Teaching code

4S008050

Teacher

Maria Vender

Credits

6

Language

Italian

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

L-LIN/01 - HISTORICAL AND GENERAL LINGUISTICS

Period

2 A dal Feb 14, 2022 al Mar 26, 2022.

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

To show the organization of the course that includes this module, follow this link:  Course organization

Learning outcomes

This integrated course holds as an introduction to the processes by means of which meaning is produced and meaningful effects are created in the relationship between mind and world and in the activities aimed at transmitting information. The first module familiarizes the participants with the fundamental concepts of logic and epistemology, the correct rules of deduction and inference, and, more in general, with the fundamental aspects of the scientific method.
The second module introduces the cognitive bases of the processes by means of which meaning is produced, while analyzing these processes from a semiotic perspective and with a particular focus on text comprehension and on the techniques of argumentation and persuasion as applied in the construction of messages within the different media.
At the end of the course, the participants must be aware of the nature of the processes underlying the comprehension and of production of meaning, and be able to apply the concepts of logic and semiotics in the analysis of the properties of texts and messages.

Program

The Semiotics module is conceived as an introduction to the concepts, terminology and style of analysis of semiotics, dedicating to the relationship of this discipline with the scientific study of language, and the acquisition of language and human cognition in general, in both typical and atypical contexts (as in the case of people suffering from developmental dyslexia).
The mechanisms through which the human mind is able to construct meaning out of a text (written or oral) will be presented and discussed, with particular attention to the persuasive communication typical of advertising and political propaganda. In particular, we will deepen the analysis of some semiotic expedients that are also used in these forms of communication to implicitly communicate questionable contents that escape the critical scrutiny of the recipient.
At the end of the course participants must have understood the cognitive foundation of the fundamental concepts of semiotics, and be able to apply the methods of analysis of the discipline to the language of modern media.
The program will be the same for attending and non-attending students.
Attending and non-attending students are invited to consult the detailed program, the slides and the materials uploaded on the e-learning page of the course.

Bibliography

Examination Methods

The exam will verify the theoretical and practical skills acquired by the students during the course.
It will consist of a written test lasting 1:30 hours and will include open and multiple-choice questions on the theoretical part, as well as discussion of practical cases on the basis of what discussed in class during the lessons. The questions will therefore focus on all the topics of the program, both those dealt with in the classroom during the lessons and which will be made available on the e-learning platform, and those prepared independently by the students on the texts indicated.
The exam will be the same for attending and non attending students.

The tests will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- substantial correctness of the answers and completeness of the contents;
- expressive clarity, argumentative ability and knowledge of the specific language of the subject.