Love, Truth, and Politics: How to Read Plato
Amanda Holmes
Institute of Studies in Art and Art Education, Philosophy
2026S, scientific seminar (SEW), 4.0 ECTS, 2.0 semester hours, course number S05842
Scientific bachelor seminar for teacher education
Description
This course will focus on close readings of primary texts by Plato, namely the Symposium, the Sophist, and sections from the Republic.
We will be reflecting on the format of the dialogue as a medium as we read these texts. We will be asking ourselves what it means to read such a format and what it implies about the nature of reading itself. Further, we will look at some examples of close readings of these Platonic dialogues by more contemporary theorists who offer insights on Plato as framed in both psychoanalysis and deconstruction. The underlying goal of the class is not only to read Plato but to offer a meditation on close reading itself. To this end, we will be working on the skill of close reading in a series of short essay reflections.
Examination Modalities
Writing will be a central element of this seminar. The examination will consist of three short essay reflections, one on each of the dialogues we will discuss. Each short essay (3-5 pages) will develop a close reading of the text.
Dates
Thu, 05 March 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 20
Thu, 12 March 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 20
Thu, 26 March 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 20
Thu, 23 April 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 20
Thu, 30 April 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 20
Thu, 07 May 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 20
Thu, 21 May 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 20
Thu, 28 May 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 20
Thu, 11 June 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 20
Thu, 18 June 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 20
Thu, 25 June 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 20
Course Enrolment
From 02 February 2026, 09:00 to 19 March 2026, 09:00
Via online registration
Curriculum Allocation
Art Education: subject kkp (Bachelor): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: FOR: Lehrveranstaltungen nach Wahl aus Wissenschaftliche Praxis 067/003.80
Art Education: subject kkp (Bachelor): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: IT: Bachelorseminar Wissenschaftliche Praxis 067/003.85
Art Education: subject kkp (Master): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: Lehrveranstaltung nach Wahl aus wissenschaftlicher Praxis, SE 067/003.80
Art Education: subject kkp (Enhancements study): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: FOR: Seminar aus dem Bereich Kunst- und Kulturwissenschaften 067/003.25
Art Education: subject kkp (Enhancements study): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: FOR: Lehrveranstaltungen nach Wahl aus Wissenschaftliche Praxis 067/003.80
Art Education: subject tex (Master): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: Lehrveranstaltung nach Wahl aus wissenschaftlicher Praxis, SE 071/003.80
Art Education: subject dae (Master): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: Lehrveranstaltung nach Wahl aus wissenschaftlicher Praxis, SE 072/003.80
Art Education: subject dex (Bachelor): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: FOR: Lehrveranstaltungen nach Wahl aus Wissenschaftliche Praxis 074/003.80
Art Education: subject dex (Bachelor): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: IT: Bachelorseminar Wissenschaftliche Praxis 074/003.85
Art Education: subject dex (Master): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: Lehrveranstaltung nach Wahl aus wissenschaftlicher Praxis, SE 074/003.80
Art Education: subject dex (Enhancements study): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: FOR: Seminar aus dem Bereich Kunst- und Kulturwissenschaften 074/003.25
Art Education: subject dex (Enhancements study): Wissenschaftliche Praxis: FOR: Lehrveranstaltungen nach Wahl aus Wissenschaftliche Praxis 074/003.80
TransArts - Transdisciplinary Arts (Bachelor): Theoretical foundations: Theoretical foundations 180/003.01
Expanded Museum Studies (Master): Electives: Philosophy 537/080.18
Stage Design (2. Section): Kunsttheorie und Kulturwissenschaften: Philosophie 542/207.04
Media Arts: Specialisation in Transmedia Arts (2. Section): Wissenschaft, Theorie und Geschichte : Philosophie 566/208.08
Media Arts: Specialisation in Digital Arts (2. Section): Wissenschaft, Theorie, Geschichte: Philosophie 567/208.08
Kunst- und Kulturwissenschaften (Master): Electives Area 1: Philosophy 568/005.07
Kunst- und Kulturwissenschaften (Master): Electives Area 2: Philosophy 568/006.07
Cross-Disciplinary Strategies (Master): Study Areas 4-6: Study Area 4: Philosophy 569/022.04
Design: Specialisation in Design and Narrative Media (2. Section): Methodological and Theoretical Fundamentals: Humanities 576/203.02
Design: Specialisation in Communication Design (2. Section): Methodological and Theoretical Basics: Humanities 577/203.02
Conservation and Restoration (2. Section): Geisteswissenschaften: Kunst- und Kulturgeschichte 588/204.10
Fine Arts (2. Section): Scientific and Research Practice: Art Theory, Cultural Studies, Art History, Philosophy 605/202.01
Fine Arts (2. Section): Scientific and Research Practice: Free Electives out of Scientific and Research Practice 605/202.80
Design: Specialisation in Applied Photography and Time-based Media (2. Section): Methodological and Theoretical Basics: Humanities 626/203.02
Cross-Disciplinary Strategies (Bachelor): Philosophy: Deepening / Application 700/003.20
Co-registration: possible
Attending individual courses: possible