116-310 The Semiotics of Genre

Successful completion of 37.5 points in cinema, literature or applied linguistics options at second year level. Other options admissible in consultation with the lecturer.

Semiotics studies the various sign systems and media available for social interactions, and investigates two major series of questions: (i) the capacities and limitations of each to do certain specific kinds of work, and (ii) the ways in which they are combined in cultural practices. The subject will study 'cultural practices' as genres, and will the functions any genre can fulfill and how it does so. These functions, broadly, are kinds of communication and ways of representing bits of the world. A particular focus for the subject will be how language works in relation with other semiotic means of signification within precise socio-cultural parameters; it is thus a useful way of investigating the nexus of language and culture, which is a central preoccupation for students and scholars of languages.

• enhance their critical skills;

• enhance their analytical skills;

• enhance their communicational skills.

Study diaries of 500 words each 40% (due at 4 week intervals), a 15-minute group project in class time 20% (due during semester) and an essay or take-home examination of 2000 words 40% (due at the end of semester).