This summer, the University of Tartu’s International Summer University will host two semiotics courses, Juri Lotman: A Basic Introduction and Contemporary Applications, and Semiotics, Pop Culture, Animals and the Environment. Both will be great opportunities to expand your semiotic knowledge while visiting one of the field’s leading centres. However, hurry, as the application deadline is 30 April 2023! Some short descriptions of the courses are below:
Juri Lotman: A Basic Introduction and Contemporary Applications, led by Junior Researcher Erik Kõvamees, will focus on cultural semiotician, a prominent member of the Tartu-Moscow school, and founder of the department of semiotics at the University of Tartu, Juri Lotman. This course will introduce students to Lotman’s works and biography, focusing on key concepts like the semiosphere and its dynamics, as well as dialogue and enantiomorphism. Students will also learn about the contemporary application of the semiotician’s work, engage with many current exports on Lotman and the Tartu-Moscow school, and participate in seminars and group and individual work. This course will take place at the University of Tartu from 31 July to 10 August 2023.
Link to course: https://ut.ee/en/content/juri-lotman-and-semiotics-culture
Link to scholarships: https://ut.ee/en/content/scholarships-summer-programmes
Semiotics, Pop Culture, Animals and the Environment, led by PhD candidate Andrew Mark Creighton, will focus on the mediation of human, nonhuman animal, and the environment in pop culture. Mixing zoo- and ecosemiotic perspectives with works on transmediality, atmosphere, rationalization, and critical theory. This course aims to give students a general working knowledge of these concepts and their interrelations. Students can expect to engage with experienced researchers on the topics through seminars and lectures, and hone their understanding of key concepts and their applications in individual and group work. Students will also have the chance to gain extra credit through a short written assignment. The course will take place from 31 July to 10 August 2023 at the University of Tartu.
Link to course: https://ut.ee/en/content/semiotics-pop-culture-and-human-and-other-human-relations
Link to scholarships: https://ut.ee/en/content/scholarships-summer-programmes
While education is important, the International Summer University isn’t all about study, and students can also expect a vibrant social experience. The university has organized a social programme, including several events, a city tour, and a movie night. For the complete social programme, visit the following link: https://ut.ee/en/content/cultural-and-social-programme
We hope to see you this summer!
Photo Credit: Madison Inouye