Publication in the Diário da República: Despacho n.º 428/2023 de 09/01/2023 + RA-EF/641/2011/AL04 de 22/01/2025
4 ECTS; 2º Ano, 2º Semestre, 28,0 TP + 2,0 OT , Cód. 8297115.
Lecturer
- Carla Sofia Catarino Silva (1)(2)
(1) Lead Professor
(2) Teaching Professor
Prerequisites
Not Applicable.
Objectives
A- Apprehend the fundamental and current trends in semiotics.
- Recognize the evolution of the concepts of the sign and semiotics; the debates, authors, and interpretations;
- Acquire knowledge of the theoretical framework of semiotics and the foundations of its two main schools of thought;
B- Understand the world by drawing on the knowledge that semiotics provides for its interpretation.
- Acquire knowledge of certain aspects of semiotic theories: those of Peirce; those of Greimas; and Barthess narrative semiotics.
C- Master the analytical tools based on the authors analytical approaches.
Program
I- Introduction - general concepts:
1. Sign, meaning and signification;
2. Signification versus communication.
II- Schools of Thought in Semiotics:
1. Peirce: Peircean trichotomies;
2. Greimas: the semiotic square;
3. Barthes and Eco: the semiotic 'fusion'.
III- Semiotics of narrative:
- The semiotic analysis of narrative (Barthes).
IV- Other areas of semiotics:
- The semiotic analysis of the image (using the models of Peirce, Greimas, Barthes);
- Practices in the analysis of the semiotic object based on the interrelation of the theories studied.
Evaluation Methodology
Continuous Assessment (requires attendance at 70% of classes):
- Written exam (40%) - minimum grade of 8
- Oral presentation of an analysis based on the provided models (40%) - minimum grade of 10
- Assignments completed during class time (minimum of 2) (20%)
A weighted average of all components will be calculated.
Failure to complete any one assessment component will result in the student taking the final exam.
* Students who achieve a grade of 10 or higher in continuous assessment are exempt from the exam.
Exam-Based Assessment (Regular Session, Make-up, and Improvement):
- Written exam (50%)
- Oral exam (50%)
Minimum final grade: 10 points.
During the Special Assessment Period, the provisions outlined under Exam-Based Assessment apply.
* Working students: must contact the instructor during the first two weeks of classes to learn about their assessment method.
* Erasmus students: must contact the instructor during the first two weeks of classes to find out their assessment method.
* For all assessment periods:
The student passes the course in accordance with the provisions of Points 11 and 12 of Article 11 of the UPT Academic Regulations.
Bibliography
- Basso-Fossali , P. (2017). Vers une ecologie semiotique de la culture: Perception, gestion et reappropriation du sens . Limoges: Lambert-Lucas
- Eco, U. (2004). O Signo. Lisboa: Difel
- Eco, U. (2005). Os limites da Interpretação. Lisboa: Editorial Presença
- Parret , H. (2018). Une sémiotique des traces. Trois leçons sur la mémoire et loubli. Limoges: Lambert-Lucas
Teaching Method
a) Lectures covering fundamental theories;
b) Theoretical/practical classes focusing on the application of course material, with an emphasis on the analysis of various objects.
Software used in class
Not Applicable.

















