A non-refundable programme fee, in addition to the tuition fee, is applicable. The programme fee, which includes the social programme, is to be paid within one week after registration at the latest, along with the tuition fee.
This course is designed for all students with an interest in social sciences, especially history, sociology, political science, or law. While primarily aimed at undergraduates, the diversity of participants has ranged from first-year students to postgraduates. This experiential diversity provides unique opportunities for students to learn from one another.
Please visit our website (www.fubis.org) for an overview of all courses offered and for possible updates to the course programme.
About this course
This course explores theoretical and historical perspectives concerning the intersection of law, society, and politics. It aims to foster discussions regarding contemporary issues among students from different cultures and disciplines. Alongside an introduction to comparative law and legal culture, we will read some classical social theorists (Durkheim, Weber, and Marx) and consider their relevance to contemporary debates about morality, (dis)obedience, conflict, and property. Next, we will investigate the role and operation of law in totalitarian settings such as Nazi Germany and Communist Germany. These historical experiences pose challenges for the periods following World War II (1945) and the collapse of the Communist state system in Central and Eastern Europe after 1989, as these societies and their states changed in response to altered conditions. What challenges do these historical legacies pose for states transitioning away from totalitarian and socialist systems towards a Western model that emphasises democracy, the rule of law, and a market economy? What are the roles of "transitional justice" and "memory laws"? How have these societies changed, and how do these changes affect the development and operation of the legal system? What challenges are posed by freedom of speech and freedom of association? How has political life changed since 1945 and since 1989? How does Germany fit within Europe?
Overall, the course aims to develop skills in using theory and history to engage in discussions on contemporary challenges, such as multiculturalism, punishment, squatting, (illegal) downloading / streaming / file sharing, protest, and economic development. Students will gain substantive expertise in various socio- and politico-legal fields and develop their communicative competence through participatory exercises. Additionally, they will develop intercultural competence through discussions with other students.
A non-refundable programme fee, in addition to the tuition fee, is applicable. The programme fee, which includes the social programme, is to be paid within one week after registration at the latest, along with the tuition fee.
Students must be able to speak, read, and write English at an advanced intermediate level.
FUBiS arranges appropriate off-campus accommodation for the duration of the programme as an optional service on request. Accommodation options can be chosen during the registration process. Accommodation is subject to availability. Prices range between 500 EUR and 700 EUR.
FUBiS offers a variety of extracurricular activities that are included in the programme fee, e.g. a guided tour of the Reichstag building and the Federal Parliament.
In addition, FUBiS offers optional excursions (for an additional cost) within Berlin as well as to other popular German cities.
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Language course/short course
