Political Science Minor

Studying Political Science minor

The minor introduces you to fundamental questions and approaches in the field of political science. It also provides a more in-depth exploration of theory and methodology in traditional political science fields. These include government, comparative politics, political theory and the history of ideas, international relations and policy analysis.

The curriculum also links your studies to related social sciences and humanities subjects and to political practice.

The course starts with a general overview of key issues and fundamental concepts in political science, and the main theoretical and methodological approaches.

You will also explore the structures and functions of the political system in the Federal Republic of Germany and its development over the course of European integration. You will examine tensions between the German Basic Law and European Community law, and look at the Europeanisation of national institutions and decision-making processes. The central question here is how the German Bundestag, the German federal government and federal states, parties and associations approach the challenge of Europe.

This then forms the basis for a systematic investigation of the political systems of other countries and other eras, and an exploration of different theoretical and methodological approaches. Classes cover traditional questions of political philosophy and the history of ideas and the most important concepts of modern political theory – including their basis in social theory.

In policy analysis, you will explore how societal problems in modern democracies are discussed and addressed using political programmes and measures. You will also gain an overview of theories and perspectives for the analysis of international political relations.

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

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

The Political Science 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)
• Studium Individuale (ENG)

Language of instruction

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

Students on the Political Science minor learn theoretical and empirical skills (subject-specific hard skills) and how systematically and critically to reflect on political processes, institutions and players from a theoretical and empirical perspective (methodological skills).

The minor therefore helps to develop your ability to argue on a sound scientific basis (social skills) and to place your standpoint in a global context (intercultural skills). The course thus forms the basis for developing independence, motivation and social responsibility (personal skills).

• final degree: Political Science minor can only be studied in combination with a major
• standard course length: 4 semesters (2 years)
• admission restrictions: yes
• deadline for applications: 15 July of each year
• beginning of the course: April of each year (summer semester)
• number of student places: 47
• teaching and examination language: German / English*

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