Philosophy – Bachelor minor subject

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Elective minor in a first degree programme (bachelor). A minor subject may only be chosen in combination with a major subject.

During your studies you will gain an understanding of the theories and positions of classical and contemporary philosophers. You will discuss philosophical questions, such as free will, the rationale of moral norms, the potentials of knowledge and the relationships between language and reality. You will gain insights into the history of philosophy and a variety of its sub-disciplines, and you will be encouraged to develop a range of valuable skills. These include especially the ability to think carefully and analyse critically, to develop structured approaches to reading and writing texts, to critically assess arguments, and the ability to develop your own arguments creatively and independently. The study of philosophy will enable you especially to pose foundational questions and to repeatedly scrutinise and challenge the foundations of existing theories and positions, rather than relying exclusively on a prescribed framework of discussion.

Overview

Programme start Winter semester
Application period 9.5. - 15.9.
Admission restrictions no
ECTS 40

Content

Programme structure

Programme start

Winter semester

Academic structure

In a variety of basic modules you will learn about the different areas of philosophy. You will attend introductory seminars on logical semantics and take courses in practical and theoretical philosophy. In addition to this, you will also attend two undergraduate courses in the field of history and classical philosophy. In the advanced module you can select an additional undergraduate course of your own choice.

A Bachelor of Arts degree in the Humanities typically consists of a major subject (120 credits) and a minor subject (40 credits). You are also required to attend the "Überfachliche berufsorientierte Qualifikationen" (Interdisciplinary career preparation) module (20 credits) and complete an internship. Please click here to find out more about studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Humanities.

Please find further information on the study plan.


Please check the Exam regulations (partly in German) for more information about the programme structure.

Impressions from students and lecturers

Hear from students and lecturers
In our interview series, students talk about their subject, teachers explain the department's research and tell you what topics they cover in seminars and lectures.

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Discover online lectures and websites with more information about your prospective subject.

Requirements

What interests and skills should I have?

You should really enjoy working with scientific, complex and often very abstract texts. You should be able not only to read texts thoroughly and critically, but also to structure and write your own. Abstract thinking should come easily to you, and you should have a lively interest in logical and consistent reasoning. Philosophy students also need a good command of English, because a large amount of the relevant literature is written in this language. But most of all you need to have a deep-seated interest in philosophical questions, because this will provide you with the motivation and endurance needed to complete the highly demanding course of study.

If you are uncertain whether the study of philosophy really suits your interests and abilities, you should take a look at the department’s websites. They will provide you with some important tips and examples of original texts that will be explored during your studies. Of course, you are not expected to immediately understand these texts before beginning your studies. But you should certainly feel the desire and be prepared to make the effort to deal intensely with these texts.

Language skills

Foreign language skills
You do not have to proof any foreign language skills.

Language(s) of instruction

The languages of instruction and examinations are German and English.

Admission requirements

The same general entry requirements apply for the major and minor:

General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or equivalent.

Fees

Semester fee

All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.

Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.

Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

Application and application documents

This study programme has no admission restrictions.

Application documents

During the online application process, you will need to enter various kinds of information (school grades, attendance periods etc.) and upload various PDF documents. Please make sure that you have the relevant documentation ready. This may include:

  • your Abitur certificate (German general higher education entrance qualification)
  • documentation of any volunteering you may have done (FSJ, FÖJ etc.)
  • any documentation about vocational training you may have completed
  • any other required documents (medical certificate etc.)

An electronic assistant will guide you through the application process. Required fields are marked by an asterisk (*).

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