Humanities Today

Course goals

a) Build a repertoire of key concepts and theories in the Humanities.
b) Learn to talk and think about one’s own field in relation to other fields within the Humanities.
c) Learn to formulate research questions, locate and interpret sources, and assess the significance of one’s own research within the framework of current cultural theories.
d) Gain confidence in discussing and reporting research findings in both oral and written forms in an interdisciplinary setting.


 

Content

In Humanities Today, students from different ICON research master programmes are invited to explore the current state of the Humanities, the questions, concepts, and methodologies that animate our respective fields and disciplines. What are some of the common concerns and interests among Humanities disciplines? What are some of the important differences? What can be gained from interdisciplinary dialogue within the Humanities, and what are some of the major obstacles? What can we learn about our own field by engaging in conversation with students and scholars from other, related fields? Each week is structured around a plenary lecture by one of the core faculty members in the participating RMA programs. In preparation for the lecture we will discuss, in interdisciplinary groups, a series of key theoretical texts. The course is taught in English.

Additional information

Career orientation:
Students are familiarized with key concepts and methodologies of interdisciplinary Humanities research, as well as work on their communication skills in an interdisciplinary setting. This is helpful for shaping their future research profile on the academic job market and beyond.