HNA article from 11.09.06

Kassel. Many students are familiar with the problem: first you have attended lectures, then you have

literature, later spent countless hours learning from complicated books, and

and all the while the question hung in the air: Why all this? "This is where we want to

"This is where we want to start," says Professor Dr. Wolfgang Schroeder.

Since last semester, Schroeder has been working in the subject area "Political System of the

BRD/Statehood in Transition" at the University of Kassel. His aim is to link theory more closely with practice.

with practice. "Social sciences are often very dry," he says. That's why he wants to

work with them and show that it is a lively subject area in which people are the

people are the focus.

The political scientist structures his courses according to a certain principle

principle: At the beginning there is a theory block, through which the students learn the basics of the

the respective topic. "During this time, we also read a lot," says Schroeder.

Kant, Hobbes and Marx are intended to familiarize students with laws, regularities and institutions.

and institutions.

Unlike in most other courses, these theory blocks are then followed by practical lessons.

practical lessons. "The aim is for students not only to take knowledge 1:1 from textbooks

books, but also work with it," explains Schroeder.

This is done through excursions, expert discussions, role plays and interviews, for example.

interviews. The aim is for the students to recognize the problems and limitations of the

and fully understand the facts. A requirement that is not always possible by reading

complicated texts is not always possible.

The advantage of this concept is not only that students can discuss current problems with experts

with experts and those affected. They are also encouraged to take responsibility.

"At the same time, it's also an opportunity to make contacts that can be useful later on when

be useful for starting a career," says Schroeder. (pke)

Source: www.hna.de from 11.09.2006

Category: Kassel