Analyzing Cultures An Introduction & Handbook

Designed for classroom use in a number of disciplines, this comprehensive introduction to cultural semiotics is also an easy-to-use reference for those who would like a better understanding of the topic. No other text provides this kind of practical framework for the classroom study of semiotics. Each of the 12 chapters is clearly written and self-contained.

Marcel Danesi is Professor and Director of the Program in Semiotics, University of Toronto. Among his publications are: Vico, Metaphor, and the Origin of Language (Indiana University Press, 1993) and Cool: The Signs and Meanings of Adolescence (University of Toronto Press, 1994).

Paul Perron is Professor and Principal of University College, University of Toronto. He is author of numerous works on narratology.

Part I: Basic Notions and Views

What is Culture?

The Field of Cultural Semiotics

The Signifying Order

Part II: The Semiotic Study of Culture

The Body

Language

Metaphor

Space

Art

Objects

Narrative

Media: Television and Advertising

Part III: A Practical Synthesis

Semiotic Analysis

Activities and Questions for Discussion

Biographical Sketches

Glossary

Works Cited and General Bibliography

Index