semiotics be included in the syllabus.

 

COURSE PROGRAMME AND CALENDAR


Week 1: Semiotics, text and narrativity

The first week will deal with the historical origin and function of the discipline of semiotics, starting with Umberto Eco's early work on mass culture.

Furthermore, key notions around which the following topics will be developed will be introduced: sign, language, text, narrativity, as well as the differences between structural and interpretative semiotic approaches.


Week 2: Greimas

In the second week, A. J. Greimas's structural theory apparatus of text analysis will be introduced.

In particular: notions related to narrative grammar and the Canonical Narrative Scheme (which form the basis on which to build a general methodology of analysis); as well as the problematic of enonciation.

Week 3: Eco + analysis case studies

In the second week, Umberto Eco's theoretical approach applied to text analysis will be addressed, around notions such as: encyclopaedia, model reader, interpretive cooperation. Together, applied examples of text analysis will be proposed.

Week 4: Visual

In the fourth week, topics relating to the analysis of visual texts will be introduced, with issues relating to figurative and iconism (photographic and pictorial examples, etc.).

Week 5: Syncretic texts

In the last week, issues related to syncretic texts will be addressed, i.e. text types that involve different modes of expression at the same time (audiovisuals, advertising, etc.), and that are often used in media communication.

Teaching methods

The module includes lectures and encourages the presence and participation of students, as materials and examples of analysis will be shown during the lectures.

Assessment methods

The examination may be conducted in various alternative ways:

- a written test with open questions in a computer lab
- an oral interview
- a paper, either individually made or in small groups (2 to 4 people), on specific themes or case-studies. The paper must make use of the ideas provided in the lectures, applying categories and perspectives of analysis discussed throughout the course. The final paper must have a minimum length of around 20,000 characters per person, and must be handed in in advance (no more than 7 days before the roll call) to be discussed during the oral examination.



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GENERAL ASSESSMENT CRITERIA


The ability to argue in a critical, thorough and original manner - quoting names and definitions - combined with the possession of a mastery of expression that also demonstrates the learning of specific language, will be assessed with marks of excellence (28/30L).

Mechanical and/or mnemonic knowledge of the subject, combined with poorly articulated skills of synthesis and analysis and/or poor use of specific language, will lead to fair marks (24/27).

Blatant formative deficiencies and/or inappropriate language - while showing minimal knowledge of the examination material - will lead to marks which, depending on the case, will exceed sufficiency, or slightly more (18/24).

Formative gaps, inappropriate language, lack of orientation within the bibliographical materials offered during the course, inability to argue, will be graded below sufficiency.

Teaching tools

The course will make use of IT and multimedia tools (PC and audio-video projector).

Office hours

See the website of Lucio Spaziante