Didactics of philosophy

The didactics of philosophy prepares students for a career as a teacher of philosophy or ethics. The aim of the degree program is, on the one hand, to impart the necessary subject-specific skills, methodologies and knowledge; on the other hand, the ability to think independently, to work scientifically and to act responsibly is enabled and cultivated through the teaching degree program.

Philosophical subject didactics is therefore an integral part of subject philosophy. Solid subject-specific knowledge is a necessary condition for the training of future teachers and the questions of teaching philosophical content are inherent questions of philosophy itself. A reflected self-image of philosophy as a subject - why philosophy in school? - is also a prerequisite for the development of an individual teacher personality.

The genuine didactic modules L05, L11 and L12 are described in the module examination regulations.

In addition to the core curriculum in education and social sciences, the teacher training program usually includes two subjects.

Since the subject Philosophy is only taught at the gymnasiale Oberstufe in Hessen, only the study course L3 (teaching profession at Gymnasiums) can be chosen with this subject. After successfully passing the 2nd state examination in philosophy, however, the faculty for ethics is automatically acquired for the state of Hesse, i.e. this subject can then also be taught at the lower secondary level.

Being able to teach well requires not only reflection and creativity, but also practical exercises. In the philosophy practical course (SPS II/L 12), students can gain concrete experience in teaching philosophy and ethics. This takes place through observations at school and their own teaching experiments, which are accompanied by an SPS seminar. Students for the teaching profession at grammar schools complete a total of three internships as part of the practical school studies, a general educational block internship (SPS I) during the lecture-free period and two semester-accompanying subject internships (SPS II). In Philosophy, this is module L 12. The new practical semester will be completed from winter semester 2025/26.

When is the  SPS II Philosophy möpossible?

The SPS II Philosophy (L12) is offered every semester

What requirements do I have to fulfill?must I fulfill?

The SPS II Philosophy (L12) is part of the main study program. This means that you must have successfully completed the modules of the foundation course. In addition, the SPS I (block internship) must have been successfully completed beforehand.

How do I book a place?

Registration for the SPS II takes place centrally via the Department for Practical School Studies, one semester in advance (note deadlines!)

How is the SPS II organized for the third subject or the extension examination?

Third-subject students can replace the SPS II with an equivalent didactic module or complete an SPS II at their own request. It is also possible to receive credit for the school internships from the first state examination (ESP), provided that the subject of the extension examination is related to one of the subjects of the first state examination. This does not apply to students who were enrolled in the subject of the extension examination before the winter semester 2016/17.

The substitute performance for the SPS II in the third subject Philosophy (7 credits) can be achieved in the following way:

-                   a term paper in the form of an elaborated series of lessons (approx. 20 p.)

-                   an oral examination on a didactic topic with methodical implementation (30 min.)

-                   an oral examination in the form of a reflection discussion on a previously presented series of lessons in tabular form (30 min.)