The Bielefeld Master's program is interdisciplinary. In the introductory module the students gain knowledge about the disciplinary approaches in the sociology of science, philosophy of science and history of science, in the four major modules disciplinary approaches and interdisciplinary topics are combined. In the concluding phase of the Master's program, the student has the opportunity to choose a topic with a special disciplinary accent.
Introductory module
In the introductory module the students become acquainted with the approaches to science studies as pursued within the disciplines of sociology of science, philosophy of science and history of science, each of which has in part developed independently of the other. With the successful completion of this module the students will have acquired knowledge of the different theories and methods which are essential for interdisciplinary ways of thinking and working.
Total: 21 credit points
Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Carsten Reinhardt
Module 1: Science and Society - the Knowledge Society
In this module the students learn to critically analyze the relationships between science and society with respect to the present knowledge society. For this purpose they acquire an understanding of the sociological perspective on science as an institution along with its interrelation to politics, economy, law and the media. Students also learn about historical changes in these relations. They acquire a theoretically oriented and empirically based interdisciplinary perspective on the interconnectedness of science and society. The contents of this module go beyond the narrower framework of the sociology of science and can be subsumed under social studies of science.
Coordinator: N.N.
Module 2: Methods in the Sciences
The module on methods in the sciences includes advanced courses on the nature of scientific knowledge. Focus is on the knowledge claims and the evaluation criteria employed. Knowledge claims are assessed according to their substantive import and their empirical backing, evaluation criteria are analyzed with regard to their dependence on historical and cultural influences.
In this module the students gain an understanding of the nature of the epistemic distinction of scientific knowledge and learn to appreciate the knowledge claims of science. In particular, they acquire an understanding of the viability and the limitations of scientific methods.
Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Martin Carrier
Module 3: Development of the Sciences
The course material in this module is organized around patterns of historical development. Special characteristics of epochs and of disciplines are illuminated and compared across time. The students do not learn about the history of science according to specific disciplines but rather according to historical configurations which are characterized by theoretical concepts, institutions, forms of political regulation, cultural values, and social expectations or fears. This selection of themes differs from the conventional course plan of the history of science and corresponds with the design of the modules "Science and Society" and "Organization of Science and Science Policy". The students learn to compare present and historical configurations.
Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Carsten Reinhardt
Module 4: Organization of Science and Science Policy
In this module students gain knowledge about the governance of science in modern society, in particular about the conditions of organization in both science and policy. They also learn about current developments in science policy and, finally, about the forms of scientific policy advice and problems that go along with such an intimate connection between science and politics. Science is linked in two different ways with politics: as an instrument of and as an object or field of politics. Because of this, the differentiation between "science for policy" and "policy for science" has become established in the social studies of science. This does not mean a sharp demarcation between the two concepts, but rather an analytical differentiation which enables the student to distinguish processes of scientification of politics from converse processes of the politicizing of science.
Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Alfons Bora
Practical Training
In the practicum the students apply the knowledge they have acquired in the modules. The practicum lasts 6 weeks and is carried out during the semester break when no courses are taken. At the end of the practicum the students prepare a report (10 credit points) on the practicum and its theoretical implications. In the practicum colloquium which is offered as a block course (2 HW, 2 credit points) by practitioners, the students have the opportunity to reflect on their experiences.
Coordinator: N.N.
Final Module
In the Master's Thesis (30 credit points) the student prepares a text ca. 70 pages in length. Active participation in the Examination Colloquium (2 HW, 3 credit points) with a report on and the oral defense of the thesis is required.
Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Carsten Reinhardt
In the elective courses the students are able to choose courses and may also gain 6 credit points in other subjects which are relevant to the Master's Program.
The semester abroad is required in the Bielefeld Master's. Preference should be given to partner institutions with whom cooperation agreements have been made.
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