From Hermeneutics to Derrida

Subject 161-021 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty-two contact hours per semester: two 1-hour lectures per week for the first 11 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week beginning the third week of semester
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: At least one first-year single-semester philosophy or European studies subject or permission from the Head of School or subject coordinator.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Marion Tapper
Subject Overview:

This subject studies the theories of meaning and interpretation developed in contemporary European thought. It examines questions such as: What is it to interpret a text? How does an interpretation differ from a deconstruction? Is the meaning of a text a function of the author's intentions, or is the meaning to be identified with some representation of the world described in the text, or is it a function of the structure of the text and discourse in general? Can interpretations be true? Can conflicting interpretations both be true? Major authors discussed will be chosen from Saussure, Freud, Heidegger, Ricoeur, Gadamer, Derrida, Barthes and Foucault. On completion of this subject students should have a broad grasp of a variety of competing theories and understand what would be involved in applying them to a critical reading of texts.

Assessment: A written assignment of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour closed-book written examination 47% (due at the end of the semester) and tutorial participation 3%.
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • develop skills in critical thinking and analysis;

  • have improved their ability to think creatively;

  • develop skills in written communication.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Anthropology and Social Theory)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (European Studies)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Philosophy)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Anthropology and Social Theory)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (European Studies)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Philosophyand Social Theory)

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