996002 (Comparative) Historical Semantics, Conceptual History, Discourse Analysis: Theories (S) (SoSe 2015)

In this seminar (theory class) we will read first a small number of foundational texts and then proceed to discuss current theoretical debates about historical semantics, conceptual history and discourse analysis. A special focus will be on the issue of comparisons and translations between different languages and conceptual worlds. The seminar is addressed to BGHS doctoral students in history (all epochs) as well as doctoral students in sociology interested in, or working with, one of the approaches mentioned. Complementary to this theory class, a methods class will be offered dealing with the more practical aspects of ‘doing’ research in (comparative) conceptual history, historical semantics or discourse analysis. Languages used in the course will be English and German.