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Semester Classes

Foto: Miriam Prüßner

Regular Semester Classes

The International Undergraduate Study Program (IUSP) takes courses from the university's regular course catalogue. Usually, classes take place two hours per week.
Important: Each class, whether held in English or German, is being supported by tutorials (obligatory!) in English with four hours per week, especially for IUSP students. In the tutorials, students are working up the contents of the lecture, not only of the first eight weeks the IUSP participants are staying, but also the contents of the second half of the German semester. In addition, the tutors work more deeply on the topic with the students and deepen their knowledge.

The IUSP students give presentations and write essays on the topics according to the respective class and tutorial. Generally, marks are given for oral work (presentations, performance in class etc.) and written work (reports, bibliographies, homework, essays etc.).

Class Choice: We are adding classes as they come in from the professors, and will start publishing classes from December on for the Spring semester, and from July on for the Fall semester.* As soon as the list will be complete, we will notify all students, and ask for their class choice in an email. We will ask for their final decision after their arrival in Marburg. Only students with the language level B1.1 and above can enroll for classes held in German.

Note on Class Attendance
Please bear in mind that attendance is required in order to receive credit for IUSP classes. Failure to attend classes or tutorials can result in grade cuts and/or a grade not being issued to you if you do not attend classes and tutorials regularly. Absence of 15% of the class/tutorial time or more will result in failing the class. IUSP students do not have the option of simply sitting for the exam at the end of the semester without having attended classes. Health issues and other serious reasons for missing lectures are, of course, another matter. Please keep your teacher and/or the IUSP staff informed if you are unable to attend lectures.

*Please note:
Generally speaking, class descriptions are posted online later than what many colleges and universities outside of Germany are accustomed to. The reason for this lies in the differing academic calendars. The classes for the spring semester in Marburg are published in January; classes for the fall semester in Marburg are published in July. We recommend looking at classes from the previous academic year to get a feel for what classes will be offered in the corresponding semester of the current academic year. In most subject areas, similar courses are offered on a rotating basis one time each academic year. We do not offer the same classes every year/semester. Introductory-level courses, however, are generally repeated. Browsing through past catalogues can be helpful in giving you an idea of what courses may be offered and what courses may be counted towards your degree.
The descriptions in the class list are taken from our university course catalogue. 

Class List Fall 2024 

Subject Area: American Studies 

Subject Area: Business Administration and Economics

  • Prof. Dr. Torsten Wulf: Strategic Problemsolving and Communication (held in English)

    Lecture, Thursday 8-10 am / 10 am-12 pm

    Content: Link to Course Homepage

  • Dr. Sven Fischer: Introduction to the Economies of the Middle East (held in English)

    Lecture, Tuesday 2-4 pm

    Contents

    This course is intended as an introduction to basic economic systems and concepts followed by a comprehensive overview of the economies of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The goal is to provide students with a solid basis and understanding of the economies of the region and equip them to analyze these in an objective and critical manner.

    Topics and intended skills

    Introduce the basic economic concepts and systems that are found in the region.
    Provide an in-depth analysis of representative economies of the region.
    Encourage critical thinking and objective analysis for “MENA Economics”-related topics to expand horizons and encourage/motivate topics for further research.


    Further information on graded assignments

    100% of the grade depends on your performance in the final exam.

    Further information on ungraded assignments

    Depending on your examination regulation, you might also need to give a presentation in class during the semester.

    Intended skills (competencies)

    The course is designed to equip students with the necessary tools that would allow them to think and analyze the economies and economic problems witnessed in the MENA region in a systematic theory based approach.
    After attending the course, participants should be able to make educated comments on ongoing economic discussions in the region.

  • Prof. Dr. Bernhard Nietert: Entscheidung, Finanzierung und Investition (held in German)

    Lecture, Monday 4-6 pm

    Content: Link to Course Homepage

  • Prof. Dr. Sascha Mölls: Corporate Governance & Sustainability - Cases & Methods  (held in English)

    Seminar, time tbd

    Companies today are expected not only to maximize their value and provide relevant financial information about the ongoing business but are also presumed to engage in environmental and social activities as an integral part of their management process. Such activities are typically made transparent towards stakeholders through “corporate social responsibility” (CSR)-reporting using guidelines introduced by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Such additional reporting has not only gotten increasing attention in shareholder-oriented ‘exit’ systems of corporate governance but in particular in bank-based insider systems prevalent in continental Europe and Asia. The relationship between corporate governance-frameworks and CSR is complex and ambiguous. CSR is associated with potential benefits for the company, that, however, are long-term and uncertain. Thus, whether the costs associated with CSR outweigh its benefits crucially depends on the time horizonas well as on the effects of certain governance mechanisms (= firm characteristics) on the success of firms. In this course, we start with a thorough introduction into the fundamentals of corporate governance (as an economic interpretation of corporate law focusing on organizational and strategic features as well as financial aspects) and go on with reviewing existing empirical evidence regarding the relevance of firm-specific corporate governance attributes for the decision-making about CSR activities and reporting. Participants further apply the gained conceptual knowledge by working on case studies comparing the practice of CSR-reporting in large listed companies from different countries. Finally, the empirical base allows for a detailed discussion of insights as well as implications.

    Exam:  Presentations during the semester + essay 

Subject Area: English Studies 

Subject Area: German Studies 

Subject Area: History 

Subject Area: Informatics & Mathematics

Subject Area: Linguistics

Subject Area: Media Studies

Subject Area: Peace and Conflict Studies

  • Dr. Ariadna Petri: (Post)colonialism in the Russian Sphere of Influence (held in English)

    Seminar, time tbd, Seminar online

    This advanced seminar delves into the multifaceted dynamics of (post)colonialism within the expansive sphere of Russian influence, exploring the historical, cultural, and geopolitical dimensions of interactions between Russia and its neighboring regions. From the imperial era to the contemporary geopolitical landscape, this course critically examines the impact of Russian influence on various territories, addressing the complex interplay of power, identity, and resistance.

    The course starts by tracing the historical trajectory from the Tsarist Empire to the contemporary geopolitical landscape, the course critically examines the enduring legacies of Russian expansion and colonization. Emphasis is placed on the cultural hybridity and identity negotiations that have emerged from the interactions between Russian and local cultures. Through the exploration of literature, art, and language, students will analyze the multifaceted expressions of identity within the postcolonial context. Geopolitical implications are assessed, unraveling the power dynamics at play in post-Soviet spaces and their impact on international relations. The course also investigates resistance and agency, showcasing narratives of local communities that have navigated the complexities of imperial and colonial legacies. Contemporary challenges arising from Russia's ongoing influence, including border disputes and regional autonomy, are scrutinized to provide a comprehensive understanding of the (post)colonial intricacies within the Russian sphere of influence.

    By engaging with diverse primary and secondary sources, students will cultivate critical thinking skills and develop a nuanced perspective on the historical and contemporary issues surrounding (post)colonialism in the Russian sphere of influence. This seminar encourages an in-depth exploration of the intersections between power, identity, and resistance, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities inherent in the historical and cultural relationships between Russia and its neighboring regions.

    Key Topics Covered:

    1. **Historical Foundations:**

       - Investigate the historical roots of Russian expansion and colonization, spanning from the Tsarist Empire to the Soviet era.

       - Analyze the legacies of imperial policies and their enduring effects on the cultures and societies within the Russian sphere of influence.

    2. **Cultural Hybridity and Identity Formation:**

       - Explore the process of cultural hybridity and identity formation resulting from interactions between Russian and local cultures.

       - Examine literature, art, and language as mediums through which identities are negotiated and expressed in postcolonial contexts.

    3. **Geopolitical Implications:**

       - Assess the geopolitical consequences of Russian influence on neighboring states and regions.

       - Investigate the power dynamics at play in post-Soviet spaces and the ongoing impact on international relations.

    4. **Post-Soviet Transformations:**

       - Examine the complexities of post-Soviet transformations in territories that were once part of the Soviet Union, focusing on political, economic, and social changes.

       - Analyze case studies that highlight the diverse trajectories of these regions in the aftermath of decolonization.

    5. **Resistance and Agency:**

       - Explore narratives of resistance and agency within the Russian sphere of influence, considering the ways in which local communities have responded to imperial and colonial legacies.

       - Investigate the role of grassroots movements, activism, and cultural expressions in shaping postcolonial narratives.

    6. **Contemporary Challenges:**

       - Assess contemporary challenges and tensions arising from Russia's ongoing influence, including issues related to border disputes, minority rights, and regional autonomy.

       - Consider the implications of (post)colonial dynamics in the context of current geopolitical events.

    By engaging with a diverse range of primary and secondary sources, students will develop a nuanced understanding of the (post)colonial complexities within the Russian sphere of influence. This course encourages critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to analyze historical and contemporary issues in a global context.

  • Dr. Ariadna Petri: Multitrack diplomacy (held in English)                              

    Seminar, time tbd, Seminar online

    This course is designed to provide conceptual and experiential perspectives on the variety of ways to bring about conflict resolution, mitigation, transformation and peace building on multiple levels, ranging from personal through community and organizational, to international. Such levels, often termed “tracks”, encompass official “first track” diplomacy and a spectrum of unofficial initiatives by civil society organization (CSO) and grassroots leaders and activists. Such activities are essential complements to formal conflict resolution activities, especially for complex societal conflicts involving non-state actors.

    Multi-track diplomacy has become an increasingly important tool for diplomats, government, UN and regional international organization (IO) agencies and CSO staff working in development, relief, refugee and humanitarian aid, peacekeeping and other activities in areas of conflict and political instability. Almost all violent conflicts are now at least primarily internal rather than inter-state, with at least one party a non-state community, and no mutually acceptable official structure through which disputes can be settled. In the context of mistrust and uncertainty, the sustainability not only of peacemaking efforts, but also of development, aid or humanitarian programs often depends on how communities, organizations or opinion leaders are empowered to find common ground on implementation of planned initiatives. Trust building, skills building – in areas such as nonviolent communication, prejudice reduction and integrative problem solving – along with consensus building and action planning methodologies may become essential elements for success.

    The Seminar will introduce participants to concepts, theoretical issues and techniques in the field of multi-track diplomacy, as tools for peacebuilding. This course has a strong practical focus, implemented through classroom discussions, student presentations and in-class small group projects. Students, in groups, pick a conflict from around the world, to which they will be applying the concepts discussed in class. This group work will be presented and discussed in class. These, along with regular academic discussions based on scholarly publications are the launch pad for conversations with guest speakers with abundant experience in different aspects of Multitrack activities, including ambassadors, informal mediators and CSO and grassroots leaders. The final activity of the course is staging a Multitrack diplomatic exercise.

  • Dr. Ariadna Petri: Israeli-Palestinian Critical dialogues (held in English)

    Seminar, time tbd, Seminar online, Tutorial in person

    This course offers an introduction to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one of the most popular and protracted at global level. We will first explore the histories, geographies, economies, demographics, and identity formation of the sides, to get a sense of the major arguments, narratives and perceptions.

    Once the framework of analysis is set, we will examine the “Peace Process”, the conditions, missed opportunities, and what improvements could stimulate different kinds of resolutions to the conflict.

    A range of genres and modes of expression are incorporated into this course, besides academic works, including cinema, art, literature, and music. This course has a strong practical focus, implemented through classroom discussions, and student presentations.

Subject Area: Physics

Subject Area: Political Science

Class Lists from Previous Semesters

Spring 2024 (PDF)

Fall 2023 (PDF)

Spring 2023 (PDF)

Fall 2022 (PDF)

Spring 2022 (PDF)

Fall 2021 (PDF)

Fall 2020 (PDF)

Spring 2020 (PDF)

Fall 2019 (PDF)

Spring 2019 (PDF)

German Conversation Classes

The main goal of our Conversation Classes is to improve students' ability to communicate and interact in German. The classes focus on teaching students conversational techniques and strategies, improving students’ listening abilities, and strengthening students’ grasp of German grammar and vocabulary. The conversation classes will have the same language levels as the intensive German language classes. Attendance is mandatory, absence of 15% of the class time or more will result in failing the class.