Key Course Information
What is this course about?
The course introduces students to the foundational theories of modern European hermeneutics. As a pursuit of human understanding, hermeneutics examines the conditions and possibilities of comprehension, traditionally focusing on human subjectivity as its central theme. By exploring the subject of understanding, hermeneutic thinkers develop theories of understanding that have shaped the humanistic tradition in European philosophy.
This course will explore the key concepts and central thinkers in hermeneutics, addressing core problems of human understanding and potential solutions. The journey begins with Schleiermacher and the German Romantic tradition, progresses through Gadamer, Foucault, and poststructuralist approaches, and culminates in contemporary conceptions of post-humanistic understanding.
In addition to the theoretical frameworks, students will engage with diverse perspectives and interpretative positions, experiencing various approaches to the subjects of (human) understanding. Through text analysis, reflective exercises, and practical scenarios, students will develop their ability to use English in academic and theoretical contexts, gaining familiarity with the nuanced meanings of key theoretical concepts of the humanities. They are introduced together with their original German or French equivalents, allowing students to consider the specificity of their usage across different European traditions.