Full Description
Messages, Signs, and Meanings can be used directly in introductory courses in semiotics, communications, media, or culture studies. Additionally, it can be used in courses dealing with cognate areas of investigation (psychology, mythology, education, literary studies, anthropology, linguistics) as a complementary or supplementary text. The text builds upon what readers already know intuitively about signs and then leads them to think critically about the world in which they live — a world saturated with images of all kinds that a basic knowledge of semiotics can help filter and deconstruct. The text also provides opportunities for readers to do hands-on semiotics through the exercises and questions for discussion that accompany each chapter. Biographical sketches of the major figures in the field are also included, as is a convenient glossary of technical terms.
Contents
Introduction
Part I: Signs
Chapter 1: What Is Semiotics?
Chapter 2: Basic Sign Theory
Chapter 3: Body Signs
Chapter 4: Visual Signs
Chapter 5: Language
Chapter 6: Metaphor
Part II: Messages and Meanings
Chapter 7: Myth and Narrative
Chapter 8: Art
Chapter 9: Clothes
Chapter 10: Food
Chapter 11: Objects
Chapter 12: Space and Buildings
Chapter 13: Television
Chapter 14: Advertising
Chapter 15: Communication
Appendices
Glossary of Technical Terms
Cited Works and General Bibliography
Index
