Goals

The objective of the course is to bring the students to master the main theoretical concepts related to the three semiotic approaches presented. It also aims to help them acquire an analytical approach, mobilizing the concepts discussed, in order to understand how the meaning of different communicational devices is formed.

Content

The theoretical content of the course addresses three main semiological approaches: the structural approach, the pragmatic approach and the cognitive approach. In order to give the theoretical concepts discussed a concrete anchor, the course proposes to put the students in project. In articulation with the course of Communication of company, the students are brought to answer a request of a sponsor (a "customer") and to implement a step of design and analysis of devices of communication by mobilizing the matter seen in the course.

Table of contents

The three main semiotic approaches form the theoretical framework of the course:

1)    Structural approach

a.     The fundamental model: general linguistics

b.     To a structural semiology

2)    Pragmatic approach

a.     Enunciation

b.     Deictic context

c.     Relational contexte

3)    Cognitive approach

a.     The sign-thinking

b.     Understanding from signs

-       The Relevance Theory

-       The Conceptual Metaphor Theory

-        The Conceptual Blending Theory

Assessment method

On the one hand, the course is evaluated by means of an individual oral examination in session. It concerns both the mastery of the theoretical part and the ability to analyse the communication device produced by the students, on the basis of the analysis grids provided during the course. On the other hand, the quality of this communication device (taking into account the instructions given in each workshop and the final production) and its presentation to the jury is assessed collectively (group work). The participation of the students in the three workshops and in the group work presentation session (jury) is taken into account in the evaluation. In case of absence, a justification is required.

Sources, references and any support material

- Verhaegen Philippe, Signe et communication, Brussels, De Boeck, 2010 - Meunier Jean-Pierre & Peraya Daniel, Introduction aux théories de la communication, Brussels, De Boeck, 3rd edition, 2010 - Lakoff George & Johnson Mark, Metaphors in Everyday Life, Paris, Les Editions de Minuit, (translated from the American by M. de Fornel), 1985 - Fauconnier Gilles & Turner Mark, The way we think. Conceptual blending and the mind's hidden complexities, Basic Books, 2002

Language of instruction

French
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelier en information et communication Standard 0 5
Bachelier en information et communication Standard 3 5