Doing Conceptual Analysis
Full course description
In this skills course, students will be introduced to working with concepts in academic research and writing. Working from introductory texts on the study of concepts, students will learn what a concept is and its many uses. They will then learn techniques to analyse the meanings of concepts and how they may shift or conflict over time. Students will apply their knowledge on the example of the concept of “democracy”.
Course objectives
Students will be introduced to the methods for studying the meaning of concepts. The course will firstly provide an understanding of what concepts are and of the importance of concepts for interpreting texts in Arts and Culture. Secondly, the course will introduce students to historical and analytical methods for studying the (shift of the) meaning of concepts. Thirdly, the course will enable students to use these historical and analytical methods for studying the (shift of the) meaning of the concept of democracy. Students will exercise these skills through a written assignment.
Recommended reading
To be announced at the start of the course.