Module 2 - Semiotics and colour theory in graphic design

Subjects matters: The history of semiotics and the construction of pictograms, theory and perception of colour and the meanings associated with them.

Semiotics is the science that studies signs and their meanings. "The sign is in fact something that, in addition to the sensitive aspect with which it presents itself, leads us to think of something else starting from our own convictions." (Saint Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 AD). The English school of thought with Francis Bacon (1561-1626) and John Locke (1632-1704). The reflections of the French rationalist philosophical school (Descartes, 1596-1650) and German (Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, 1646-1716). The study and construction of pictograms that enclose the meaning in the graphic sign (eg road signs).

The magic of light will be experimented with the construction of the camera obscura and with the use of the prism we will make the knowledge of the visual spectrum. Newton's colour studies, color theory and Goethe's studies up to Itten's chromatic scale. Perception and interpretation of color and the meanings connected to them.

History of semiotics
Perception and meaning of the signs
From the teachings of Saint Augustine to the English, French and German school of thought
From the school of thought to the design of symbols
What are the rules for the construction of pictograms
How to design and organize information in design
Color perception
The magic of light
Prism and light spectrum
Optical camera
Study of the Newtonian color
The study and color theory by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Study and classification of the color of Johannes Itten
Classification of colors in primary, secondary and tertiary
Play with colours