Units

At present the faculty is divided into eight academic units, which provide the institutional framework for teaching and research:

1. Theory and History of Sociology
2. Methods of Social Research and Social Psychology
3. Economy and Social Structure
4. Politics
5. Work and Organization
6. Science and Technology
7. Social Problems, Health and Social Policy
8. Sociology of Development/Social Anthropology

These research themes provide the overall orientation and coherence needed within a faculty whose teaching staff presently comprises 60 members.

Journals

Among others, the Faculty publishes the following journals:

• Zeitschrift für Soziologie
• Soziale Systeme
• Zeitschrift für Rechtssoziologie
• Soziale Probleme
• Bielefelder Arbeiten zur Sozialpsychologie
• sozusagen (Students journal)
• Simmel-Newsletter

Informations about the publications of the faculty staff are available in the Report of Research of the University of Bielefeld.

Studying for different degrees

Students may choose to earn a Diploma in sociology, a Master’s Degree (second major) or a minor in sociology for other related courses of studies on a Master’s level or for a Diploma. In cooperation with other faculties training for teachers of sociology Sekundarstufe I und II (Secondary School), Primarstufe (Primary School) and in educational science is also offered.

Studying for a Diploma

Designed to take ten semesters, the course of study is divided into two parts, a basic section of study and an advanced section of study including a so-called "integrated practical semester" and the examination period. Courses during the basic section of study include:

• Introduction to sociology
• Cross-national and historical analysis of social structure
• Special areas of sociology (for example sociology of organizations, sociology of development, sociology of deviant behavior, sociology of administration or sociology of science)
• Methods of Social Research
• Courses in the chosen main subject With the sociological integration of courses from related disciplines like Political Science, Psychology, Law, Economics, Demography, Women’s Studies, Social Anthropology and Social Policy the ties between these disciplines and sociology are being strengthened.

Courses during the advanced section of study include:

• Theories of Sociology
• Practice-related courses
• Optional subject (obligatory)
• Research Training ('Lehrforschungsprojekt')
• Courses in the chosen main subject

During the academic education students are already given the chance of applying theoretical knowledge to problems and areas of social practice by means of the concept of "active professionalization". The so-called practice-related courses (Praxisschwerpunkte) integrate the students in on-going research activities and also allow them to get a first impression of the practical aspects of sociology within, and especially outside the university. The practical semester, as of recently mandatory for all students, is designed not only to apply theoretical knowledge in an occupational setting, but also to support students in their professional choice. Experience shows that quite a few careers in sociology were started during the practical training period due to personal connections established during that time. The study of Methods of Social Research during the basic and the advanced sections of study, both quantitatively and qualitatively practiceoriented and focusing on the latest developments in research, is extended and deepened by the "Lehrforschungsprojekt" (research training), which is offered during the advanced section of study and runs over a period of three semesters.

For more details regarding the organisation and contents of the studies as well as for personal counselling please contact the Student Counsellors (Room L3-127, phone: +49(0)521/106- 4205). During the semester they can be reached daily.

Possibilities to obtain a doctorate

Beginning in the winter semester 2002/3 the department of sociology offers an international doctoral degree program (Dr. phil.). The graduate studies take place in the International Graduate School in Sociology (IGSS). All dissertation projects of the department will be integrated into this new triennial program that offers intensive supervision and English course work. In the first two years the participation in seminars is obligatory. Foreign graduate students are supported in problems being related to living in Germany. Admission requirements: an academic degree (four years) in the social sciences in a German or foreign university and a dissertation exposé of ten to fifteen pages, which is examined by the admission committee of the IGSS. There are special options for applicants with a degree from other scientific disciplines and for applicants with a three-year degree (BA or comparable). The seminar program consists of one seminar and research colloquium for each semester.