English 376 - Exploring Cultural Semantics

Where does meaning come from, how does it work? Do different forms of expression (verbal, visual, auditory, or tactile) involve different ways of referring, of claiming what a message is about? Where do I locate the differences, how can I describe them? This class offers an introduction to key concepts in the study of meaning with a particular emphasis on narrative theory. We will take a closer look at the similarities and differences in the construction of 'the story,' in literature, history, myth, and other types of claims from very different historical (ancient, medieval, or modern) and cultural (European, Aboriginal Australian, and Native American) settings.

Course limited to sophomores, juniors and seniors Prereq: Anthropology 230 or equivalent 12 credits in Anthropology