What is Interpretation? Introduction to Theories of the Sign
Amanda Holmes
Institute of Studies in Art and Art Education, Philosophy
2026S, scientific seminar (SEW), 4.0 ECTS, 2.0 semester hours, course number S05843
Description
This seminar will approach the idea of interpretation from both psychoanalytic and structuralist perspectives. Beginning with Freud's Interpretation of Dreams and Theodor Reik's Surprise and the Psychoanalyst, we will trace a line of thinking through Ferdinand de Saussure's Course in General Linguistics to Lacan's thesis that "the unconscious is structured like a language. " In each case, we will be interrogating our guiding question: what constitutes the difference between a sign, a symbol and a signifier?
Examination Modalities
Students will be asked to write a 2 page reflection essay on three of the texts we read in class. They will be given extensive feedback in each case, and will be graded not on the work itself, but on the extent to which the work and the writing improve over the course of the semester. The class will thus be as focused on the work of writing as it will be on the content of the material (theories of the sign and the signifier).
Key Words
Psychoanalysis, structuralism
Dates
10 March 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 24 , "Please note the change of rooms."
24 March 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 22
21 April 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 25
28 April 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 22
05 May 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 25
12 May 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 25
19 May 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 22
02 June 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 3
09 June 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 25
16 June 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 22
23 June 2026, 13:30–15:30 Seminar Room 22
Course Enrolment
From 02 February 2026, 09:00 to 24 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