From Hermeneutics to Derrida

This subject is not offered in 2008.

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

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.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• develop skills in critical thinking and analysis;

• have improved their ability to think creatively;

• develop skills in written communication.