Why Study This Course?
How do words, images and symbols create meaning? Why do advertisements, films, fashion and social media communicate far more than they appear to say? This course introduces the fascinating world of semiotics—the study of signs and meaning—through the work of Ferdinand de Saussure, Roland Barthes and Umberto Eco. Learners will explore how language and culture shape our understanding of the world and discover powerful tools for analysing literature, art, media and everyday life from a fresh philosophical perspective.
This ten-week course explores semiotics, the philosophical study of signs, symbols and the creation of meaning. Semiotics asks how language, images, objects and cultural practices communicate ideas, shape beliefs and influence the way we understand the world. It has become one of the most influential approaches within philosophy, linguistics, literary criticism, media studies and cultural theory.
The course begins with the pioneering work of Ferdinand de Saussure, whose structural approach to language transformed the study of meaning. Learners will explore key concepts including the sign, the signifier and the signified, and examine how meaning arises through relationships between signs rather than through direct reference to the world.
The course then examines Roland Barthes, whose influential writings extended semiotics beyond language into popular culture.
Attention will then turn to Umberto Eco, whose work broadened semiotics into a comprehensive philosophy of interpretation.
Indicative weekly topics include:
Week 1: Introduction to semiotics: what is a sign?
Week 2: Ferdinand de Saussure and structural linguistics.
Week 3: Signifier, signified and systems of meaning.
Week 4: Roland Barthes and the semiotics of everyday life.
Week 5: Mythologies: advertising, consumer culture and popular media.
Week 6: Reading images: photography, film and visual communication.
Week 7: Umberto Eco and the philosophy of interpretation.
Week 8: Open and closed texts, symbols and multiple meanings.
Week 9: Semiotics in the digital age: social media, branding and political communication.
Week 10: Review and application: using semiotics to analyse contemporary culture.
Sessions combine tutor presentations, guided reading, discussion and practical analysis of texts, images and media. Learners will work collaboratively to interpret advertisements, artworks, films, news stories and other cultural artefacts, developing confidence in applying semiotic concepts to everyday experiences.
By the end of the course learners should understand the central ideas of Saussure, Barthes and Eco, recognise the importance of semiotics in philosophy and cultural studies, and possess practical analytical skills for interpreting the signs and symbols that shape contemporary society.
To be eligible for this course you must be 19 or over on the start date of the course.
To be eligible for this course you must be 19 or over on the start date of the course.
Although this course is open to all, if you are new to philosophy the Introduction to Philosophy or Intermediate Philosophy courses may be more suitable. No previous knowledge of semiotics, linguistics or literary theory is required.
The tutor and learners will assess progress through their:
•Participation in class discussion and philosophical enquiry.
•Reflection on readings.
Personal reflection on how their understanding has developed.
If you require further course information or advice & guidance that is not answered in this outline, please email art@rhacc.ac.uk
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For information on course fees and how to get additional help to pay for them look at our How to Pay for Your Course section.