Proseminars
Proseminars are part of the 2nd stage of the Bachelor's degree programme. In this type of course, participants work on a topic which is presented in a lecture followed by a discussion and a written paper. The lecture material and the written paper serve different purposes: While the lecture material serves to support the lecture (which takes place within tight time limits), the elaboration serves to provide detailed information on the topic at a later date. In the proseminar, the focus is on the presentation and its preparation. Typically, you will receive the literature or specific references to it directly from the organiser.
Students should learn how to plan a presentation that adheres to a time limit (usually 45 to 60 minutes) and how to prioritise content. Participants should learn how to absorb knowledge from a lecture as an audience member and exchange opinions and information in discussions. This type of event also serves to teach so-called "key qualifications" such as rhetorical skills in presentations and discussions. Participants should learn to structure the lecture along a content-related line and to use various means to illustrate complex issues. They will also learn how to use literature appropriately. The lecture is also a preparation for the oral presentation of the final thesis.
Proseminars usually deal with 8 to 15 related sub-topics, each of which is worked on by one participant. The sources are often given directly. Supervision by the organiser ensures that participants have grasped their topic correctly and are able to present it in an appropriate manner. The organiser also refers the participants to more detailed information available at the institute on how to structure the presentations and papers.
Each participant should consult with the organiser at least twice before their presentation date:
- An initial discussion of the content serves to narrow down the topic and, if necessary, to limit the literature used.
- A second meeting deals with the design of the presentation materials and the paper.
The supervisor is also available for further discussions at the request of the lecturer.
All participants should take part in each presentation. In addition to the discussion of content, the presentation also includes a discussion of the effectiveness of the presentation technique used. The elaborations are collected and made available to the participants in a suitable form.
The grade is based on:
- The understanding of the topic as demonstrated in the presentation and in the written paper and
- the ability to convey what has been understood in the presentation and in the written paper, taking into account the appropriateness of the means and techniques used to the topic and the audience."