Philosophy minor

The philosophical approach differs from other fields not only in terms of content, but also in the very manner in which problems are presented and explored. Philosophy is not based on a specific set of assumptions; it rejects preconditions and suppositions and reflects on its own meaning and purpose with critical self-awareness.

Philosophy as a fundamental research discipline explores ways of life, perception and approaches, providing methodological input and content for the individual scientific and academic subjects.

Philosophy is centred on people‘s lives and explores their experiences and actions and how these relate. Against the backdrop of historical problems, it reflects on how humanity exists and on current developments in society. Philosophy is the critical practice of free thinking and makes an important contribution to the evaluation of cultural and social relations and current social problems.

It provides systematic input on ethical questions and political, economic and sustainability issues.

In the Leuphana Bachelor with Philosophy minor, you combine specialist knowledge with solution-oriented thinking and responsible action. The Leuphana Semester and Complementary Studies provide the framework for dealing with socially relevant topics outside your chosen major/minor combination. They are an integral part of the Leuphana Bachelor and give you the freedom to immerse yourself in different fields of knowledge and to develop viable solutions for the challenges of the future together with other college students.

The Philosophy minor can be studied in combination with one of the following Major:

• Cultural Studies (GER)
• Digital Media (ENG)
• Economics (GER)
• Environmental Sciences (GER)
• Global Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENG)
• International Business Administration and Entrepreneurship (ENG)
• Law (Corporate and Business Law) (GER)
• Political Science (GER)
• Studium Individuale (ENG)

Language of instruction

ENG English-language major: no German required
GER German-language major: German required

The Philosophy minor (30 CP) is embedded in the Leuphana Bachelor with Leuphana Semester, Major and Complementary Studies. You start your Bachelor studies with the Leuphana Semester (30 CP). The first semester at Leuphana College gives you the opportunity to deal fundamentally with science. The Minor deepens or supplements your Major (90 CP) with another subject area. In Complementary Studies (30 CP) you have the freedom to pursue your thirst for knowledge individually by immersing yourself in a different field of knowledge each semester.

Leuphana Semester

• Responsibility and Sustainability
• Humanities
• Methods I
• Methods II: Disciplinary Methods
• Introduction to the discipline

Second semester

• Introduction to the History of Philosophy
• 4 major modules
• 1 Complementary Studies modules

Third semester

• Political Philosophy
• 1 Complementary Studies modules

Forth semester

• Philosophy of the 20th Century and the Present
• 3 major modules
• 1 Complementary Studies module

Fifth semester

• Cultural Philosophy
• Aesthetics
• 3 major modules
• 1 Complementary Studies module

Sixth semester

• Bachelor dissertation
• 1 major module
• 2 Complementary Studies modules

Please note

Philosophy is a German-language minor (subsidiary subject). You can study the Philosophy minor entirely in English.

• You will find detailed information on the study contents of the minor modules in the Subject-Specific Schedule to Philosophy minor.

The Philosophy minor uses selected questions to provide an insight into the history and central problems of philosophy and the discipline‘s various branches of theory.

You will gain an in-depth insight into the subject and learn to understand theoretical concepts and connections and apply these to current questions in practice. Working with theory will enable you to explore and share new approaches and put debates within your own subject in their broader context.

• final degree: Philosophy minor can only be studied in combination with a major
• admission restrictions: yes
• number of student places: 59
• teaching and examination language: German / English*

*German-language minor can also be taken in English.

College Open Day

The next Online Open Day at Leuphana College is 23 November 2023. Find out more

Information material

Learn more about the interdisciplinary college study model. Order information material

Student counselling service

Clarify your questions in a personal conversation during the Open Advisory Service. You can take advantage of digital counselling at short notice without registering. The College study advisors will be happy to help you:

• Wednesdays from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (in person on campus)
• Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. (digitally via Zoom)

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