Registration does not begin until 02.10.2026 at 08:00. It ends on 12.10.2026 at 23:59.

An introduction to the subject area of political science and academic reflection on politics, exploring the following questions: a) What is politics? and b) What is political science? An overview of the structure and fundamental questions, as well as the theoretical concepts and approaches of the discipline and its individual sub-fields (political theory, government studies, comparative politics, international relations, political sociology & culture, policy analysis). Basic techniques and methods of social science research and communication.

The overarching aim is to provide an overview of the various sub-fields of political science and to introduce students to the established methods of research and communication within the discipline. The content-related objective is to familiarise students with different perspectives on politics and political science. Through the reconstruction, interpretation and discussion of foundational texts, students will explore different approaches to answering the two overarching questions of the seminars: What is politics and what is political science? From a methodological perspective, the seminar focuses on the acquisition and development of fundamental skills and techniques of academic work (essays, literature research, short presentations, discussion). From a social perspective, the aim is to develop skills for organised group work and for participating in discussions in academic seminars.

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