Social semiotics

Prof. dr hab. Anna Duszak
Course for ILS students

SS schedule:

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5. X, 11. X, 26. X,

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2.XI, 9.XI, 16.XI, 23.XI, 30.XI,

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7.XII, 14.XII, 21.XII

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4.I, 11.I, 18.I,

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Exam: 24.01; 12.00 – 14.00 (201)

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Make-up exam: 2.03; 13.00 (201)

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Teaching: Wednesdays, 16.45. – 18.15./

room 220

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SS: course description

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Semiotics offers a view on social communication

that includes but goes beyond the verbal element

(speech or writing). The course explores the

semiotic nature of sign-based processes of

meaning construction and interpretation in

context. Selected semiotic codes and sub-systems

are discussed. The course starts with the

presentation of canonic views on semiotic

theorizing, yet its focus is on social semiotics: a

type of critical discourse analysis. The interactions

between the visual and the verbal are discussed

against a host of socially, culturally and

discursively valid issues: social identities,

ideologies, valuations, globalization, etc.

SS: main topics

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Semiotics as a field of studies:

sign

nature of communication

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Semiotics and linguistics

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Semiotic aspects of language

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The sign, its structure and use;
context and recontextualization;

SS: main topics

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The word and the image;

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Multi-modal texts; textual hybrids
and their analysis;

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Values, ideologies, power;

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Social identities: solidarity and
exclusion

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Semiotic change; discursive and
social change;

SS: reading

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Kress G., R.Leite-Garcia, T.van Leeuwen, Discourse
semiotics, 1997. W: T. van Dijk red, Discourse as
Structure and Process. (ch.10);

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van Leeuwen,2005. Introducing Social Semiotics
(ch.8);

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Scollon R / S. Scollon, 2003. Discourses in Place (ch
4):

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Duszak A. 2004. Globalisation as interdiscursivity.. In:
Duszak, / U. Okulska (red), Speaking from the Margin.
Global English from a European Perspective.

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Wodak, R. 2003. Populist discourses ..Document
Design (4)2.

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+ 1 (by group choice)

SS: Course policy

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Form: interactive lecture

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Credit policy: attendance, active
participation (‘voices’,
interventions); written exam;

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‘Special care’ students (ITS,
Erazmus, etc.): need to report
BEFORE the beginning of the
course: obligatory exam with the

(whole) GROUP + special tasks;

moodle

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Please sign up for the course;

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Check materials posted before and
after each class;

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Select the English version (if both
English and Polish are available);

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Access to moodle (FOR
REGISTERED STUDENTS ONLY):
sempola