The Foundations of Interpretation

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

12.5 points (one subject) in either philosophy, social theory, linguistics, or literary theory.

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 explores the theories of meaning and interpretation developed in contemporary European thought. We will examine questions such as: 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? Can philosophy of art help clarify how a text should be interpreted? Major thinkers discussed will include Heidegger, Gadamer, Habermas, Sassure, Barthes, Derrida and Butler. We will also consider whether radical interpretation – the interpretation of language as a totally foreign culture – is possible, and if so by which methods (Quine, Davidson).

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.

• 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 tutorials 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.

Readings will be available online

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.