MA STUDY PROGRAMME
The programme is addressed to Bachelor Degree holders that come from the Humanities, Social Studies, Sciences, Mathematics or Engineering, ideally with previously gained knowledge in Philosophy or History of Science. The courses of the programme will be in English and German.
The content of the programme focuses on four main topics:
Knowledge & Method: Philosophy of Science & the Humanities Philosophy of Science as part of theoretical philosophy analyses the particular possibilities and manners of knowledge in science and their methods. It explores the conception, the structures of theories and the respective methods of individual sciences with the aim to elaborate, on the one hand, epistemic requirements and accomplishments as well as methods and structural similarities but also, on the other hand, to elaborate demarcations between science and pseudo-science.
History & Society: History of Science & the Humanities History of Science investigates the genesis and development of scientific knowledge in its cultural and social context. It also studies changes of scientific standards in methods and reasoning as a whole but also in particular areas of research. The history of technology and environment particularly deals with the dynamics of technological development and the results of application as well as the impact of science and technology on modern societies.
Culture & Transfer: Science in Literature, Media & Culture Research in cultural studies as well as in literature and media studies offers new insights on science as a cultural phenomenon in combination with other cultural practices such as language, literature, art and media.
Responsibility & Application: Ethics and Science & Technology Studies Ethics as part of practical philosophy is occupied with the problems of responsibility regarding the sciences. It offers action orientations based on a normative reflection of the specific possibilities and dangers of scientific knowledge and processes. Science & Technology Studies investigate social processes in scientific practices and analyse science as specific social institution in the general social system.
In the first year of their studies, students amplify their previous knowledge and gain new basic skills. In the second year, they follow their own main research (at RUB or abroad) or conduct an application-oriented project in a work experience. The MA thesis completes the second year and the MA programme.
During the whole study programme, students develop the representative, communicative and social competences they need for their future jobs in or outside academia.
Photo: ©Ruhr-Universität Bochum
COURSE STRUCTURE
HPS+ is an MA programme that is regularly studied over a period of 4 semesters (two years of study).
The first year of the study programme focuses on the extension and consolidation of philosophical, historical and cultural knowledge of the sciences and the humanities. Different course prerequisites are balanced. Students are enabled to broaden their previous knowledge and gain new basic skills.
The second year provides opportunities for indepth studies and specialisation. Students extend their gained knowledge and enhance their compentence in scientific methods. They can either follow their own main research (at RUB or abroad) or conduct an application-oriented project in a work experience (e.g. an internship). Thereby students learn how to acquire on their own new knowledge and skills.
During the entire study programme students develop representative, communicative and social competences they need for their future jobs in or outside academia.
