UH
201 Semiotic of Communication
SPRING
2006
Dr. Elliot Gaines, Office: 411 Millett
email: [email protected]
Class Meetings: Tues. and Thurs., 10:25-12:05 p.m. Room 242 Millett
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Semiotics is the study of signs. A signs is defined as anything that can stand for or
represent something. Semiotics is
fundamental to the processes of communication and the production of
meaning. This course provides
semiotic theories and practices useful for critical thinking. Students will develop an understanding
of semiotics and its application to the analysis of communication and meaning.
COURSE GOALS: The goals of the class are to gain a practical
understanding of semiotics, improve critical thinking skills, and learn to use semiotics to think logically and to
analyze communication, meaning, and culture.
� Grading and assignments include readings, class discussions, a test, journals, a midterm paper, a final presentation, attendance and participation. All assignments are due in class on designated dates. Do not try to deliver assignments late or early through email or by slipping papers under the instructor�s office door, please. No alternatives will be accepted unless approved by the instructor.
GRADING CRITERIA
Self-reflexivity.
Critical thinking and presenting a well developed analytical interpretation.
Writing:
clarity, organization, content, grammar and punctuation, MLA or APA citation
style.
All
written assignments MUST be typed or printed, not hand written.
Assignments
must be submitted on time.
Assignments will be collected in class on the due date. Late papers will not be accepted.
Test 20
points
Journal assignments 20
points
Midterm paper 20
points
Final presentation 20
points
Attendance and participation 20
points
Course Schedule, Spring 2006
(Subject to change as the quarter progresses).
DATE
Activity
Week 1. March
28. Syllabus Introduction to the
class. Why Semiotics? What is a
sign?
March
30. Basics: putting theory into practice. Before class, be sure to read
from Wikipedia, the free
encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semiotics
and from Chandler, Semiotics
for Beginners; Glossary of Key Terms http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/S4B/sem-gloss.html
Week
2. April 4. The
SIGN: Before class, be sure to read
from Semiotics for Beginners by Daniel Chandler: Introduction
http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/S4B/sem01.html
April 6. Peirce video. If you have a high speed connection, view Elliot
Gaines' movie about SEMIOTICS before class: "Charles Sanders Peirce: Semiotics And The Logic Of
Pragmatism"
Week
3. April 11. Before
class, be sure to read �What is a Sign�
from http://www.iupui.edu/~peirce/ep/ep2/ep2book/ch02/ep2ch2.htm
and Semiotics Strengths
from http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/S4B/sem10.html
April 13. Semiotic
Terms and Analysis TEST
Week 4. April
18. Review Test. Midterm paper discussed (Due
April 27).
April 20. Before
class, be sure to read Chandler: Signs http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/S4B/sem02.html
Week 5. April 25. Papers
and presentations discussed. Be
prepared to discuss your midterm project paper. Before class, be sure to read from the link on Elliot
Gaines� homepage, �Peirce and the Necessary Ambiguity of Communication�
April 27. MIDTERM
PROJECT due: (maximum) three page paper.
Describe a significant communicative event, and then provide a
semiotic analysis. Choose a topic that will have significance to
your audience with some material form of evidence. A
second version of the paper will also be prepared as five-minute presentation.
Week 6. May 2. Who am I as a
SIGN? Identity discussed.
May 4.
Papers and presentations discussed. Be prepared to discuss your presentation.
Week 7. May
9. Presentations discussed.
May
11. Presentations
Week 8. May
16. Presentations
May 18. Presentations
Week 9. May 23.
Presentations
May 25. Presentations
Week 10. May
30. Presentations
June 1. Presentations
FINAL EXAM PERIOD