Signs of Life in the USA: Readings on Popular Culture for Writers
Books / Paperback
Books › Language Arts & Disciplines › Readers
ISBN: 0312478127 / Publisher: Bedford/St. Martin's, October 2008
Unlike other popular culture readers, Signs of Life presumes that this topic merits rigorous analysis and so provides a conceptual framework for understanding it: semiotics, a field of critical theory developed specifically for the interpretation of culture and its signs. The selections in Signs of Life are arranged in provocative chapters (on such themes as gender codes, television and music, film, and advertising) that tap into students’ own experiences with and interest in popular culture. The uniquely qualified editorial team of a prominent semiotician and an experienced writing instructor have prepared extensive apparatus to prompt the rigorous analysis that helps students become better thinkers and writers. In this exciting edition, Signs of Life examines fresh topics with an emphasis on the emerging phenomenon of Web 2.0. Maasik and Solomon continue to stay on the leading edge of popular culture, examining the hottest trends that capture students’ attention.
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"The book is a fantastic resource, and it allows me to get my students engaged with writing because the topics interest them."---Patti J. Kurtz, Minot State"Signs of Life is a collection of engaging and thought-provoking conversations on pop culture. My students care about and are engaged by the readings. They regularly comment that they plan to keep, use, and enjoy the book long after our class ends."---Lee Nickoson-Massey, Bowling Green State University"It takes things that students feel they know about and understand, and it creates a new complexity around them that encourages intellectual and informed engagement on a much deeper level."---Keith Gumery, Temple University"Signs of Life is extraordinarily accessible. I've never found a more cogent and clear explanation of semiotic analysis."---Miriam Schacht, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh"The readings are contemporary, diverse, sophisticated, and culturally and socially appropriate to the needs and concerns of contemporary college students."---Christine Lanoie-Newman, El Camino College.
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