Handbook home
The Foundations of Interpretation (PHIL30024)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Email: fschro@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This subject explores the theories of meaning and interpretation developed in contemporary European thought. We will examine questions such as: How do we make sense of texts from other cultures and times? What is it to interpret a text? What is deconstruction? Is the meaning of a text determined by the author's intentions? Does what we write or say have a single determinate meaning or can conflicting interpretations be equally valid? Is there a robust distinction between fiction and non-fiction? Major thinkers discussed will be chosen from Heidegger, Gadamer, Habermas, Saussure, Barthes, Derrida, and Butler. We will also consider whether radical interpretation – the interpretation of the language of a totally foreign culture – is possible, and if so by which methods (Quine, Davidson).
Intended learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this subject will:
- 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;
- have a greater awareness of the assumptions that are reinforced or challenged by different reading practices;
- engage critically with existing philosophical conversations and develop the capacity for critical and creative interventions in those discussions;
- demonstrate a high-level of fluency in communication and collaboration skills, including oral and written presentation of arguments and effective work in small and large groups;
- be prepared to engage with the possibility of radical critique of their own presuppostions and commitments.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
12.5 points (one subject) in either philosophy, social theory, linguistics, or literary theory.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Assessment
Additional details
- A 2000 word essay, due mid-semester (50%)
- A take-home examination of 2000 words, due during the end of semester examination period (50%)
Hurdle requirement:
- Students must attend a minimum of 75% of seminars in order to pass this subject.
- All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Francois Schroeter Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours - 1 x 1.5 hour online lecture and 1 x 1.5 hour seminar each week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Email: fschro@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 27 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Readings will be available online
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Philosophy Informal specialisation Graduate Diploma in Arts - Philosophy Minor European Studies Minor Social Theory Major Philosophy Major Specialisation (formal) Graduate Certificate in Arts - Social Theory Informal specialisation Graduate Certificate in Arts - Philosophy Informal specialisation Graduate Certificate in Arts - Social Theory - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 27 April 2024