Universität Wien
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130078 VO Theories of Emotion (2014S)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 13 - Europäische und Vergleichende Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaft

Emotions play an absolutely seminal role in the composition and interpretation of literature and culture. But what is an emotion and how do we register it? Many important questions remain unanswered. Given that the tapestry of a person’s emotional responses is frequently understood as a marker of identity, it is by no means surprising that there are heated debates about the definition of the emotions. This lecture series will begin with a historical overview of Western traditions of interpretation which have defined the emotions as irrational expressions of the passions, and it will introduce recent neuropsychological arguments which have defined the emotions as essentially rational evaluative techniques. The lecture will offer an introduction to cognitive approaches to the explanation of emotion and it will discuss the implications of diverging theories in the context of practical interpretations. Jane Austen’s vastly popular novel Pride and Prejudice will feature as a seminal point of reference. A selection of critical essays will be collected in a Reader and some additional material will be available on Moodle.
Moodle

Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 03.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 34 Hauptgebäude, Hochparterre, Stiege 6
  • Monday 10.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 34 Hauptgebäude, Hochparterre, Stiege 6
  • Monday 17.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 34 Hauptgebäude, Hochparterre, Stiege 6
  • Monday 24.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 34 Hauptgebäude, Hochparterre, Stiege 6
  • Monday 31.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 34 Hauptgebäude, Hochparterre, Stiege 6
  • Monday 07.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 34 Hauptgebäude, Hochparterre, Stiege 6
  • Monday 28.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 34 Hauptgebäude, Hochparterre, Stiege 6
  • Monday 05.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 34 Hauptgebäude, Hochparterre, Stiege 6
  • Monday 12.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 34 Hauptgebäude, Hochparterre, Stiege 6
  • Monday 19.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 34 Hauptgebäude, Hochparterre, Stiege 6
  • Monday 26.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 34 Hauptgebäude, Hochparterre, Stiege 6
  • Monday 02.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 34 Hauptgebäude, Hochparterre, Stiege 6
  • Monday 16.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 34 Hauptgebäude, Hochparterre, Stiege 6
  • Monday 23.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 34 Hauptgebäude, Hochparterre, Stiege 6

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Emotions play an absolutely seminal role in the composition and interpretation of literature and culture. But what is an emotion and how do we register it? Many important questions remain unanswered. Given that the tapestry of a person's emotional responses is frequently understood as a marker of identity, it is by no means surprising that there are such heated debates about the definition of the emotions. This lecture series will begin with a historical overview of Western traditions of interpretation which have defined the emotions as irrational expressions of the passions, and it will introduce recent neuropsychological arguments which have defined the emotions as essentially rational evaluative techniques. The lecture will offer an introduction to cognitive approaches to the explanation of emotion and it will discuss the implications of diverging theories in the context of practical interpretations.

Assessment and permitted materials

Participation
Written exam in the last week of the semester

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

- To offer an overview of diverging explanations of the emotions.
- To Comment on the meanings and uses of emotion, affect, and feeling.
- To explore different approaches to the interpretation of literary (and cultural) representations of emotions

Examination topics

Presentations by the lecturer
Discussions in class

Reading list

Jane Austen’s novel "Pride and Prejudice" will feature as a seminal point of reference. A selection of critical essays will be available on Moodle.

Association in the course directory

MA M3, BA M8

Last modified: Th 04.07.2024 00:12