Winter Semester 2025/26
Please register for our courses on Klips 2.0 during the second Registration Phase (2. Belegungsphase): 26th August to 24th September 2025.
Basic Module 1 (Core courses)
All core courses will be in "Seminarraum S34" in the Student Service Center (SSC) building number 102.
Economy and Society
Embodied Perspectives on Health and Well-being in a Globalized World
Lecturer: Ragna Winniewski
Course Nr.: 15304.0204
Date/Time: Wed, 16:00 - 17:30
Location: S34, Building 102, U1, -1.309
New Medical Humanities is a thriving inter- and transdisciplinary field of study worldwide. It aims to contribute to a comprehensive and critical understanding of health, illness, and well-being by taking important factors such as environment, embodiment, gender, age, disability, biography and cultural
heritage into account. Given the complexity and diversity of our globalised lifeworld, this course will concentrate on key concepts such as health, illness, and well-being, resilience, lifestyle choices, epistemic injustice and social participation in order to individuate social challenges of implementation on an individual and institutional level. Questions of interest are: What does it mean to lead a healthy lifestyle? Which concepts are central for a comprehensive picture of well-being? What is needed to feel empowered in case of a chronic illness or disability? What are discriminatory practices in general and in medicine and science in particular? To answer these questions, we will read texts from different disciplines such as phenomenology, psychology, sociology, as well as gender and queer studies to identify some potentials and hindrances that exist within the dialogue within and between humanities and medicine.
Sustainability in European Scientific and Educational Sectors
Lecturers: Allen Drew Nelson
Course Nr.: 15304.0202
Date/Time: Tues, 14:00 - 15:30
Location: S34, Building 102, U1, -1.309
The Earth's biosphere consists of complex, interconnected and adaptive systems. Human actions in the present determine the framework conditions for future generations. As we face planetary boundaries, the complex problem of sustainability becomes a global challenge that can only be tackled by appreciating and integrating multiple stakeholders. But what exactly does sustainability mean to these stakeholders and how can their goals become more aligned? In this setting, what is our role, as members of academic and scientific communities?
This introductory course looks at what contemporary European education and science sectors offer at various levels of analysis; to better appreciate where we are, and to adequately equip ourselves for the necessary transition to a more robust response, within the broader context of sustainability. Each level draws upon select approaches to sustainability, including: Planetary boundaries, UN Sustainable Development Goals, Green Deal, Education for Sustainable Development, Times Higher Education Impact Ranking, university-level sustainability strategies and codes of conduct, audits, certifications, grassroots initiatives and student movements.
Students will be introduced to evidence-based evaluation and problem-solving methods, with the objective of applying them to the topic of sustainability. A list of the intended strategies for this course will address multiple stakeholders, bias identification, transdisciplinary thinking, and levels of analysis.
Suggested reading:
Rockström, J., Steffen, W., Noone, K., Persson, Å., Chapin III, F. S., Lambin, E., ... & Foley, J. (2009). Planetary boundaries: exploring the safe operating space for humanity. Ecology and society, 14(2).
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2020). Education for sustainable development: A roadmap.
Tokuhama-Espinosa, T. N., Nelson, A. D., Batchelor, D., Borja, C., & Simmers, K. (2023). A Theory of Mental Frameworks: Contribution to the special issue in Frontiers Psychology on Enhanced Learning and Teaching via Neuroscience. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1220664.
Politics and Law
An Introduction to the European Court of Human Rights
Lecturer: Dr. Anan Alsneik Haidar
Course Nr.: 15304.0200
Date/Time: Mon, 10:00 - 11:30
Location: S34, Building 102, U1, -1.309
The module is intended to introduce the students to the permanent judicial organ established by the European Convention on Human Rights: the European Court of Human Rights. After providing a historical background on the Council of Europe and the European Convention of Human Rights in relation to the Court, the module focuses on the Court’s structure, jurisdiction, and the conduct of proceedings, providing an understanding of key doctrinal concepts that are adopted by the Court. It also considers a selection of the most important cases the Court has dealt with and which impact positively the development of international human rights law.
Contemporary Migration flows to Europe: A crisis or integrated part of European life?
Lecturer: Bianca Sola Claudio
Course Nr.: 15304.0201
Date/Time: Wed, 14.00 - 15.30
Location: S34, Building 102, U1, -1.309
This course aims to explore contemporary migration in Europe, focusing on the intricate dynamics of migration flows, historical contexts, asylum law, and the diverse migration routes for refugees. Addressing the media and political narrative that often frames migration as a crisis and portrays migrants as a ‘burden’, this course poses a central question: does migration represent a state of crisis, or is it an integral part of European life? With this in mind, the course examines the impacts of migration on the humanitarian aid industry, as well as its influence on current European political narratives, including the rise of anti-immigrant party politics.
Through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates perspectives from law, history, sociology and political science, the course seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of migration to European states. Key topics include the asylum routes to Europe, the legal frameworks of asylum, the socio-political ramifications of migration, and the responses of European societies and institutions to migration. The course includes a variety of readings, case studies, and media outputs, which will be thoroughly discussed to facilitate a critical analysis of contemporary issues and debates surrounding migration in Europe.
Culture and History
From house signs to facade media - a historical and cultural journey
Lecturer: Christian Rhein
Course Nr.: 15304.0203
Date/Time: Mon, 15.00 - 16.30
Location: S34, Building 102, U1, -1.309
If we take the particularly well-known illuminations and medializations on buildings in Shanghai, New York, and London as a reference, we might assume that these phenomena are a product of the digital information age. However, this is by no means the case. Signs marking craftsmen's workshops and posters advertising circuses, theaters, and jugglers in the European Middle Ages as well as the professional poster advertising on facades rented by companies in England since the 19th century or the simultaneous emergence of billboards and billposters in the USA, show that building facades have long been understood and used as carriers of information, communication and orientation.
The first part of this seminar will introduce various forms and developments in building and facade illumination and medialization since the Middle Ages. We will understand how technological developments, companies, and individuals have repeatedly enabled new forms to emerge. The second part will focus on various cultural aspects of today's use and future potential of facades as media for communication and orientation in public spaces.
We will read and discuss texts that examine the phenomena from different perspectives (e.g., architecture, human-computer interaction, design, urban and spatial development, media and communication studies) and attempt to identify cultural differences. Although the research literature used has a focus on Western and German developments, course participants are encouraged to contribute experiences and case studies from their countries and regions of origin.
The seminar will include a visit to the “Dortmunder U” (Center for Art and Creativity) and/or the German soccer museum in Dortmund with their media facades. The seminar is aimed at students with an interest in the study of media, art, architecture, design, and urban development, and requires no previous knowledge of the field.
Doing Indigenous Studies in Europe: Decolonizing Approaches and Sámi Narratives
Lecturer: Laura Jungblut
Course Nr.: 15304.0205
Date/Time: Tues, 16.00 - 17.30
Location: S34, Building 102, U1, -1.309
Indigenous Studies is a dynamic and growing field that connects history, culture, politics, and literature. At its core, it asks how Indigenous people live, resist, and thrive in the face of colonialism and how sovereignty, identity, and knowledge are expressed across different contexts.
Part I: Indigenous Studies in Europe
In this part of the course, we will explore how colonization and decolonization have shaped the relationship between settler states and Indigenous communities. We will learn to recognize and critically reflect on Indigenous stereotypes, including the German so-called “Indianerkult.” Together, we will discuss the connected histories of Indigenous people across the globe while also practicing key methodologies and research ethics within Indigenous Studies. To connect theory with practice, we will take part in a visit to the ethnographic Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum and reflect on its collections and exhibits.
Part II: Focus on Sámi Studies
We’ll turn our attention to Sápmi (the Sámi land across northern Europe), discussing works such as e.g. Muitalus sámiid birra – An Account of the Sámi (Turi), The Rocks Will Echo Our Sorrow (Labba), Stolen (Laestadius/ Netflix), Sami Blood (Kernel/ Sápmifilm). Furthermore, we will look towards the issue of so-called Green Colonialism and conclude in mapping (pan-) Indigenous Studies today.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what Indigenous Studies looks like in the 21st century and why it matters.
Basic Module 2 (German course)
The courses will be offered by the Department of German as a Foreign Language. To fullfil the Basic Module 2 you either need to participate in the pre-semester course or the regular German course during the semester.
| Pre-semester course: | 01/09/2025 |
| Semester course: | 20/10/25 - 06/02/2026 |
The pre-semester course is fully online. The semester course will be offered in a mixed format, with the 4 hour session face-to-face and the 2 hour session online.
Elective Module
Core Courses as Elective Courses
All core courses listed under Basic Module 1 may be chosen as an elective course as well. Please note you should have chosen three BM1 courses (one from each thematic field) and could, in theory, choose the other three as Additional courses.
German courses
The offers of the Department for German as a Foreign Language may be counted towards the Elective Module, if the requirements for the Basic Module 2 have been fulfilled already.
Semester German course (9CP)
Metaphysics and Epistemology
Lecturer: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Paul Silva
Course Nr: 14213.0232
Time/Date: Mon, 10.00 - 11.30
Location: Building 100, 4.016
Credit Points: 3
In the first part of this course our main interest will be in philosophical questions about the nature of time, the identity of persons across time, and the conditions for free will. In the second part of this course our main interest will be in questions about the nature of human knowledge: what is knowledge, what are our sources of knowledge, and how–if at all–we can show that we have knowledge and deal with the problem of skepticism?
Recent issues in Epistemology
Lecturer: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Paul Silva
Course Nr: 14213.0212
Time/Date: Thur, 12:00 - 13:30
Location: Building 106, S23
Credit Points: 3
This course will cover a range of topics in recent epistemology. It begins with readings on some of our basic representational states (esp. beliefs, seemings) and moves on to discuss when belief are justified and might constitute knowledge. We will examine various recent theories of knowledge with an emphasis on virtue-theoretic approaches. We will then turn our attention to other factive states in epistemology: ignorance, awareness, and understanding. We will examine the extent to which these states are related to knowledge.
International Human Rights / Menschenrechte
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Angelika Nußberger
Course Nr: 139802052
Time/Date: Tues, 10:00 - 11:30
Location: 100, Hörsaal XVIIa
Credit Points: 3
Die Vorlesung führt in den Internationalen Menschenrechtsschutz ein und betrachtet neben den internationalen auch die regionalvölkerrechtlichen Menschenrechtssysteme. Dabei werden sowohl die Ideengeschichte, die Entwicklung und Bedeutung als auch die institutionelle und die materiell-rechtliche Seite des Menschenrechtsschutzes besprochen. Ein Schwerpunkt wird auf der Europäischen Menschenrechtskonvention und der Charta der Grundrechte der Europäischen Union liegen. Ein Abschlusstest wird angeboten.
Challenges of transmedia narratology
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Stephan Packard
Course Nr: 14227.1111
Time/Date: Mon, 12.00 - 13.30
Location: 106, S16
Credit Points: 3
| |
Authoritarian Legality, Agency and Administrative Law in China
Lecturer: Hannah Kloeber
Course Nr: 14524.2008
Time/Date: Mon, 12.00 - 13.30
Location: 118, S264
Credit Points: 3
This course discusses the role of law in China for governing officials and governed individuals. Using the concept of authoritarian legality as a theoretical backdrop, the course introduces institutional structures and the political environment in China, to find “wiggle room” for citizens in administrative structures to claim their rights. The course discusses the role of the constitution for public law in China, the basic set-up of administrative law and the court system, and how these structures are influenced by Chinese characteristics. It will look into such topics as the Social Credit System, the applicability of data protection laws for state organs and land ownership in China.
Publishing Your Research In Analytic Philosophy
Lecturer: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Paul Silva
Course Nr: 14213.0212
Time/Date: Tues, 11:30 - 12:45
Location: Building 106, S23
Credit Points: 3
This will be a highly interactive, highly flexible course aimed at fostering the skill of thinking and writing in philosophically precise ways that can lead to new philosophical insights and publishable results. This course will walk students through the research process that leads up to the publication of a paper in analytic philosophy. We'll begin with some basics: discovering good research questions, how to identify existing literature to interact with and shape one's research question, ways to structure essays, etc. There will be a range of practical assignments leading up to a very short paper (or a long paper) on a topic (chosen by a student). Students can refine existing research projects (e.g. papers they've already developed) or create new ones.
Topics in Normative Ethics
Lecturer: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Paul Silva
Course Nr: 142130221
Time/Date: Wed, 12:00 - 13:30
Location: Building 106, S23
Credit Points: 3
The Anthropology of Environment - an Introduction
Lecturer: Uni.-Prof. Dr. Michael Bollig
Course Nr: 14506.9101
Time/Date: Thu, 23.10, 14:00 - 17:30
Location: Building 106, S23
Credit Points: 3
| This seminar offers an introduction to the most salient topics of environmental anthropology. After a short introduction to the history of the field, major concepts of environmental anthropoloy (e.g. landscape, infrastructure, anthropocene) are discussed. Subsequently traditional fields of environmental anthropology (e.g. humans and animals, humans and plants, water) are being discussed. The course is finalized by a series of lectures on current pertinent themes of environmental anthropology (e.g. climate change, biodiversity loss, extractivism, disaster, environmental movements). |
Environmental Law: Basics and Comparative Studies
Lecturer: Uni.-Prof. Dr. Kirk Junker
Course Nr: 139802614
Time/Date: Fri, 10:00 - 11:30
Location: Building 105, Hörsaal A2
Credit Points: 3
|
Media Transformation
Lecturer: Uni.-Prof. Dr. Oyvind Eide
Course Nr: 161300231
Time/Date: Wed, 12:00 - 13:30
Location: Building 103, S93
Credit Points: 3
This lecture serves two different functions. On the one hand it gives the background for the exercise ”Media Transformation – Interaktives Erzählen in VR” and establishes a basis for a critical reflection on the practical work the students do in creating VR systems. On the other hand it is also a discussion about the role of different media, before and now, and how media relate to interactivity, agency, and embodiment which can be taken as an independent course. The main part of the teaching consists of lectures and discussions, but the students are also asked to do some practical exercises in order to understand better some of the points raised and to help them clarifying their own positions. The language of the lectures is English. Some questions and presentations from Students might be in German. Work can be submitted in English or German as each student prefer.
Political Shakespeare
Lecturer: Priv.-Doz.' Dr.' Marlena Tronicke
Course Nr: 145693102
Time/Date: Wed, 12:00 - 13:30
Location: Building 100, Hörsaal VIII
Credit Points: 3
This lecture examines the political dimensions of Shakespeare’s works, both in their original contexts and in their cultural afterlives. We will explore how plays including Julius Caesar, Richard II, The Merchant of Venice, Othello, Henry V, The Tempest, Twelfth Night, and Measure for Measure engage with questions of sovereignty, nationalism, rebellion, gender, race, sexuality, and class. At the same time, we will ask how Shakespeare himself has become a politicised figure: used to uphold empire and tradition, but also reimagined in anti-colonial, feminist, and activist performances around the world. How do Shakespeare’s plays negotiate the politics of their time? How are they mobilised in contemporary struggles over identity, power, and national mythology? Our readings will combine close analyses of the plays with critical texts and modern adaptations or stage productions that place Shakespeare in dialogue with today’s political debates.
Storytelling: Multidisciplinary Perspectives
Lecturer: Uni.-Prof. Dr. Anna Bonifazi
Course Nr: 145550122
Time/Date: Tues, 17:45 - 19:15
Location: Building 106, S25
Credit Points: 2
Storytelling is an important social and cultural activity for humans. Stories can be shared in more formalized or ritual settings (such as theatre plays) or as part of everyday social interaction. Stories thus can take many different shapes, ranging from very long epics as told by bards to short messages about a person’s recent activities in Messengers and other digital formats. Crucially, all kinds of storytelling are inherently multimodal, as stories can be signed, spoken, sung, written, drawn, etc. Moreover, in performed storytelling, the whole human body is involved, including a rich repertoire of gestures and enactments. However, storytelling does not just involve the sharing of stories with other humans. Rather, it seems to reflect a broader and deeper aspect of the human brain, namely the ‘narrative brain’, as proposed by the cognitive scientist Fritz Breithaupt: to a large extent, we anchor ourselves in the world through stories. This cognitive perspective, combined with the idea that stories are the fundamental instrument of thought (talk by Turner), suggests that storytelling may have been an important driving force in the evolution of human language. In this lecture series, we bring together scholars from the University of Cologne as well as national and international guests to explore a wide range of perspectives on storytelling, ranging from getting to know different forms, modes and media of multimodal storytelling, including comics (talk by Packard), music (talk by Pearson), digital platforms (talk by König), medieval textual transmission (talk by Ackermann), storytelling performed by bards (talk by Reichl), and digital editions of oral storytelling (talk by Eide). We will also learn about the development of narrative skills in children (talk by Gagarina), about storytelling abilities of subjects with ASD (talk by Adornetti), and about the intricate work interactants do to jointly enable conversational storytelling (talk by Rühlemann). We plan to reserve some time at the end of each lecture for a joint discussion involving the participants. Attending the lecture series does not require any prior specific knowledge. All formalities will be discussed in the first session on October 21. Attending this session is obligatory. Studienleistung (2CP): Two lecture summaries situating the lecture’s topic into the larger perspectives on storytelling being offered by the lecture series
China and Public International Law
Lecturer: Lucas Christopher Brang
Course Nr: 14524.2002
Time/Date: Tues, 17:45 - 19:15
Location: Building 106, S25
Credit Points: 3
Diese Veranstaltung wird als Blockseminar angeboten. Eine Einführungsveranstaltung findet am
Fr, 17.10.2025 14:00-15:30 per zoom statt. Die Lehre wird von einem externen Lehrbeauftragten übernommen.
Die Blocktermine sind vrs. an den Wochenenden (Sa/So) am 22./23.11 und 13./14.12.
This course will be offered as a block seminar. There will be an introductory session on 17 October from 14:00 - 15:30 via zoom. The other dates are scheduled for 2 weekends: 22/23 November and 13/14 December.