Politics and Societies in Europe and North America

22B1862

Bachelor

English

5.0

only summer term

1 semester

This module gives all students a deeper insight into the social and political systems of other countries. It provides the basics for understanding the political and social framework, institutions and conditions in Europe and North America. It focuses on the discussion of several crises in the present time in order to be able to discuss them comparatively. The students have the opportunity to deal with selected countries in small research-teams and to pass on this knowledge to other students within the framework of the module in order to learn from each other.

At the same time, the new module is a central element for the programme's new certificate programme.

- Political Systems in Europe and North America

- Social Systems in Europe and North America

- Country studies on selected countries

- Culture, society and politics in context

- Current phenomena and problems in international comparison

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• oral exam or
• Portfolio exam

The portfolio exam covers 100 points and consists of a presentation (PR) and an one-hour written examination. Each element is weighted by 50 points.

Oral examination: in accordance with the general part of the examination regulations.

Portfolio examination:

• Presentation: approx. 20-40 minutes
• Written examination: In accordance with the applicable study regulation

The requirements are specified in the relevant class.

"Einführung in die Politik- und Sozialwissenschaften" and "Politik und Gesellschaft im digitalen Zeitalter - eGovernment und digitale Gesellschaft".

Students gain deeper insights and knowledge about countries other than Germany. They are able to discuss social and political issues on the basis of knowledge about political institutions, actors and structures in countries in Europe and North America. A broader basis of facts and contexts enables them to critically reflect on phenomena discussed in the media and society.

Students apply theories and concepts of social and political sciences to interpret specific problems and phenomena in foreign countries. They are able to classify influencing factors that contribute to problems, challenges and conflicts faced by countries in Europe and North America. They also understand why countries cannot be easily compared and how knowledge of interrelationships and structural features helps to explain phenomena.

see above

Students collect, classify and interpret a whole range of data and information to develop a concept on their own chosen topic (a country). They are able to argue and interpret data based on serious facts and in a research-based and structured form. In small research teams they develop a concept and ideas to solve current problems, using knowledge from political and social science.

The whole module is based on cooperative forms of working on small research-projects. In a first step, students develop their topics and questions and will then rely on discourse with their colleagues as well as with experts in the field to find out more, challenge their assumptions and argumentation and improve their concepts.

The concept of research-based learning and working in small research teams promotes communicative skills. It also requires the ability to cooperate, strengthens tolerance and teaches the ability to deal with conflicts in teamwork.  It also enables students to communicate with experts in the field and promotes techniques and skills for communicating research findings and ideas developed on the basis of research to a wider audience.

This module builds on the knowledge gained in the modules "Einführung in die Politik- und Sozialwissenschaften" and ?Politik und Gesellschaft im digitalen Zeitalter“.

• Public Management, B.A.

• Loer, Kathrin

• Loer, Kathrin