Philosophical Reflection (engl.)

Reflective (self-)study of issues in social, cultural and literary philosophy will be strongly guided by current discussions. However, knowledge of the classics is generally helpful for contextualizing contemporary phenomena. Therefore, students can select classical works of fiction in German and/or English, but also foundational theoretical texts in philosophy, cultural studies, communication studies, and social psychology.

On the one hand, the module aims at providing an interdisciplinary overview of the whole study program; on the other hand, it is designed to explore individually selected topics in greater depth. It is particularly aimed at students who have discovered—or wish to discover—their personal academic interests but have not found the desired scope for this within other courses in the study program. Students will be able to communicate (in writing and orally), discuss, and collaboratively develop problems, potential solutions, and insights in a professional manner. Students develop their reflective and self-directed learning skills, enabling them to engage in nuanced discourse on issues related to culture, society, and the international community.

Guided self-study. The course program includes sessions at the beginning of the semester, during which students first select their own reading materials; these form the basis for the panel discussion in the second half of the semester.

Students are expected to host or participate in one panel discussion about two works of fiction (books or movies) or foundational theoretical texts. Furthermore, they are expected to be present in the audience at all other (seven) panel discussions and ask at least two audience questions over the course of the semester.

Depending on the format of the course, there will be an exam (lecture course format) or students will give oral presentations on a related topic of their choice (seminar format, 30-40 min, group work possible) and present a thesis paper (2 pages).

Will be updated annually and announced in the first seminar session.