Course Choice

ZEuS is the University of Konstanz' central enrollment and student portal. It allows students to plan and organize their studies in Konstanz and from winter semester 2017/18 onwards it hosts the course catalogue.

For help with all the features available in ZEuS you may consult the ZEuS-Wiki (available in German and English). Features include the change of personal data (address etc.) as well as the preregistration for courses. In order to use most of these features you have to log in with your University of Konstanz email details (name and password), hence you will only be able to use these once you have been enrolled.

Starting from ZEuS main website, click on "Courses" to be guided to the course catalogue. Selecting "Show university's course catalogue" will open the list of degree types (Bachelor programmes, Master programmes etc.) as well as the categories of courses offered by other units of the university (supplementary courses, interdisciplinary courses).

Once you have identified courses of interest by their titles, please consult the detailed course description for information on the

• course content and reading/preparatory reading
• number of weekly contact hours
•  language of instruction
•  room and teaching hours of the course
•  name of the responsible lecturer
•  pre-registration for participation modalities
•  assessments (and number of ECTS points awarded upon successful completion)

In the course catalogue in ZEuS there is also a category titled "Courses taught in English". There all courses taught in English by the departments and other course offering units are listed. If you plan to study exclusively in English, you can go directly to this category. 

All course codes on ZEuS starting with "HIS-".

Bachelor level

First-year bachelor students in the departmental section History complete introductory lectures (Einführung/Vorlesung) and excercises (Übung) that are on offer repetitively and are always taught in German. This is where they are being introduced to the fundamental principles and theories of history and historical research. They also take introductory seminars with tutorial (Proseminar mit Tutorium) where they write their first research papers and cover all epochs from antiquity to modernity. Usually, those seminars are also taught in German, occasionally an English taught seminar might be on offer.

Once being more advanced in their discipline, i.e. in the second and third bachelor’s year, students choose advanced courses and seminars among a multitude of courses and seminars covering different topics and epochs. In those advanced level courses and seminars, bachelor level students come together with students at master level, meaning that those course types are suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students. They complete different coursework and performance assessments, depending on their respective study cycle. A good amount of those courses and seminars is taught in English; however, the exact number of English-taught seminars and courses on bachelor level can vary. Approximately four to six seminars for students at the bachelor level are taught in English each semester.

There is a broad variety of introductory seminars, advanced seminars and advanced courses with topics that change every semester, so it is not possible to provide you with an exact list until about two to three months before the beginning of each semester. You can consult the list of past semester's seminars and courses taught in English in the History Department to get an idea what the offer usually looks like. 

Students who wish to participate in introductory seminars (Proseminar) and courses (Kurs) should have completed introductory lectures in history or a related discipline before. Advanced seminars (Hauptseminar/Seminar) are only recommended to students of history in higher semesters (Year 3) and having solid knowledge in historical methods and theory, as they require writing an extensive research paper. For other mandatory prerequisites of certain courses, please check the respective section in the course description in ZEuS.

For detailed module plans and info about ECTS values in the History Department, please consult chapter "3.2.4.1. History" (p. 62-65) in our Incoming Student Guide. 

Master level

The MA and MEd programmes History are mainly taught in German; however, both programmes have a steady offer of English-taught courses with varying topics each semester. The MA programme Mediterranean History is taught entirely in English. In their first semester/year, degree seeking students complete mandatory lectures (Vorlesung) and colloquia (Kolloquium), students in higher semesters choose their seminars (Oberseminar/Seminar) and courses (Kurs) from a set of electives with topics that change every semester. It is not possible to provide you with an exact list until about two to three months before the beginning of each semester. In the meantime, you can consult the list of past semester's seminars and courses taught in English in the History Department to get an idea what the offer usually looks like. 

Students who wish to participate in master level courses in history need to have a completed bachelor’s degree in history or related disciplines. For other mandatory prerequisites of certain courses, please check the respective section in the course description in ZEuS.

For detailed module plans and info about ECTS values in the History Department, please consult chapter "3.2.4.1. History" (p. 62-65) in our Incoming Student Guide. 

All course codes on ZEuS starting with "LIN-".

Bachelor level

Bachelor students in the Department of Linguistics need to complete an introductory lecture (Einführung) as well as five of six courses on core areas (Kerngebiet) of linguistics (i.e. ‘domains’, or levels of analysis of language). After having completed introductory core-area courses (e.g. Phonetics I), students take advanced core area courses (e.g. Phonetics II) and can also select further courses on other thematic focus and research areas of linguistics. 

The introductory lecture and core area courses are on offer repetitively, so are certain lectures and colloquia. However, some courses are either on offer in winter or in summer semester. The seminars on other thematic focus areas are put together on a semester basis and the topics might slightly vary from semester to semester. It is therefore not possible to provide you with an exact list until about two to three months before the beginning of each semester.

The majority of general courses open to students of all areas of specialization is taught in German. However, due to a possible thematic focus on English language and linguistics, there is quite a large offer of courses taught in English available and open to exchange students who meet the prerequisites. Due to the other  thematic foci, courses are also offered in other languages, e.g. French, Italian, Russian and Spanish. The language of instruction of each course is indicated in the detailed course description on ZEuS. 

Where having passed a certain course is a prerequisite for taking another, exchange students are, of course, not expected to have passed the particular course offered in Konstanz in order to be admitted. We do expect you to have passed a similar course at your home institution though, enabling you to do the reading for and take part in the discussion in seminar sessions. You should not take a course for which you do not meet the entry requirements. For example, you should not take Phonetics II unless you have taken an introductory-level phonetics course. Please note that as a general rule, BA students are not admitted to MA courses in linguistics. For other mandatory prerequisites of certain courses, please check the respective section in the course description in ZEuS.

For detailed module plans and info about ECTS values in the Linguistics Department, please consult chapter "3.2.2. Departmen of Linguistics" (p. 50-56) in our Incoming Student Guide. 

Master level

In all three MA programmes in linguistics, students will find courses on methods, statistics and computational text analysis, as well as foundational courses on linguistic theory (Core components A and B). The remaining modules differ among the MA programmes and areas of specialization within the MA Linguistics. As in the BA programme, course offers follow a general pattern, with only minor deviations.

While Multilingualism and Speech and Language Processing can be studied entirely in English, courses in the MA Linguistics are taught in a number of languages, depending on the area of specialization / student group a course addresses. All three programmes seek to equip their graduates with the skills and methodological knowledge needed to carry out academic research in their field. That is why overarching courses are taught in English (Modules 1 and 2 in all three programmes).

Exchange students may choose courses from any of the three MA programmes, provided they have completed a bachelor’s degree in linguistics. For other mandatory prerequisites of certain courses, please check the respective section in the course description in ZEuS.

For detailed module plans and info about ECTS values in the Linguistics Department, please consult chapter "3.2.2. Departmen of Linguistics" (p. 50-56) in our Incoming Student Guide. 

All course codes on ZEuS starting with "LIT-".

Bachelor level

First-year bachelor students in the Department of Literature, Art and Media Studies need to complete introductory-level lectures with tutorials (Vorlesung / Einführung mit Tutorium) that are on offer repetitively and are always taught in German, where they are being introduced to the fundamental principles, theories and methodology of literary and cultural studies, art history and media studies. They also complete exercises in academic writing skills. Additionally, first- and second-year students take introductory seminars (Proseminar) where they are familiarized with research methods in their discipline, e.g. literary analysis, and learn how to write academic papers in their subject area. Students in higher semesters (year 3) take advanced seminars (Hauptseminar), in which they come together with master-level students. Those seminars (both introductory and advanced) are electives and the topics on offer change every semester, so it is not possible to provide you with an exact list until about two to three months before the beginning of each semester. You can consult the list of past semester's seminars and courses taught in English in the Department of Literature, Art and Media Studies to get an idea what the offer usually looks like. 

In the majority of our bachelors’ programmes, the language of instruction is German. In the specialization British and American studies of the BA Literatures-Cultures-Languages, only the basic modules for first-year students are in German, the rest of the curriculum is in English. In the specializations French, Italian and Spanish/Ibero-American literature, the majority of courses is taught in German while there is a small number of courses offered in the language of the respective philology each semester. To find information on the language of instruction of a course, check the detailed course description on ZEuS.

Participation in advanced seminars requires studying the respective philology or subject area as major subject and having completed introductory seminars in the discipline before, i.e. being at least a third-year bachelor student of the discipline. For other mandatory prerequisites of certain courses, please check the respective section in the course description in ZEuS.

For detailed module plans and info about ECTS values in the Department of Literature, Art and Media Studies, please consult chapter 3.2.1. (p. 41-49) in our Incoming Student Guide. 

Master level

The fundamental structure is the same for all the master programmes in the department: students complete foundational courses / core modules in their degree programmes, as well as subject-specific seminars in their chosen field of specialization. The programmes therefore aim to provide students both with an interdisciplinary framework and methodology in their subject area and with expert in-depth knowledge in their chosen specialization. The foundational courses are on offer regularly, the courses offered in the specialization modules are electives with varying topics that change every semester, so it is not possible to provide you with an exact list until about two to three months before the beginning of each semester. You can consult the list of past semester's seminars and courses taught in English in the Department of Literature, Art and Media Studies to get an idea what the offer usually looks like. 

The default language of instruction of the MA programmes is German, with a few elective seminars taught in the languages of the philologies studied. In the MA Literary Studies with specialization in English literatures and cultures, as well as in the MEd English, core modules are offered in German, elective seminars are taught in English.

For participation in master level courses, exchange students should have completed a bachelor’s degree in literary studies or a related discipline (cultural studies, etc.) and be familiar with the academic standards of writing research-oriented papers in this subject area. For other mandatory prerequisites of certain courses, please check the respective section in the course description in ZEuS.

For detailed module plans and info about ECTS values in the Department of Literature, Art and Media Studies, please consult chapter 3.2.1. (p. 41-49) in our Incoming Student Guide.

All course codes on ZEuS starting with "PHI-".

Bachelor level

Bachelor students in lower semesters in the Department of Philosophy complete core seminars (Kernkurs), where they are being introduced to the core principles and theories of philosophy and philosophic research, as well as introductory seminars (Proseminar) on logic and argumentation. Those core and introductory seminars are always taught in German. 

Once being more advanced in their studies, they take introductory seminars (Proseminar), covering the history of philosophy of multiple epochs (antiquity to 21st century) and concepts in practical and theoretical philosophy. Students of the BA programme Philosophy also take two advanced seminars (Hauptseminar) in their final year, where they come together with students at the master level. Some of those introductory and advanced seminars are taught in English; however, the exact number of English-taught seminars on bachelor level can vary. Approximately two to four seminars for students at the bachelor level are taught in English each semester.

The introductory and advanced seminars are electives, the offer changes every semester and they cover topics of all areas of philosophy, e.g. philosophy of science, philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, epistemology, ethics, logic, philosophy of religion, theory of action, to name but a few. It is not possible to provide you with an exact list until about two to three months before the beginning of each semester. You can consult the list of past semester's seminars and courses taught in English in the Philosophy Department to get an idea what the offer usually looks like. 

Participation in advanced seminars requires studying philosophy as major subject and having completed introductory seminars in philosophy before, i.e. being at least a third-year bachelor student in philosophy. For other mandatory prerequisites of certain courses, please check the respective section in the course description on ZEuS.

For detailed module plans and info about ECTS values in the Philosophy Department, please consult chapter "3.2.3. Philosophy" (p. 57-59) in our Incoming Student Guide. 

Master level

The MA programme Philosophy can be studied entirely in English, since all the mandatory elements of the curriculum are offered in English. However, it is also still possible to study this degree programme entirely in German or with courses in both languages. The courses on offer are mainly advanced seminars; however, the modules are flexible and it is also possible to attend lectures, colloquia and compact seminars (intensive course taught within a shorter time period and not weekly over the entire semester), depending on the offer of each semester. Degree-seeking students have to take each module either as a main or an additional module. Main modules are completed with more courses and therefore more ECTS credits than additional modules. Exchange students, however, do not face restrictions when it comes to choosing courses within the modules: As an exchange student in philosophy you are free to mix courses from multiple modules as you wish, it is not necessary to complete an entire module.

The topics of the seminars change every semester, so it is not possible to provide you with an exact list until about two to three months before the beginning of each semester. You can consult the list of past semester's seminars and courses taught in English in the Philosophy Department​​​​​​​ to get an idea what the offer usually looks like.

Students who wish to participate in master level courses in philosophy need to have a completed bachelor’s degree in philosophy. For other mandatory prerequisites of certain courses, please check the respective section in the course description in ZEuS. 

For detailed module plans and info about ECTS values in the Philosophy Department, please consult chapter "3.2.3. Philosophy" (p. 57-59) in our Incoming Student Guide. 

All course codes on ZEuS starting with "SOC-".

Bachlor level

Students in lower semesters (year one and two) in the departmental section Sociology complete lectures (Vorlesung) with tutorials (Tutorium) and exercises (Übung) in which they are introduced to the fundamental principles and theories of sociology and sociological research. They also take seminars (Seminar) on classics of sociological theory and methodology courses on data analysis, statistics and academic research and writing. Those lectures, exercises, seminars and courses are on offer repetitively and are always taught in German. 

Once more advanced in their discipline, students in their second and third year can choose elective courses from a variety of seminars, covering different topics of sociology, e.g. social and cultural anthropology, cultural anthropology, gender studies, sociology of migration, sociology of inequality, to name but a few. In their third year students also take project seminars (Projektseminar), where they carry out a small-size research project on their own. This offer is partly taught in English; however, the exact number of English-taught seminars on bachelor level can vary. Approximately three to four seminars for students at the bachelor level are taught in English each semester.

There is a broad variety of special sociology (Spezielle Soziologie) and project seminars (Projektseminar) with topics that change every semester, so it is not possible to provide you with an exact list until about two to three months before the beginning of each semester. You can consult the list of past semester's seminars taught in English in the Sociology Department to get an idea what the offer usually looks like. 

Students who wish to participate in special sociology seminars, which are directed at students of higher semesters, should have completed introductory lectures in sociology or a related discipline (e.g. anthropology, politics) before. Project seminars are only recommended to students of sociology in higher semesters (Year 3), as they require individual sociological research and an extensive paper. For other mandatory prerequisites of certain courses, please check the respective section in the course description in ZEuS.

For detailed module plans and info about ECTS values in the Sociology Department, please consult chapter "3.2.4.2. Sociology" (p. 66-70) in our Incoming Student Guide. 

Master level

The MA programmes Sociology and Anthropology and Sociology are German-taught programmes; however, both programmes have a steady offer of English-taught courses. The MA programme Sociology of Inequality is taught entirely in English. The curriculum consists of lectures, seminars, colloquia and a research project. Some elements are mandatory for degree-seeking students and therefore on offer regularly (e.g. the lecture series and the MA Forum seminars as well as Sociological theory I), some of the seminars are electives and the topics vary each semester. It is not possible to provide you with an exact list until about two to three months before the beginning of each semester. You can consult the list of past semester's seminars taught in English in the Sociology Department to get an idea what the offer usually looks like.
Project seminars on master level run for two semesters, starting in summer, and involve students in more extensive research projects and more elaborate research questions than the bachelor’s programme. Participation of exchange students in master-level project seminars is not possible because they would miss one part.

Students who wish to take master level courses in sociology need to have a completed bachelor’s degree in sociology or related disciplines (e.g. anthropology). For other mandatory prerequisites of certain courses, please check the respective section in the course description in ZEuS. 

For detailed module plans and info about ECTS values in the Sociology Department, please consult chapter "3.2.4.2. Sociology" (p. 66-70) in our Incoming Student Guide.