
Prose Fiction: An Introduction to the Semiotics of Narrative
Posted: October 2, 2013 | Updated: January 7, 2022
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THIS BOOK WILL BE ARCHIVED ON JUNE 1, 2022, AS IT NO LONGER MEETS OUR QUALITY STANDARDS. AFTER THIS DATE, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO FIND THE TEXTBOOK IN THE OER BY DISCPLINE GUIDE AT https://opentextbc.ca/oerdiscipline/chapter/communications/. This book is an introduction to communication theory — the theory of how humans share, encode, and decode what they know, what they need, and what they expect from each other.
Subject Areas
Communication/Writing, Communication/Writing - General
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en.wikibooks.org
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Prose Fiction: An Introduction to the Semiotics of Narrative
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Institution:Vancouver Island UniversityTitle/Position: Faculty/Chair of the CYC department
The text is very comprehensive in relation to the index. A thorough breakdown of the development of theory is offered, with each major contribution being clearly linked to the theorist. The focus is very theoretical and historical and give that, offers very little in the way of practical application. I would be curious as to the influence of the feminist movement on the development of communication theory and did not find this in the text.
Comprehensiveness Rating: 4 out of 5
The content is very thoroughly presented. I did not note any errors. The only bias would appear to be somewhat of a cultural bias, in that it did not address the influence or structures of communication in cultures other than the dominant one.
Content Accuracy Rating: 5 out of 5
Given that it appears to be primarily research history and development "up- to -date" is somewhat irrelevant. It is noteworthy that is does not appear to include some of the theories related to feminism and culture relevancy. I think updating it would be straightforward as the addition of another chapter or two could address this.
Relevance Rating: 4 out of 5
Language is a bit complicated for a "fresh out of high school" student. However, terms are explained clearly and some context given on the more complex ideas.
Clarity Rating: 4 out of 5
The framework of the text is nicely presented and consistent throughout the text.
Consistency Rating: 5 out of 5
Given the developmental nature of the text, reorganization could pose a challenge. However, within the sections it is readily divisible and lends itself to small pieces of texts being used and assigned at different points within the course.
Modularity Rating: 4 out of 5
Very nicely laid out. The headings and subheadings assist the reader in maintaining a flow of understanding.
Organization Rating: 5 out of 5
Well done. A very more interactive points in the text could make it more interesting for visual learners.
Interface Rating: 4 out of 5
As far as I could see all is good.
Grammar Rating: 5 out of 5
This would be my strongest area of suggestion for improvement. I believe that the text needs to address the research available in other cultures regarding communication theories. Even a paragraph in each chapter with some research history from other cultural groups that might support and or conflict with the dominant theories presented.
Cultural Relevance Rating: 3 out of 5
I believe I have addressed these in the review. Given that my profession is really focused on the application of theory this text was a little heavy on just discussing research and not the application of the theory. It would be important to ensure that interpersonal communication research in the areas of disabilities and Aboriginal and other cultural Canadian communities are represented to make this inviting to Canadian students.
Overall, I thought the text was easy to understand and consistent in format.