MA/MS in Semiotics

General Description: Objective(s) of a study programme: to train competent analysts of verbal and non-verbal discourses able to integrate in the European and world context across humanities and social sciences and relate their education to the social needs of the country. Learning outcomes: • Ability to construct theoretical models illustrating the configurations of meaning generated by culture and society and their change. • Ability to apply innovative methods used in humanities in individual research and creative activities. • Ability to appropriately use the main concepts and terms of semiotics, reflect on the semiotic language of verbal and non-verbal discourses, analyze their content and realizations, explore the plastic dimension and disclose the deep structure of meaning. • Ability to critically assess verbal and non-verbal forms of communication, the quality and effectiveness of commercial and political advertising as well as to identify the validity of legal claims and the effectiveness of strategies and tactics of public relations. • Ability to carry out semiotic analysis of social and cultural discourses. • Ability to analyze the configurations of meaning created by different modes of expression (word, image, sound, space, etc.). Activities of teaching and learning: The following methods are applied in the programme of Semiotics: problem-solution, analysis of theoretical sources, independent critical analysis of literature, presentation of ideas, description of methods, text analysis, dialogue/discussion, presentations and seminar discussions. Students have to cover a number of theoretical sources independently. At the beginning of semester 3 (in September), guided by their research interests, students select the object of their future MA thesis and an aspect of semiotic analysis, discuss the thesis with their supervisor and formulate a topic, further considered and approved by the Committee of the Study Programme. Students regularly meet their supervisors; in semester 3 they attend the compulsory course Research Seminar and in semester 4 they complete their MA thesis and defend it according to the regulations set by Vilnius University. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: The main form for assessing the final learning outcomes for a course unit (module) is examination. However, course units may be evaluated by the pass/fail evaluation as well. Every course unit is concluded with a written examination or pass/fail evaluation. Student's knowledge and general performance during the exam are evaluated using grading scale from 1(very poor) to 10 (excellent), or by pass or fail evaluation in the cases when pass/fail evaluation is foreseen as a final evaluation of the course unit. The study programme is concluded by the defense of a MA thesis in front of a defense committee The reviewer and the Viva Voce Defense Committee assess the thesis on a 10-point scale, taking into account the level of a thesis, its presentation, response to questions and comments. Framework: Study subjects (modules), practical training: The programme comprises theory as well as methodology oriented courses in humanities and social sciences which are essential to form an interdisciplinary perspective, acquire understanding of general culture and discourse specific processes and develop analytical competences. The programme includes studies (lectures and seminars) and research. Studies contain two related thematic blocks: culture in general and semiotics. Both blocks contain theoretical courses as well practice and methodology oriented ones. The structure of the programme is compatible with its scientific (academic) and interdisciplinary profile and the aim to combine theory with practical skills in discourse analysis. To ensure the comprehension of the semiotic method, semiotic studies include more compulsory courses. Specialisations: Optional courses: Every semester optional courses can be selected from a number of courses in general culture studies and methodology that complement the study of the semiotic method. During two years students can choose a course in philosophy or culture, significant to research in humanities and social sciences. Distinctive features of a study programme: The master programme of Semiotics offers unique studies providing the basics of the semiotic method developed by Algirdas Julius Greimas (or Paris School) and trains analysts of different types of discourse capable of conducting interdisciplinary research and identifying social and cultural needs of the country in the global context. Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: The professional activities of the overwhelming majority of the graduates are related to the competences and learning outcomes of the programme: public-relations representatives, specialists in advertising and marketing, translators, teachers at secondary schools or institutions of higher education, editors of cultural periodicals, experts in contemporary literature and art. Access to further study: The graduates can continue their studies at the doctoral level (Humanities).