120155 PS Interdisciplinary Course (501) = Proseminar Cultural Studies (2010W)
Semiotics and Cultural Studies
Continuous assessment of course work
Labels
Cultural semiotics - discourses and images of war
Registration/Deregistration
Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).
- Registration is open from Mo 13.09.2010 00:00 to Su 26.09.2010 23:59
- Registration is open from We 29.09.2010 00:00 to Tu 05.10.2010 23:59
- Deregistration possible until Su 31.10.2010 23:59
Details
max. 30 participants
Language: English
Lecturers
Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N
- Tuesday 12.10. 18:00 - 20:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
- Tuesday 19.10. 18:00 - 20:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
- Tuesday 09.11. 18:00 - 20:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
- Tuesday 16.11. 18:00 - 20:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
- Tuesday 23.11. 18:00 - 20:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
- Tuesday 30.11. 18:00 - 20:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
- Tuesday 07.12. 18:00 - 20:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
- Tuesday 14.12. 18:00 - 20:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
- Tuesday 11.01. 18:00 - 20:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
- Tuesday 18.01. 18:00 - 20:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
- Tuesday 25.01. 18:00 - 20:00 Helene-Richter-Saal UniCampus Hof 8 3G-EG-21
Information
Aims, contents and method of the course
This course provides an overview over cultural semiotics by tracing the processes that have helped to shape war as a cultural phenomenon. Along with explicating several models of signs(symbolic, iconic, and indexical modes), its relation to things, and codes will be explored. Particular emphasis will be put on recent attempts at challenging the literal. The introduction of empty signifiers that are completely disconnected from any signified, for instance, is epitomized in the provocative claim of postmodernist Baudrillard that the Gulf War never happened. It raises the crucial question as to how the reality-effect of war is constructed. Given the role of discourses and images in shaping the meaning of war and warfare, we will consider a range of media. Starting with photography as the paradigmatic medium of the real, which since its onset has been associated with the natural depiction of real events and has marched arm-in-arm with war since its invention, the recent reversal of the technological function of photography to the digital image will be taken into account.
Assessment and permitted materials
Regular attendance (mandatory), active participation in class, presentation of position papers; reflective memoranda; (i.e. thoughtful responses to the reading and class-room discussion); short essays
Minimum requirements and assessment criteria
It is the aim of this course to introduce students to key terms in cultural semiotics with specific focus on the difference between verbal and visual signifiers. It should help to understand the processes by which discourses and images shape the meaning of war including the codes they draw upon. We will attend to different positions, debates, and methods with the aim of developing a toolkit of interpretative approaches and enhancing critical insight.
Examination topics
Students engage in small-group discussions and staged debates, presentations, and write short papers on required readings (texts and visual clips), and critically reflect upon the material. Together we clarify concepts, discuss theories while providing instruction for further reading.
Reading list
A reader will be provided
Association in the course directory
Studium: Diplom 343, UF 344, BA 612;
Code/Modul: 501, 701, BA13;
Lehrinhalt: 12-0111
Code/Modul: 501, 701, BA13;
Lehrinhalt: 12-0111
Last modified: We 09.09.2020 00:22