Course: Hermeneutics of early historicism. Metamorphoses of methodological reflection in 19th century German historiography

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Course title Hermeneutics of early historicism. Metamorphoses of methodological reflection in 19th century German historiography
Course code KFHS/B234
Organizational form of instruction Lecture
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter and summer
Number of ECTS credits 4
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Klouda Jiří, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
1. Introduction. Definition of historicism. 2. History, premodern classifications of knowledge, and the modern worldview. 3. The emergence of hermeneutics. 4. The foundations of Schleiermacher?s hermeneutics. 5. Wilhelm von Humboldt, philosophical and political context. 6. Humboldt?s texts on history and historiography 7. The role of the historian 1. 8. The role of the historian 2. 9. J. G. Droysen, philosophical and political context. 10. Droysen?s methodology 11. ?Historical forces? and their understanding. 12. Critical discussion, comparison of Humboldt?s and Droysen?s models. 13. Final summary colloquium.

Learning activities and teaching methods
unspecified, unspecified, unspecified, unspecified
Learning outcomes
The course focuses on understanding the intellectual contexts and theoretical foundations from which academic historiography emerged as an independent professional discipline in the early 19th century. A critical reflection on the anthropological and philosophical premises of selected methodological frameworks developed by leading German theorists (primarily W. Humboldt and J. G. Droysen) will lead to a contemporary examination of the relationship between historical narrative and collective identity.
Students will acquire the following specialized knowledge. They will be able to reflect on the philosophical dimensions of historiography and explain its key epistemological issues. They will be able to examine historical knowledge in terms of its underlying assumptions. They will also be able to situate historicism within the context of German philosophy and literature of the so-called Goethean era.
Prerequisites
None

Assessment methods and criteria
unspecified
Active participation in seminars (at least 75%) is required to earn credit. Students are expected to come to each class properly prepared. During the seminar, there will be a review of the previous class. Attendance at the final colloquium is also required.
Recommended literature
  • BENJAMIN, Walter. O pojmu dějin. In: Výbor z díla II. Teoretické pasáže (s 307-313). Praha: Oikoymenh, 2011.
  • BORSCHE, Tilman. Wilhelm von Humboldt. München: C. H. Beck.
  • DROYSEN, Johann Gustav. Outline of Principles of History. Massachusetts: Ginn & Co, 1897.
  • FRANK, Manfred. Das Individuelle Allgemeine. Frankfurt am Main: Suhrkamp, 1977.
  • GADAMER, Hans-Georg. Pravda a Metoda, I, II. Praha: Triáda 2019, 2012.
  • HABERMAS, Jürgen. Historical Consciousness and Post-Traditional Identity. Acta Sociologica, 31, 1 (s. 3-13). 1988.
  • HUMBOLDT, Wilhelm. On the Historian´s Task. History &Theory (s. 57-71). 1967.
  • JAEGER, Friedrich; RÜSEN Jörn. Geschichte des Historismus. München: C. H. Beck, 1992.
  • KOSELLECK, Reinhart. Futures Past. New York: Columbia University Press, 2004.
  • SCHLEIERMACHER, Friedrich. Hermeneutics and Criticism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998.
  • SZONDI, Peter. Úvod do literární hermeneutiky. Brno: Host, 2003.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester