2025
Introduction to the Systems of Signification and Communication
Name: Introduction to the Systems of Signification and Communication
Code: FIL12723L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Philosophy
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
1.To establish a broad framework of knowledge, historical and cultural, about the diversity of the systems of
signification and communication, in order to capture homologies, differences, transmissions, recurrences and
innovations.
2.To understand the processes of signification and communication as phenomena of apprehension,
organization, representation and meaning of the senses and contents of human production, knowledge, and
action, that shape cultures.
3.To recognize, in an introductory approach, the contributions of different disciplines: semiotics, history,
philosophy, history of art, anthropology, philosophy of technologies, cognitive studies, design, to the
understanding of the complex phenomena of signification and communication.
4.To realize how the transformations of material supports and media creation, and transmission of visual
messages in contemporary societies have modified the contents and visuality, and gave rise to new dynamics of
the image, perception and experience.
signification and communication, in order to capture homologies, differences, transmissions, recurrences and
innovations.
2.To understand the processes of signification and communication as phenomena of apprehension,
organization, representation and meaning of the senses and contents of human production, knowledge, and
action, that shape cultures.
3.To recognize, in an introductory approach, the contributions of different disciplines: semiotics, history,
philosophy, history of art, anthropology, philosophy of technologies, cognitive studies, design, to the
understanding of the complex phenomena of signification and communication.
4.To realize how the transformations of material supports and media creation, and transmission of visual
messages in contemporary societies have modified the contents and visuality, and gave rise to new dynamics of
the image, perception and experience.
Contents
1.The systems of signification and communication: graphic, oral , written, printed, aural, visual, digital. Basic
elements for the understanding of the systems of signification and communication; the modes, instruments and
technologies of mediation.
2.The anthropological, sociopolitical and cognitive dimensions of the systems of signification and
communication. The instrumental homogeneity and diversity of achievements: routines, styles and innovations.
Analysis of some historical situations and exemplary perspectives.
3.Contemporary visual culture and visual communication. Contemporary theories of the image. The social and
cultural historical background of a "History of the Image" (Débray).Contemporary visibilities and their narratives:
the Society of the Spectacle, Simulacra, Opacity, Transparency, Liquidity, Hipervisualization and Images Virtual
Space.
elements for the understanding of the systems of signification and communication; the modes, instruments and
technologies of mediation.
2.The anthropological, sociopolitical and cognitive dimensions of the systems of signification and
communication. The instrumental homogeneity and diversity of achievements: routines, styles and innovations.
Analysis of some historical situations and exemplary perspectives.
3.Contemporary visual culture and visual communication. Contemporary theories of the image. The social and
cultural historical background of a "History of the Image" (Débray).Contemporary visibilities and their narratives:
the Society of the Spectacle, Simulacra, Opacity, Transparency, Liquidity, Hipervisualization and Images Virtual
Space.
Teaching Methods
The course is organised in line with the principles of theoretical teaching, associated with hours of practical and field teaching as well as the monitoring tutorial of the work carried out in the classroom and outside. The lectures will focus on the contents, theories and debates of each subject matter. Diverse support materials and media will be used: written documents and texts, and also several materials and visual media, from photos to films. The lectures will include sessions where students will be asked to analyze and discuss some very important texts. The participation and active contribution of students is a main orientation and will be one of the most valued components on continuous assessment and evaluation.
The course module is organised according to the principle of theoretical and practical teaching, combined with practical and fieldwork sessions, and tutorial support.
It involves a series of lectures presenting content, theories and issues relating to the programme?s syllabus. A variety of materials and resources are used, including written documents and texts, as well as a diverse range of visual materials, from photographs to films. Students? active participation and contribution is a crucial guiding principle and one of the most highly valued components in continuous assessment.
In this course module, the use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools is permitted as a complementary aid to the learning process, specifically for: research and organisational support (identifying sources, structuring bibliographies, summarising supporting texts); analytical and brainstorming support (generating ideas for the structure of assignments, simulating problems, preliminary data analysis); and support in creating presentations from existing content (layout and visual organisation of documents, typography, colours and visual hierarchy, creation of diagrams, charts or infographics).
The use of generative Artificial Intelligence is not permitted for: the complete generation of answers or papers; the automatic solving of assessed exercises or problems; and the production of texts with the intention of submitting them as original work. The use of these tools must always be accompanied by critical thinking on the part of the student, who remains fully responsible for the content submitted; any such use must be duly identified and referenced whenever requested by the lecturer.
The course module is organised according to the principle of theoretical and practical teaching, combined with practical and fieldwork sessions, and tutorial support.
It involves a series of lectures presenting content, theories and issues relating to the programme?s syllabus. A variety of materials and resources are used, including written documents and texts, as well as a diverse range of visual materials, from photographs to films. Students? active participation and contribution is a crucial guiding principle and one of the most highly valued components in continuous assessment.
In this course module, the use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools is permitted as a complementary aid to the learning process, specifically for: research and organisational support (identifying sources, structuring bibliographies, summarising supporting texts); analytical and brainstorming support (generating ideas for the structure of assignments, simulating problems, preliminary data analysis); and support in creating presentations from existing content (layout and visual organisation of documents, typography, colours and visual hierarchy, creation of diagrams, charts or infographics).
The use of generative Artificial Intelligence is not permitted for: the complete generation of answers or papers; the automatic solving of assessed exercises or problems; and the production of texts with the intention of submitting them as original work. The use of these tools must always be accompanied by critical thinking on the part of the student, who remains fully responsible for the content submitted; any such use must be duly identified and referenced whenever requested by the lecturer.
Assessment
Continuous assessment system: Compulsory attendance at at least 75 per cent of face-to-face sessions. Completion of two assessments (40 per cent + 40 per cent), accounting for 80 per cent of the final mark, with participation and the completion of reading sheets accounting for the remaining 20 per cent of the final mark
Final assessment system: A written test or examination accounting for 100 per cent of the mark, applicable to standard, resit or special examination periods.
If deemed necessary to assess the extent to which the student has developed the knowledge and skills expected for the course module, the teaching team may call the student to sit an oral examination, in accordance with Article 110th of the Academic Regulations of the University of Évora, whilst ensuring compliance with the conditions set out in Article 116th and Article 118thof the same Regulations. The oral examination will account for 60 per cent of the final mark for the module.
Final assessment system: A written test or examination accounting for 100 per cent of the mark, applicable to standard, resit or special examination periods.
If deemed necessary to assess the extent to which the student has developed the knowledge and skills expected for the course module, the teaching team may call the student to sit an oral examination, in accordance with Article 110th of the Academic Regulations of the University of Évora, whilst ensuring compliance with the conditions set out in Article 116th and Article 118thof the same Regulations. The oral examination will account for 60 per cent of the final mark for the module.
Teaching Staff
- Ângelo Samuel Nunes Milhano [responsible]
Accreditations and Certifications
