Faculty of Philosophy Philosophy and Philosophy/Ethics - bachelor vocational teaching profession
“Philosophising” is at times equated with an abstract discussion of the “big questions”. Even if one sometimes discusses what can be called “the big questions” during one's studies, it is not a matter of immediately ascending eloquently to the Olympus of knowledge, but rather of first acquiring, in small steps, the tools to adress the “big questions” in a dignified and precise manner. This includes, on the one hand, training in the art of rational argumentation; on the other hand, guided reading of central philosophical texts.
Facts & Formalities
| Degree | Bachelor of Arts |
| Type of programme | Undergraduate |
| Start of programme | Winter semester only |
| Standard period of study | 6 semesters |
| Language(s) of instruction | usually German |
| Fees and contributions | 161.10 € / Semester |
| Application procedure | Subjects with no admission restrictions |
| Application deadlines | Information about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program. |
| Part-time option | Yes |
Course Content
Philosophy can be broadly divided into the categories of theoretical philosophy and practical philosophy. The former examines the potential and limits of knowledge, the structure of consciousness, the relationship between mind and matter, or the frequently debated question as to why anything exists at all rather than nothingness. Practical philosophy examines human actions in a broader sense, including questions such as what constitutes an action, the role played by intentions, which actions are permitted, which actions are required, and the question of what is just.
Philosophy often involves simultaneous study of classical texts, philosophical history and consideration of systematic questions (such as epistemology, ethics and aesthetics).
Philosophy is a highly diverse subject area. At the end of the Bachelor’s degree programme, students will be familiar with the various disciplines, but it will be difficult for them to be well versed in all of them, as the discussions within the individual disciplines are too highly specialised to allow this. In most cases, students develop a special interest in either theoretical or practical philosophy and choose a specialisation accordingly.
Course Structure
The degree programme is modular. Students must attend the two introductory courses (propaedeutics) in the first two semesters. Students then complete modules in systematic philosophy, covering both theoretical and practical aspects in equal depth. They also consider the history of philosophy via the study of texts from the Antique era, Middle Ages and modern period. Each area must be studied at least once.
From the 3rd semester onwards, an advanced seminar and a project module are freely chosen in the Philosophy specialisation area. Along with this, students will complete courses in specialised didactics for Philosophy.
Various examination formats will be used in the different courses, including term papers or a combination of other assessment tools. Over the course of the Philosophy degree programme, a minimum number of term papers must be completed: students in the 33% programme are required to write two term papers.
Upon completion of a module worth at least six credits, students are considered to have passed the orientation examination.
Students are required to submit documentation certifying basic knowledge in Latin or classical Greek in the 33% degree programme by the time they register for the Bachelor's thesis at the latest; proof of language proficiency is not an admission requirement!
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