Cross-national surveys are the holy grail of survey research. While single-country surveys allow us to compare individuals with different social and economic backgrounds to each other, cross-national surveys allow us to discover whether the within country relationships found are unique or hold across countries. This multiplies the potential of the data. However, cross-national research typically implies crossing cultures and languages. How do we ensure that a survey question designed in one language is understood in the same way when translated into another language? And how do we ensure that questions in different national or cultural contexts are understood in the same way? These are some of the core questions that this course will address.

Der Inhalt des Seminars nimmt an, dass Studierende die Prüfungen für Statistik und Methoden I und Statistik und Methoden II abgelegt und mindestens mit „gut“ bestanden haben.
Die Seminareinheiten bauen auf einander auf. Eine aktive Teilnahme wird vorausgesetzt. Während der Seminare sind verschiedene Leistungsnachweise zu erbringen, die für ein Bestehen des Seminars erforderlich sind.

Prüfungsform: Geprüfte Gruppen- und Einzelarbeiten während der Seminare, sowie eine benotete Hausarbeit.

Das Seminar ist eine gute Vorbereitung auf das Seminar „Multi-Level Modelling“ im selben Semester.
Die Teilnehmerzahl ist auf 15 begrenzt.

This course introduces upper-level undergraduate and Master’s-level students to the fundamental principles of research ethics in the social sciences. With rapid technological advancements and emerging global challenges, ethical concerns in research have become increasingly complex. Topics include the ethical use of internet and social media data, considerations when working with vulnerable populations, ethical dilemmas in employing different data collection methods to conduct research, and responsible conduct in analyzing data and reporting research findings. Students will learn to identify ethically problematic scenarios, understand the rights and safety of research participants, and appreciate the importance of safeguarding researchers. Through case studies and discussions, students will develop a foundation for ethical decision-making in social science research.

Knowledge of algebra and calculus is increasingly crucial in social sciences. This introductory course aims to provide students the necessary tools to understand future quantitative methods courses. The course emulates high-school level mathematics with a strong focus on real-life social science questions, giving an overview on why such common questions need a mathematics background. Therefore, students will learn basic algebra and calculus through solving social science examples or real-life questions. The course will be divided into five blocks, from basic mathematic notions to an introduction of derivatives and matrices. For a guide, the course structure will be similar to the book ‘A mathematics course for political and social research’ (Moore and Siegel, 2013).

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Einführung in die Mathematik für Sozialwissenschaftler*innen
Kenntnisse in Algebra und Integralrechnung werden in den Sozialwissenschaften immer wichtiger. Dieser Einführungskurs zielt darauf ab, den Studierenden die notwendigen Werkzeuge zu vermitteln, um zukünftige Kurse zu quantitativen Methoden besser zu verstehen. Der Kurs orientiert sich an Mathematik auf gymnasialer Ebene, mit einem starken Fokus auf realitätsnahe Fragen der Sozialwissenschaften, um einen Überblick über die Gründe zu geben, warum solche alltäglichen Fragen ein mathematisches Hintergrundwissen erfordern. Daher erlernen die Studierenden grundlegende Algebra und Integralrechnung durch die Lösung von Beispielen oder Forschungsfragen der Sozialwissenschaften. Der Kurs wird in fünf Blöcke unterteilt, von grundlegenden mathematischen Begriffen bis hin zu einer Einführung in Ableitungen und Matrizen. Die Struktur des Kurses orientiert sich dabei am Lehrbuch ‘A mathematics course for political and social research’ (Moore und Siegel, 2013)."

Cross-national surveys are the holy grail of survey research. While single-country surveys allow us to compare individuals with different social and economic backgrounds to each other, cross-national surveys allow us to discover whether the within country relationships found are unique or hold across countries. This multiplies the potential of the data. However, cross-national research typically implies crossing cultures and languages. How do we ensure that a survey question designed in one language is understood in the same way when translated into another language? And how do we ensure that questions in different national or cultural contexts are understood in the same way? These are some of the core questions that this course will address.

Der Inhalt des Seminars nimmt an, dass Studierende die Prüfungen für Statistik und Methoden I und Statistik und Methoden II abgelegt und mindestens mit „gut“ bestanden haben.
Die Seminareinheiten bauen auf einander auf. Eine aktive Teilnahme wird vorausgesetzt. Während der Seminare sind verschiedene Leistungsnachweise zu erbringen, die für ein Bestehen des Seminars erforderlich sind.

Prüfungsform: Geprüfte Gruppen- und Einzelarbeiten während der Seminare, sowie eine benotete Hausarbeit.

Das Seminar ist eine gute Vorbereitung auf das Seminar „Multi-Level Modelling“ im selben Semester.
Die Teilnehmerzahl ist auf 15 begrenzt.

This course introduces upper-level undergraduate and Master’s-level students to the fundamental principles of research ethics in the social sciences. With rapid technological advancements and emerging global challenges, ethical concerns in research have become increasingly complex. Topics include the ethical use of internet and social media data, considerations when working with vulnerable populations, ethical dilemmas in employing different data collection methods to conduct research, and responsible conduct in analyzing data and reporting research findings. Students will learn to identify ethically problematic scenarios, understand the rights and safety of research participants, and appreciate the importance of safeguarding researchers. Through case studies and discussions, students will develop a foundation for ethical decision-making in social science research.

Knowledge of algebra and calculus is increasingly crucial in social sciences. This introductory course aims to provide students the necessary tools to understand future quantitative methods courses. The course emulates high-school level mathematics with a strong focus on real-life social science questions, giving an overview on why such common questions need a mathematics background. Therefore, students will learn basic algebra and calculus through solving social science examples or real-life questions. The course will be divided into five blocks, from basic mathematic notions to an introduction of derivatives and matrices. For a guide, the course structure will be similar to the book ‘A mathematics course for political and social research’ (Moore and Siegel, 2013).

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Einführung in die Mathematik für Sozialwissenschaftler*innen
Kenntnisse in Algebra und Integralrechnung werden in den Sozialwissenschaften immer wichtiger. Dieser Einführungskurs zielt darauf ab, den Studierenden die notwendigen Werkzeuge zu vermitteln, um zukünftige Kurse zu quantitativen Methoden besser zu verstehen. Der Kurs orientiert sich an Mathematik auf gymnasialer Ebene, mit einem starken Fokus auf realitätsnahe Fragen der Sozialwissenschaften, um einen Überblick über die Gründe zu geben, warum solche alltäglichen Fragen ein mathematisches Hintergrundwissen erfordern. Daher erlernen die Studierenden grundlegende Algebra und Integralrechnung durch die Lösung von Beispielen oder Forschungsfragen der Sozialwissenschaften. Der Kurs wird in fünf Blöcke unterteilt, von grundlegenden mathematischen Begriffen bis hin zu einer Einführung in Ableitungen und Matrizen. Die Struktur des Kurses orientiert sich dabei am Lehrbuch ‘A mathematics course for political and social research’ (Moore und Siegel, 2013)."

Cross-national surveys are the holy grail of survey research. While single-country surveys allow us to compare individuals with different social and economic backgrounds to each other, cross-national surveys allow us to discover whether the within country relationships found are unique or hold across countries. This multiplies the potential of the data. However, cross-national research typically implies crossing cultures and languages. How do we ensure that a survey question designed in one language is understood in the same way when translated into another language? And how do we ensure that questions in different national or cultural contexts are understood in the same way? These are some of the core questions that this course will address.

Der Inhalt des Seminars nimmt an, dass Studierende die Prüfungen für Statistik und Methoden I und Statistik und Methoden II abgelegt und mindestens mit „gut“ bestanden haben.
Die Seminareinheiten bauen auf einander auf. Eine aktive Teilnahme wird vorausgesetzt. Während der Seminare sind verschiedene Leistungsnachweise zu erbringen, die für ein Bestehen des Seminars erforderlich sind.

Prüfungsform: Geprüfte Gruppen- und Einzelarbeiten während der Seminare, sowie eine benotete Hausarbeit.

Das Seminar ist eine gute Vorbereitung auf das Seminar „Multi-Level Modelling“ im selben Semester.
Die Teilnehmerzahl ist auf 15 begrenzt.

How do cultures establish hierarchies of value? How are social classifications formed, and what role do they play in shaping perceptions of legitimacy, distinction, and worth? This seminar explores the intersection of culture, classification, and valuation in contemporary societies. We will engage with foundational sociological theories and recent empirical research to understand how cultural objects, social groups, and institutions become classified, ranked, and valued. Topics include the sociology of taste, the construction of legitimacy in cultural fields, algorithmic classification in digital environments, and the role of markets in shaping cultural worth. By examining these processes, we will discuss how classification and valuation shape social inequalities, influence institutional decision-making, and transform public discourse.
This course will take place partly during the regular session (Wednesdays) and partly as a block seminar.

This course introduces upper-level undergraduate and Master’s-level students to the fundamental principles of research ethics in the social sciences. With rapid technological advancements and emerging global challenges, ethical concerns in research have become increasingly complex. Topics include the ethical use of internet and social media data, considerations when working with vulnerable populations, ethical dilemmas in employing different data collection methods to conduct research, and responsible conduct in analyzing data and reporting research findings. Students will learn to identify ethically problematic scenarios, understand the rights and safety of research participants, and appreciate the importance of safeguarding researchers. Through case studies and discussions, students will develop a foundation for ethical decision-making in social science research.

SG Jura: Seminar im SP IEWR, Modul IEWR-S
SG Jura: Seminar im SP TL, Modul TL-S und SG Jura: Wahlveranstaltung im SP TL, Modul TL-W2
Master TL: Wahlpflichtmodul „TWPM18a: Transnational Tenancy Law“

Knowledge of algebra and calculus is increasingly crucial in social sciences. This introductory course aims to provide students the necessary tools to understand future quantitative methods courses. The course emulates high-school level mathematics with a strong focus on real-life social science questions, giving an overview on why such common questions need a mathematics background. Therefore, students will learn basic algebra and calculus through solving social science examples or real-life questions. The course will be divided into five blocks, from basic mathematic notions to an introduction of derivatives and matrices. For a guide, the course structure will be similar to the book ‘A mathematics course for political and social research’ (Moore and Siegel, 2013).

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Einführung in die Mathematik für Sozialwissenschaftler*innen
Kenntnisse in Algebra und Integralrechnung werden in den Sozialwissenschaften immer wichtiger. Dieser Einführungskurs zielt darauf ab, den Studierenden die notwendigen Werkzeuge zu vermitteln, um zukünftige Kurse zu quantitativen Methoden besser zu verstehen. Der Kurs orientiert sich an Mathematik auf gymnasialer Ebene, mit einem starken Fokus auf realitätsnahe Fragen der Sozialwissenschaften, um einen Überblick über die Gründe zu geben, warum solche alltäglichen Fragen ein mathematisches Hintergrundwissen erfordern. Daher erlernen die Studierenden grundlegende Algebra und Integralrechnung durch die Lösung von Beispielen oder Forschungsfragen der Sozialwissenschaften. Der Kurs wird in fünf Blöcke unterteilt, von grundlegenden mathematischen Begriffen bis hin zu einer Einführung in Ableitungen und Matrizen. Die Struktur des Kurses orientiert sich dabei am Lehrbuch ‘A mathematics course for political and social research’ (Moore und Siegel, 2013)."

What factors contribute to varying levels of inequality within societies? Why has income and wealth disparity escalated at a higher rate in certain nations? Do people care about inequality, and what measures can be taken to diminish it? This elective course seeks to engage students in addressing these issues, providing foundational knowledge regarding contemporary studies on inequality. The course integrates perspectives from political economy and public opinion studies, offering students a departing point to critically evaluate and engage with existing literature on inequality, fostering the development of original ideas. Specifically, students will gain insights into the origins and types of inequalities, strategies to mitigate them, and key ongoing scholarly dialogues concerning inequality and redistribution.

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Die Politik der Ungleichheit
Welche Faktoren tragen zu unterschiedlichen Ausmaßen von Ungleichheit innerhalb von Gesellschaften bei? Warum hat sich die Diskrepanz von Einkommen und Vermögen in bestimmten Ländern schneller verschärft? Machen sich Menschen um Ungleichheiten Gedanken und welche Maßnahmen können ergriffen werden, um diese zu verringern? In diesem Kurs werden die Teilnehmer*innen dazu angeregt sich mit diesen Fragen auseinanderzusetzen und grundlegende Kenntnisse über aktuelle Forschung zur Ungleichheit zu erlangen. Der Kurs integriert Perspektiven aus der politischen Ökonomie und der Meinungsforschung und bietet den Studierenden einen Ausgangspunkt für die kritische Auseinandersetzung und Einbeziehung bestehender Literatur über Ungleichheit. Insbesondere erlangen die Studierenden Einblicke in die Ursprünge und Arten von Ungleichheiten, Strategien zu ihrer Minderung und zentrale laufende wissenschaftliche Dialoge über Ungleichheit und Umverteilung.

Students of Sociology often chose for their internship and later occupation counseling: this training seminar offers insights into the theoretical basis, examples of use, and options for further training courses with regard to some typical counseling approaches.

Research about sustainability concerns macro-, meso- and micro-phenomena. While politics and sociology focus foremost on the micro- and meso-level, this seminar situated between sociology and psychology allows an understand of counseling in support of acting social sustainably on the the meso- and micro-level of work and organisations.

Subject matters of the training seminar are, after an introduction, selected approaches of communication and group-psychology, systemic counseling, non-directive counseling, supervision and intervision, and coaching. An interview with a counselor/practitioner in the spirit of explorative learning adds field exploration insights to the literature-based understanding gathered by student’s teams.

In this training seminar, counseling approaches which can support actors in acting socially sustainably in organisations are explored. In an introductory workshop, the modus operandi and basic knowledge are conveyed. Based on that, student’s teams develop a workshop about one counseling approach so that it can be explored together with all participants. Theoretical as well as practical insights become tangible through the setting. Upfront reading, content from field explorations, short inputs and guided activities in small groups interlock beneficially. The lecturer provides literature, offers practice examples, counsels student’s teams in their preparations and gives differentiated feedback.

Requirement: Willingness of active participation, reflection and interaction are important for participation in this training setting.

The Module of Student’s Choice W5 is studied as a stand-alone seminar. It can be complemented with other seminars of the training-format “Sociology meets Psychology” by the lecturer.

Recommended for 3rd semester Bachelor students before their internship and thesis, but explicitly open from the 1st semester. As far as capacity allows, open to Master and Erasmus students, and to students from other faculties: The training is limited to 20 participants.

2 SWS: Fortnightly, starting in the 2nd week of the term, Tuesdays 4-7 pm; 3 hours (s.t.). Please register reliably via Stud.IP for your participation.

Introductory references
Sommers-Flanagan et al (2004). Counselling and psychotherapy theories in context and practice: skills, strategies, and techniques. Wiley.
Meyerhuber, Sylke 2014.Trust and Time in Reorganisations and the Role of Middle Managers. In: G. Becke (Ed.), Mindful Change in Times of Permanent Reorganisation. Organizational, Institutional and Sustainability Perspectives. Springer, 147-166.
Passmore, J. (2010). Leadership coaching. (Intern. association for coaching). Kogan.

Requirements for credit points / 6 CP
Preparation of an interactive workshop part incl. field exploration and photo-documentary in a small group.