The distinctions proposed by the “semiotic” school of communication

  Semiotics: Critically evaluate some of the distinctions proposed by the “semiotic” school of communication (e.g., Saussure and Peirce). What are the strengths and weaknesses of the “semiotic” approach? Apply at least two of the theory questions (theoretical approaches and models) that you have answered in part 1 to a particular example (or examples) of visual communication. Possible subjects for analysis include: • Still images: e.g., drawings, paintings, photographs. • Moving images: e.g., film, television. • Digital images and “new media”: e.g., still and moving images presented in various digital environments (including internet web pages) and on various mobile devices. • Multimodal communication: How are (visual) images combined with information from other modalities such as (language-based) text or (auditory) sound, and to what effect? • Visual persuasion: How are images used to advertise and market commercial products, political parties, and social causes? (And what are the ethical implications?) • Visual metaphor: How are visual metaphors used in such advertising and marketing?