CJVA2MHER Interpretation and Understanding: A Dive into Modern Hermeneutics

Faculty of Arts
Autumn 2024
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 2 credit(s) (plus 2 credits for an exam). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Lenka Hanovská, Ph.D. (lecturer)
PaedDr. Marta Holasová, Ph.D. (assistant)
Mgr. Anna Maryšková (assistant)
Mgr. Dana Plíšková (assistant)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Lenka Hanovská, Ph.D.
Language Centre Faculty of Arts Division – Language Centre
Contact Person: Mgr. Dana Plíšková
Supplier department: Language Centre Faculty of Arts Division – Language Centre
Timetable
Mon 12:00–13:40 L34, except Mon 18. 11. to Sun 24. 11.
Prerequisites
( FORMA ( P )&& TYP_STUDIA ( BMN )&&( CJVVsT Entrance test || CJVA2B English II )&&(! ROCNIK ( 1 )))
This course is intended for full-time students (in their SECOND AND HIGHER semesters) with advanced English (B1+) knowledge. It is possible to enrol on the course after completing a diagnostic test and proving a minimum B1 command of English (course code: CJVVsT, https://is.muni.cz/auth/predmet/phil/jaro2024/CJVVsT).
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
The capacity limit for the course is 15 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/15, only registered: 1/15, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/15
Course objectives
The course investigates the role of language in shaping our perception of reality, providing an introduction to key modern philosophical theories that scrutinize language and its impact on our understanding of the world. The theories of human understanding are presented in a historical sequence, departing from traditional theories of representation and introducing modern perspectives that challenge the notion that language merely represents reality, offering alternative concepts of human understanding instead. Drawing from the works of Dilthey, Gadamer, Heidegger, Foucault, and Saussure, this course offers an in-depth exploration of fundamental concepts in modern hermeneutics and humanities. This is a content-based course that uses a second language as the medium of communication. Students learn language by situating concepts in their appropriate contexts, acquiring relevant vocabulary in humanities, and understanding and delivering content in their scientific domain of interest. By using English as the medium of communication, students not only develop their language proficiency but also gain a deeper understanding of their scientific field. The conditions for attestation include 70% attendance, an essay (1500 words) reflecting on an academic text, and a presentation of a text/topic in the classroom for students who decide to pass an exam within the course.
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, a student will be able to:
- reflect the role of language in perception of reality
- recognize key concepts of the humanities and work with them critically
- use the concepts attentively
- pursue research in the humanities
- write an academic essay
- present an abstract topic in front of the audience
- discuss theoretical problems in English
- practice videoconferencing in an academic environment
Syllabus (in Czech)
  • 1. Art of Interpretation, Hermeneutic Circle, Context, Objectivity (D. F. Schleiermacher)
  • 2. Experience and Understanding, Historicity and History, (W. Dilthey)
  • 3. To be Human is to Interpret, the Existential Hermeneutic Circle, (M. Heidegger)
  • 4. Understanding as Mediation, The Conversation that We Are (H. G. Gadamer)
  • 5. Hermeneutics and the Humanities, Objectivity vs. Subjectivity, Natural Sciences vs. Humanities
  • 6. Language, Grammar and an Attack on Truth (F. Nietzsche)
  • 7. Time and Interpretation, Symbols, Metaphors, Meaning (P. Ricoeur) This is an online session with the SOAS University Expert on Hermeneutics, Elvis Imafidon
  • 8. Discourse, Discoursive Practice, Discoursive Systems, Speaking Subjects (M. Foucault)
  • 9. Deconstructing Tradition, Meaning as a Difference (F. Saussure and J. Derrida)
  • 10. Poststructuralist Practice of Reading (L. Althusser)
  • 11. Traditional Hermentutics vs. non-European Approach (online session with the SOAS University expert on Hermeneutics, Elvis Imafidon)
Literature
  • BELSEY, Catherine. Poststructuralism : a very short introduction. Second edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2022, 137 stran. ISBN 9780198859963. info
  • ZIMMERMANN, Jens. Hermeneutics : a very short introduction. First edition. Oxford: Oxford university press, 2015, xiv, 159. ISBN 9780199685356. info
  • GADAMER, Hans-Georg. Truth and method. Translated by Joel Weinsheimer - Donald G. Marshall. 2nd, rev. ed. London: Continuum, 2004, xxxvi, 601. ISBN 082647697X. info
  • GRONDIN, Jean. Introduction to philosophical hermeneutics. Edited by Hans-Georg Gadamer, Translated by Joel Weinsheimer. New Haven: Yale university press, 1994, xv, 231 s. ISBN 0-300-07089-6. info
  • MARTIN, Glen T. From Nietzsche to Wittgenstein : the problem of truth and nihilism in the modern world. New York: Peter Lang, 1989, xv, 401. ISBN 0820409170. info
  • DE MAN, Paul. Allegories of reading : figural language in Rousseau, Nietzsche, Rilke, and Proust. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1979, xi, 305. ISBN 9780300028454. info
Teaching methods (in Czech)
lectures, on-line lectures, individual research
Assessment methods
Students can earn 2 credits for 70% attendance and two written reflections on the lectures, plus an additional 2 credits for the exam, which includes an essay based on reading academic texts and an in-class presentation.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
The course is taught each semester.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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