In our degree programs, we encourage fundamental broadly applicable skill sets and an understanding of how to frame problems and generate solutions. This includes: Adequate research of sources and data, conveying different forms of knowledge and knowledge cultures, methodological reflective thinking, argumentation and writing. Students should be capable of successfully presenting new points of view and insights with a view to promoting understanding.
The coursework in our programmes, therefore, has more to offer than simply frontal instruction in lectures. We encourage independent thinking and an experimental approach to the terms and objects of media. That is why our didactic profile includes diverse and innovative practices, methods and presentation formats:
- Project-oriented group work
- Open discussion culture/plenum
- Creative and experimental presentation forms, such as film essays, blogs and exhibits
- Cooperation with foundations and archives
- Experimental instructional formats (outside the seminar rooms as well)
- Excursions and film viewings
- Provision of e-learning courses
Research-oriented instruction
We live a close relationship between coursework and research: Research-oriented teaching and teaching-oriented research are therefore our number one priority. As part of the project study we motivate students to pursue autonomous, reflective development of media and cultural-scientific issues, as well as theory-based and empirical research. From the very beginning, students are involved in current research topics, which keeps them in step with the international discussion within media studies. In the context of their studies, they receive targeted encouragement, giving them the opportunity to develop their own academic profiles at an early stage. In addition, they maintain a lively exchange with established scholars at the International Research Institute for Cultural Techniques and Media Philosophy (IKKM) or the Competence Centre for Media Anthropology (KOMA). In the Media Studies programme, students also organise their own master's conference. Publication activities within the scope of student or other publishing formats, such as the Kinoheft or the media culture magazine EJECT, are supported sustainably.
Student feedback
Evaluations are an integral part of our courses. For us, evaluating results in collaboration with students is an important building block for the qualitative refinement of our coursework. For instance, within the framework of the regularly scheduled »Media Studies in Dialogue« podium discussion, as well as in day-to-day discussions with our students, we speak openly about problems and the potential of our courses of study, even outside of evaluations.