Information on individual educational components (ECTS-Course descriptions) per semester

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This course will be held in German. The English translation is for information only. 

The concept of knowledge will be discussed from various perspectives. On the basis of concrete situations different bodies of knowledge are identified (e.g. mental models, practical skills, theoretical concepts or feelings and emotions) and systematised drawing on existing concepts and research results. Sociological, economic and, to some extent, psychological theories of action are introduced, theories of social practices are discussed in particular depth. Against this background, we will deal with the relation of knowledge and action. The significance of knowledge in transformation processes as well as questions regarding the production of knowledge will be explored using concrete examples.

The selection of concrete examples and the development of terms and concepts should provide as many links as possible to your own courses of study as well as to your professional practice. The diversity among students is considered a valuable resource and the different perspectives and backgrounds will get sufficient attention.

This course will be held in German. The English translation is for information only.  

You are familiar with terms and concepts that allow you to identify different bodies of knowledge, including “mental models” or “embodied knowledge”. You are able to discuss them according to their characteristics. You will have an overview of different action theories, get to know practice theories in more detail and will be able to reflect on the relation of knowledge and social practices. This provides you with tools to deal with the following questions in different situations: What kind of knowledge is at work? What are the characteristics of the relevant bodies of knowledge? How does this knowledge shape our actions? Where does the knowledge come from and how can it be transformed? How could knowledge production affect established practices?

This course will be held in German. The English translation is for information only.  

The planned learning activities are manifold and should add up to a diverse and vibrant course. Short inputs and individual work will alternate, also a good mixture of individual/group work and discussions in the larger group will be sought. Theoretical concepts should be made accessible and sharpened by means of concrete examples. Selected teaching methods are: Impulse input, group puzzle, mapping methods, short presentations, feedback, working in a circles/double circle.

The methods are not strictly predetermined and can be adapted during the course. Ideas and comments are welcome and will be taken into account as far as possible.

This course will be held in German. The English translation is for information only. 

The evaluation is based on...

• active participation during the course. Special attention is paid to the willingness to contribute own perspectives and to take up the ideas of others as well as to constructively engage in the exchange and their further development
• the concept for the final project, which is developed and presented at the end of the course with appropriate support by the lecturer
• the final project, which is prepared independently subsequent to the course

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Recommended Literature

Reckwitz Andreas: Toward a Theory of Social Practices. A Development in Culturalist Theorizing. European Journal of Social Theory 5(2):243–63. 2002

Peter L. Berger, Thomas Luckmann: The social construction of reality. 1969

Further Readings

Eva Illouz: Feelings in times of capitalism. 2007

Thalma Lobel: You don't think with your head alone. From the secret life of our senses. 2015

Daniel Kahneman: Fast thinking, slow thinking. 2017

Rainer Bösel: How the brain constructs "reality". On the Neuropsychology of Realistic, Fictional and Metaphysical Thought. 2016

Face-to-face course with attendance expected.

Virtual participation is not possible with "Mental Models". If you are unable to attend an appointment, an alternative service can be arranged.