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Literary Criticism Semiotics & Theory

Encyclopedic Dictionary of Semiotics, Media, and Communication

edited by Marcel Danesi

Publisher
University of Toronto Press
Initial publish date
Aug 2000
Category
Semiotics & Theory, Encyclopedias, Communication Studies
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780802083296
    Publish Date
    Aug 2000
    List Price
    $49.95
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780802047830
    Publish Date
    Aug 2000
    List Price
    $100.00
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442674448
    Publish Date
    Sep 2000
    List Price
    $87
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781442690868
    Publish Date
    Aug 2000
    List Price
    $38.95

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Description

Semiotics, Media Studies and Communication Studies are three closely interlinked fields. Briefly stated, Semiotics, the science of signs, looks at how humans search for and construct meaning; Communication Studies is concerned with how meaning is conveyed; and Media Studies considers the ways in which messages are transmitted and received. This dictionary is designed to help students and general readers unlock the significance of the terminology and jargon commonly used in these fields.

Being interdisciplinary in nature, Semiotics, Media, and Communication Studies are cluttered with notions derived from other disciplines. Hence, this dictionary also encompasses basic concepts from the fields of anthropology, archaeology, psychology, psychoanalysis, linguistics, philosophy, artificial intelligence, computer science, and biology. Collected here are the terms, concepts, personages, schools of thought, and historical movements that appear frequently in the relevant literature.

The basis of each entry is a simple definition, which often includes the term's origin. Illustrations are provided where necessary, along with historical sketches of movements or schools of thought. The commentary on personages consists of brief statements about their contribution and relevance. Thus, the dictionary not only defines what a term means, but often goes into its history, applications, and broad implications. Terms are cross-referenced and their etymology is given where possible.

This is a compact, practical research manual that will relieve much tension for students in semiotics and related fields. Because of its interdisciplinary approach, it will also provide a range of scholars with a handy reference to disciplines distinct from but related to their own.

About the author

MARCEL DANESI teaches on the history of puzzles at Victoria College of the University of Toronto. Danesi has written puzzles for Reader’s Digest, The Toronto Star, and also maintains a blog on puzzles for Psychology Today. He has also published several best-selling puzzle books, such as The Total Brain Workout and The Complete Brain Workout.

Marcel Danesi's profile page