Course Catalog of the Online Exchange Initiative (OEI) at University of Mannheim – spring semester 2025
- Lecture period: 10 February 2025 – 30 May 2025
- Examination period: 31 May 2025 – 14 June 2025
- For the detailed course schedule and description, please click on the courses title.
- Make sure you read the syllabus thoroughly as it contains information on live online sessions, the schedule and course requirements.
Please go to the section Application Process (OEI) to learn how to apply!
Master
MAN 606 Well-being along the entrepreneurial journey (Seminar, English)
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
6.0 (Modul/e)
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Online, live
Registration procedure:
This course has limited capacity. It is mandatory that you register via Portal2. You can register anytime during the official course registration period (15 January – 6 February 2025). The time of your registration is not relevant as seats are not assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
You will receive feedback if you are accepted to the course only after the registration period. Please refrain from sending emails beforehand regarding the status of your registration.
Since course capacity is strictly limited, students who received a spot but decided not to participate in the course have to withdraw from the course by 16 February 2025.
You will receive feedback if you are accepted to the course only after the registration period. Please refrain from sending emails beforehand regarding the status of your registration.
Since course capacity is strictly limited, students who received a spot but decided not to participate in the course have to withdraw from the course by 16 February 2025.
Instructor(s):
Erika Ni
Date(s):
| Wednesday (single date) | 19.03.2025 | 08:30 – 11:45 | ZOOM-Lehre-071; Virtuelles Gebäude |
| Wednesday (weekly) | 02.04.2025 – 21.05.2025 | 08:30 – 11:45 | ZOOM-Lehre-106; Virtuelles Gebäude |
Description:
Please find a detailed course description via the following link:
Module Catalog MMM | Universität Mannheim (uni-mannheim.de)
Module Catalog MMM | Universität Mannheim (uni-mannheim.de)
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
MAN 607: Managing the Family Business – Strategy, Governance, and Change Veranstaltung (Lecture, English)
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
4.0 (Modul/e)
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
12
Attendance:
On-campus and online, live
Registration procedure:
This course has a special registration procedure. Course capacity is strictly limited as the format involves groupwork. Please register via Portal2 by 6 February 2025. In addition, students need to apply for this course by sending their CV (1page) and a short motivational letter (max. 100 words) to Elisa Sauerbier (elisa.sauerbier@uni-mannheim.de) by 6 February 2025. Make sure to include “MAN 607 Registration” in the subject line.
Please click on the following link to find further information on the course concept and application procedure: https://www.bwl.uni-mannheim.de/woywode/lehre/man-607-managing-the-family-business/#c404388
Please click on the following link to find further information on the course concept and application procedure: https://www.bwl.uni-mannheim.de/woywode/lehre/man-607-managing-the-family-business/#c404388
Instructor(s):
Elisa Sauerbier, Prof. Dr. Michael Woywode
Date(s):
| Thursday (single date) | 13.03.2025 | 09:00 – 17:00 | 209 Seminarraum; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F |
| Thursday (single date) | 13.03.2025 | 09:00 – 17:00 | ZOOM-Lehre-046; Virtuelles Gebäude |
| Thursday (single date) | 20.03.2025 | 09:00 – 17:00 | 209 Seminarraum; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F |
| Thursday (single date) | 20.03.2025 | 09:00 – 17:00 | ZOOM-Lehre-098; Virtuelles Gebäude |
| Thursday (single date) | 27.03.2025 | 09:00 – 17:00 | 209 Seminarraum; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F |
| Thursday (single date) | 27.03.2025 | 09:00 – 17:00 | ZOOM-Lehre-104; Virtuelles Gebäude |
| Thursday (single date) | 10.04.2025 | 09:00 – 17:00 | 209 Seminarraum; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F |
| Thursday (single date) | 10.04.2025 | 09:00 – 17:00 | ZOOM-Lehre-117; Virtuelles Gebäude |
Description:
Please find a detailed course description via the following link:
Module Catalog MMM | Universität Mannheim (uni-mannheim.de)
Module Catalog MMM | Universität Mannheim (uni-mannheim.de)
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Please note: for technical reasons, the information on 'Registration procedure' ist displayed in the course descriptons of MAN 606 and MAN 607, but applies only to students of University of Mannheim. As an Online Exchange (OEI) student, you need to follow the registration procedure described here only.
Bachelor
Current Issues in Bioethics (Seminar (Advanced Level), English)
Course type:
Seminar (Advanced Level)
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Online, live
Literature:
READING MATERIAL
A Companion to Bioethics, Helga Kushe, Peter Singer.
The Oxford Handbook of Bioethics, Bonny Steinbock.
Bioethics, Carla Mooney.
Public Health, Ethics and Equity, Sudhir Anand, Fabienne Peter. Amartya Sen.
Biomedical Ethics, Opposing Viewpoints, Tamara L. Roeleff.
A Companion to Bioethics, Helga Kushe, Peter Singer.
The Oxford Handbook of Bioethics, Bonny Steinbock.
Bioethics, Carla Mooney.
Public Health, Ethics and Equity, Sudhir Anand, Fabienne Peter. Amartya Sen.
Biomedical Ethics, Opposing Viewpoints, Tamara L. Roeleff.
Instructor(s):
Dr. Sengül Celik
Date(s):
| Monday (weekly) | 10.02.2025 – 26.05.2025 | 17:15 – 18:45 | ZOOM-Lehre-014; Virtuelles Gebäude |
Description:
Bioethics is relatively a new discipline that combines ethics to life sciences. The main aim of it is to search for an answer how to live morally in a technologized world and to exercise giving decisions basically on hard issues of life and death.
This course introduces the problems of life sciences through topics such as: Life and Death, Reproduction Systems, Allocation of the Sources, Organ Donations, Autonomous Decision, Experimentation with Humans and Animals. At the beginning of the course short history of bıoethics will be discussed. As Bioethics is an interdisciplinary course related Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Natural Sciences, Philosophy, Law, Politics and Religion the course will start with a focus on introducing the main streams of ethical views and how Bioethics related to other disciplines. Then it will be given to gather the methods of analyzing the bioethical questions through the aspect that one chooses to defend.
COURSE OUTCOMES
To identify the issues of bioethics,
To place bioethical questions in different fields,
To deal with the application of normative ethical theories to the problems of bioethics,
To articulate arguments and rational justification in Bioethics.
This course introduces the problems of life sciences through topics such as: Life and Death, Reproduction Systems, Allocation of the Sources, Organ Donations, Autonomous Decision, Experimentation with Humans and Animals. At the beginning of the course short history of bıoethics will be discussed. As Bioethics is an interdisciplinary course related Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Natural Sciences, Philosophy, Law, Politics and Religion the course will start with a focus on introducing the main streams of ethical views and how Bioethics related to other disciplines. Then it will be given to gather the methods of analyzing the bioethical questions through the aspect that one chooses to defend.
COURSE OUTCOMES
To identify the issues of bioethics,
To place bioethical questions in different fields,
To deal with the application of normative ethical theories to the problems of bioethics,
To articulate arguments and rational justification in Bioethics.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
IDV 402 Developing a Global Mindset (Seminar, English)
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Bachelor
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Online, live
Registration procedure:
Registration: All incoming exchange students at the School of Humanities need to register for their courses via Portal2. For further details, please check the instructions for course registration or contact incomingphil.uni-mannheim.de.
Anmeldung: Alle Austauschstudierenden der Philosophischen Fakultät müssen sich über Portal2 für ihre Kurse anmelden. Weitere Informationen finden Sie in unserer Anleitung oder wenden Sie sich an incomingphil.uni-mannheim.de.
Anmeldung: Alle Austauschstudierenden der Philosophischen Fakultät müssen sich über Portal2 für ihre Kurse anmelden. Weitere Informationen finden Sie in unserer Anleitung oder wenden Sie sich an incomingphil.uni-mannheim.de.
Recommended requirement:
Examination achievement:
Term Paper (12–15 pages)
15-minute group presentation
15-minute group presentation
Instructor(s):
Dr. Ana-Sofia Uhl
Date(s):
| Tuesday (weekly) | 11.02.2025 – 27.05.2025 | 10:15 – 11:45 | ZOOM-Lehre-056; Virtuelles Gebäude |
Description:
In a globalised world, the ability to work effectively across cultures is crucial for businesses to succeed. From an individual perspective, cultural intelligence (Thomas, 2008), involves knowledge and awareness of cultural differences and developing communication skills to build trust between people from different backgrounds.
The course will cover the origins and history of intercultural communication', including intercultural business communication and the taxonomies developed by scholars such as Hofstede, Trompenaars & Hampden-Turner, Hall and Meyer. The course theories are illustrated by case studies, which the students will work through in class. Critical perspectives on the classic taxonomies and the concept of culture are also discussed. The students will learn to distinguish between etic and emic perspectives on culture as well as between static and dynamic perspectives. Furthermore, social constructivist and critical cross cultural management perspectives are covered, specifically related to diversity management and language management. Diversity management and inclusive leadership will also be linked to social sustainability. There is also an emphasis on reflection, critical incidents, cultural adaptation and working in global teams.
Learning outcomes include knowledge, skills and general competencies. Students will develop knowledge of fundamental theories from the field of intercultural business communication, knowledge about cross cultural management and how it links to diversity management and inclusion.
Students will become skilled in critically assessing the theories on intercultural business communication in light of practical cases, develop personal reflection skills and how to work effectively in multicultural groups.
General competencies include demonstrating sensitivity towards and respect for diversity in the workplace and understanding the importance of diversity management and inclusive leadership.
Teaching methods include readings, videos, websites, interactive lectures, case studies and group discussions. The course requires active participation, with an emphasis on written and oral reflection on learning.
This course is taught by Agnes Bamford from the Norwegian School of Economics (Bergen, Norway) and is offered with the generous support of Engage.EU.
The course will cover the origins and history of intercultural communication', including intercultural business communication and the taxonomies developed by scholars such as Hofstede, Trompenaars & Hampden-Turner, Hall and Meyer. The course theories are illustrated by case studies, which the students will work through in class. Critical perspectives on the classic taxonomies and the concept of culture are also discussed. The students will learn to distinguish between etic and emic perspectives on culture as well as between static and dynamic perspectives. Furthermore, social constructivist and critical cross cultural management perspectives are covered, specifically related to diversity management and language management. Diversity management and inclusive leadership will also be linked to social sustainability. There is also an emphasis on reflection, critical incidents, cultural adaptation and working in global teams.
Learning outcomes include knowledge, skills and general competencies. Students will develop knowledge of fundamental theories from the field of intercultural business communication, knowledge about cross cultural management and how it links to diversity management and inclusion.
Students will become skilled in critically assessing the theories on intercultural business communication in light of practical cases, develop personal reflection skills and how to work effectively in multicultural groups.
General competencies include demonstrating sensitivity towards and respect for diversity in the workplace and understanding the importance of diversity management and inclusive leadership.
Teaching methods include readings, videos, websites, interactive lectures, case studies and group discussions. The course requires active participation, with an emphasis on written and oral reflection on learning.
This course is taught by Agnes Bamford from the Norwegian School of Economics (Bergen, Norway) and is offered with the generous support of Engage.EU.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
IDV 402 How to live on a damaged planet? Introduction to Environmental Humanities (Seminar, English)
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Bachelor
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Online, live
Registration procedure:
Registration: All incoming exchange students at the School of Humanities need to register for their courses via Portal2. For further details, please check the instructions for course registration or contact incomingphil.uni-mannheim.de.
Anmeldung: Alle Austauschstudierenden der Philosophischen Fakultät müssen sich über Portal2 für ihre Kurse anmelden. Weitere Informationen finden Sie in unserer Anleitung oder wenden Sie sich an incomingphil.uni-mannheim.de.
Anmeldung: Alle Austauschstudierenden der Philosophischen Fakultät müssen sich über Portal2 für ihre Kurse anmelden. Weitere Informationen finden Sie in unserer Anleitung oder wenden Sie sich an incomingphil.uni-mannheim.de.
Recommended requirement:
Examination achievement:
Term paper (10–15 pages): Mandatory for Uni Mannheim students; Alternatives to be discussed for international students.
Instructor(s):
Wing Tung Kung, Dr. Ana-Sofia Uhl
Date(s):
| Friday (single date) | 14.02.2025 | 10:15 – 11:45 | ZOOM-Lehre-086; Virtuelles Gebäude |
| Friday (single date) | 21.02.2025 | 10:15 – 11:45 | ZOOM-Lehre-090; Virtuelles Gebäude |
| Friday (single date) | 21.03.2025 | 15:30 – 18:45 | ZOOM-Lehre-095; Virtuelles Gebäude |
| Friday (single date) | 04.04.2025 | 15:30 – 18:45 | ZOOM-Lehre-099; Virtuelles Gebäude |
| Friday (single date) | 11.04.2025 | 15:30 – 18:45 | ZOOM-Lehre-102; Virtuelles Gebäude |
| Friday (single date) | 02.05.2025 | 15:30 – 18:45 | ZOOM-Lehre-107; Virtuelles Gebäude |
| Friday (single date) | 09.05.2025 | 15:30 – 18:45 | ZOOM-Lehre-108; Virtuelles Gebäude |
| Friday (single date) | 30.05.2025 | 15:30 – 18:45 | ZOOM-Lehre-110; Virtuelles Gebäude |
Description:
We are living through an era of unprecedented ecological destruction and profound planetary transformation. The Environmental Humanities emerged as an interdisciplinary field in response to these challenges, seeking to address environmental issues that persist—and often intensify—despite extensive scientific research. This field brings together perspectives from the natural sciences, social sciences, history, and philosophy to explore how knowledge is co-produced by humans and nonhumans in our shared, multi-species world, while critically examining the socio-political structures shaping these interactions.
Why are pigeons the “rats with wings”? Is your cat a “wild” animal? What does justice look like in an age of uneven vulnerabilities? Are new ways of living with the nonhuman others still possible, or are we destined to repeat the mistakes of the past?
In this seminar, we will journey alongside the wild and the domesticated, as well as forests, minerals, microbes, and many significant others. Through these lenses, we will explore how these non-human companions shape the stories we tell about ourselves and our world. Together, we will reflect on our understanding and responsibility on this damaged planet; we will critically examine how relationships with nature are represented, written, managed, and experienced. Topics will include but not limited to the Anthropocene, multi-species studies, post-coloniality and climate justice, the history of science and technology, and narratives of mourning, care, and coexistence.
In the face of a damaged planet and an overwhelming tide of climate crises and extinctions, this seminar invites you to find ways to live and respond meaningfully. Held entirely online, this seminar takes advantage of its international setting for rich intercultural exchanges. Students will develop the ability to communicate complex environmental issues and will gain a critical, interdisciplinary, and cross-cultural understanding of ecological topics informed by contemporary Environmental Humanities discourses.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
IDV 402 Narratives of Emotion: Understanding the stories that shape our emotions and memories (Seminar, English)
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Bachelor
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Online, live
Registration procedure:
Registration: All incoming exchange students at the School of Humanities need to register for their courses via Portal2. For further details, please check the instructions for course registration or contact incomingphil.uni-mannheim.de.
Anmeldung: Alle Austauschstudierenden der Philosophischen Fakultät müssen sich über Portal2 für ihre Kurse anmelden. Weitere Informationen finden Sie in unserer Anleitung oder wenden Sie sich an incomingphil.uni-mannheim.de.
Anmeldung: Alle Austauschstudierenden der Philosophischen Fakultät müssen sich über Portal2 für ihre Kurse anmelden. Weitere Informationen finden Sie in unserer Anleitung oder wenden Sie sich an incomingphil.uni-mannheim.de.
Recommended requirement:
Examination achievement:
- Art project with written documentation
Instructor(s):
Dr. Ana-Sofia Uhl
Date(s):
| Monday (single date) | 10.02.2025 | 10:15 – 11:45 | ZOOM-Lehre-039; Virtuelles Gebäude |
| Friday (block date + sat) | 21.02.2025 – 22.02.2025 | 10:00 – 16:00 | ZOOM-Lehre-039; Virtuelles Gebäude |
| Friday (block date) | 02.05.2025 | 10:00 – 16:00 | ZOOM-Lehre-039; Virtuelles Gebäude |
| Saturday (single date) | 03.05.2025 | 10:00 – 13:00 | ZOOM-Lehre-039; Virtuelles Gebäude |
Description:
In this course, we explore how narratives shape our understanding of emotions and memories. We delve into both collective and personal stories influenced by family upbringing, societal norms, and our consumption of art and media. These narratives play a pivotal role in forming our identities, shaping our worldview, and guiding how we process our emotional experiences.
A central focus of the course is the role of art and media—films, books, and news—in reinforcing certain narratives and framing our understanding of key themes such as identity, trauma, happiness, and loss. Participants will learn how these external influences shape their inner stories and impact their emotional lives and memories.
We also explore how we express emotions like anger, sadness, and disgust, and how these are linked to joy. The course invites participants to reflect on and intentionally craft their personal stories, identify the roots of their emotional experiences, and embrace creative, transformative ways of expressing themselves. Ultimately, the course aims to empower participants to reshape their experiences and cultivate deeper self-awareness.
Final Event: Vernissage – 2 hours
Lecturer: Melanelle B.C. Hémêfa
A central focus of the course is the role of art and media—films, books, and news—in reinforcing certain narratives and framing our understanding of key themes such as identity, trauma, happiness, and loss. Participants will learn how these external influences shape their inner stories and impact their emotional lives and memories.
We also explore how we express emotions like anger, sadness, and disgust, and how these are linked to joy. The course invites participants to reflect on and intentionally craft their personal stories, identify the roots of their emotional experiences, and embrace creative, transformative ways of expressing themselves. Ultimately, the course aims to empower participants to reshape their experiences and cultivate deeper self-awareness.
Final Event: Vernissage – 2 hours
Lecturer: Melanelle B.C. Hémêfa
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
World History of State and Law (Exercise, English)
Course type:
Exercise
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Bachelor
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
On-campus and online, live
Recommended requirement:
Instructor(s):
Dr. Ivan Balykin
Date(s):
| Thursday (weekly) | 13.02.2025 – 29.05.2025 | 13:45 – 15:15 | 308 Seminarraum; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F |
Description:
This interdisciplinary course delves into the evolution of state structures, legal systems, and societal frameworks from ancient times to the present day. Explore the History of State and Law (HSL) across various eras and regions, including:
• Ancient Egypt, Babylon, China, and India.
• Ancient Greece and Rome.
• Feudal states: the Kingdom of the Franks, France, Germany, England, Byzantium, and the Arabian Caliphate.
• The emergence of bourgeois state and law in England, the US, France, Germany, and Japan (XVII–XX centuries).
• Contemporary state and law in Germany, France, the USA, the UK, Ukraine, China, and Japan.
Methods include lectures, discussions, and case studies. They focus on key historical developments and their impact on modern legal, state, and societal systems.
A basic understanding of world history, politics, and legal concepts is recommended but not required.
Students are encouraged to contribute to seminar discussions and group projects, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
• Ancient Egypt, Babylon, China, and India.
• Ancient Greece and Rome.
• Feudal states: the Kingdom of the Franks, France, Germany, England, Byzantium, and the Arabian Caliphate.
• The emergence of bourgeois state and law in England, the US, France, Germany, and Japan (XVII–XX centuries).
• Contemporary state and law in Germany, France, the USA, the UK, Ukraine, China, and Japan.
Methods include lectures, discussions, and case studies. They focus on key historical developments and their impact on modern legal, state, and societal systems.
A basic understanding of world history, politics, and legal concepts is recommended but not required.
Students are encouraged to contribute to seminar discussions and group projects, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Master
World History of State and Law (Exercise, English)
Course type:
Exercise
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Bachelor
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
On-campus and online, live
Recommended requirement:
Instructor(s):
Dr. Ivan Balykin
Date(s):
| Thursday (weekly) | 13.02.2025 – 29.05.2025 | 13:45 – 15:15 | 308 Seminarraum; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F |
Description:
This interdisciplinary course delves into the evolution of state structures, legal systems, and societal frameworks from ancient times to the present day. Explore the History of State and Law (HSL) across various eras and regions, including:
• Ancient Egypt, Babylon, China, and India.
• Ancient Greece and Rome.
• Feudal states: the Kingdom of the Franks, France, Germany, England, Byzantium, and the Arabian Caliphate.
• The emergence of bourgeois state and law in England, the US, France, Germany, and Japan (XVII–XX centuries).
• Contemporary state and law in Germany, France, the USA, the UK, Ukraine, China, and Japan.
Methods include lectures, discussions, and case studies. They focus on key historical developments and their impact on modern legal, state, and societal systems.
A basic understanding of world history, politics, and legal concepts is recommended but not required.
Students are encouraged to contribute to seminar discussions and group projects, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
• Ancient Egypt, Babylon, China, and India.
• Ancient Greece and Rome.
• Feudal states: the Kingdom of the Franks, France, Germany, England, Byzantium, and the Arabian Caliphate.
• The emergence of bourgeois state and law in England, the US, France, Germany, and Japan (XVII–XX centuries).
• Contemporary state and law in Germany, France, the USA, the UK, Ukraine, China, and Japan.
Methods include lectures, discussions, and case studies. They focus on key historical developments and their impact on modern legal, state, and societal systems.
A basic understanding of world history, politics, and legal concepts is recommended but not required.
Students are encouraged to contribute to seminar discussions and group projects, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Bachelor
Behavioral Economics (Lecture w/
Course type:
Lecture w/
ECTS:
7.0
Course suitable for:
Bachelor
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
4
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Registration procedure:
Information for students participating in this course as part of the online exchange initiative of the ENGAGE programme
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in economics, especially microeconomics
ECTS credits: 7
Teaching method (hours per week): lecture (2) + exercise (2)
Workload: time in class (lecture): 21 hours, time in class (exercise): 21 hours, independent study time and preparation for the exam: 154 hours.
Course language: English
Grading: take home exam
Expected number of students in class: max. 5 ENGAGE-Students
Goals and contents of the module: Standard economic models make many assumptions and predictions about individual behavior. This course introduces new theories from Behavioral Economics, a young field of Economics that combines Economics and Psychology. In the light of experimental evidence, standard theories of risk, time and social preferences are revisited, and more appropriate behavioral models introduced. Various forms of cognitive limitations in information processing are presented and consequences for economic behavior are highlighted. The course aims to provide access to theoretical concepts that take into account the nature of the human psyche. In particular, to understand how real behavior differs from the standard theoretical predictions and how to account for those “irregularities”.
Expected competences acquired after completion of the module: Successful students will have a raised awareness for commonly made assumptions in standard microeconomic theory and their consequences in the modeled economic behavior. Students will know alternative ways of thinking about individual preferences and cognitive processes in economic decisions.
Further information: In the exercise, we will discuss several papers mentioned in the lecture in detail. For that purpose, students will present and discuss one paper in small groups. The aim is to critically evaluate economic research.
Contact: Dr. Cornelius Schneider; e-mail: schneider@uni-mannheim.de; L 7, 3–5 room 404.
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge in economics, especially microeconomics
ECTS credits: 7
Teaching method (hours per week): lecture (2) + exercise (2)
Workload: time in class (lecture): 21 hours, time in class (exercise): 21 hours, independent study time and preparation for the exam: 154 hours.
Course language: English
Grading: take home exam
Expected number of students in class: max. 5 ENGAGE-Students
Goals and contents of the module: Standard economic models make many assumptions and predictions about individual behavior. This course introduces new theories from Behavioral Economics, a young field of Economics that combines Economics and Psychology. In the light of experimental evidence, standard theories of risk, time and social preferences are revisited, and more appropriate behavioral models introduced. Various forms of cognitive limitations in information processing are presented and consequences for economic behavior are highlighted. The course aims to provide access to theoretical concepts that take into account the nature of the human psyche. In particular, to understand how real behavior differs from the standard theoretical predictions and how to account for those “irregularities”.
Expected competences acquired after completion of the module: Successful students will have a raised awareness for commonly made assumptions in standard microeconomic theory and their consequences in the modeled economic behavior. Students will know alternative ways of thinking about individual preferences and cognitive processes in economic decisions.
Further information: In the exercise, we will discuss several papers mentioned in the lecture in detail. For that purpose, students will present and discuss one paper in small groups. The aim is to critically evaluate economic research.
Contact: Dr. Cornelius Schneider; e-mail: schneider@uni-mannheim.de; L 7, 3–5 room 404.
Instructor(s):
Dr. Cornelius Schneider
Date(s):
| Wednesday (weekly) | 12.02.2025 – 28.05.2025 | 15:30 – 17:00 | S 031 Seminarraum; L 7, 3–5 |
| Wednesday (weekly) | 12.02.2025 – 28.05.2025 | 17:15 – 18:45 | S 031 Seminarraum; L 7, 3–5 |
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Master
E5127 Fintech and AI in Finance (Lecture, English)
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
5.0
Course suitable for:
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
On-campus and online, live
Instructor(s):
Dr. Yue Fei
Date(s):
| Friday (weekly) | 14.02.2025 – 28.03.2025 | 08:30 – 10:00 | S 031 Seminarraum; L 7, 3–5 |
| Friday (weekly) | 14.02.2025 – 28.03.2025 | 10:15 – 11:45 | S 031 Seminarraum; L 7, 3–5 |
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Bachelor
International Civil and Commercial Litigation (Lecture, English)
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Registration procedure:
This course will examine all major aspects of cross-border litigation as the conventional and most important method of international dispute resolution between private parties. Primary emphasis is on the conduct of international litigation in EU Member States, but there will also be comparative treatment of other major jurisdictions (notably the UK and the U.S.).
After introducing the concept of international litigation and the main policy issues at stake, the course will comprehensively address the crucial procedural law questions lawyers have to deal with when bringing a cross-border civil or commercial dispute to a national court. These include: international jurisdiction (Which court is competent?), coordination between different jurisdictions (lis pendens, provisional measures), conduct of proceedings (service of documents, taking evidence abroad) as well as recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments.
Students who have completed the course will have developed a sound understanding of international procedural law that will enable them to successfully work in a litigation context, be it in the judiciary, a law firm or a legal department. The course is suited for exchange and graduate students (LL.M., M.C.B.L.) in law and related fields as well as for LL.B. students aiming to cover the relevant aspects of international procedural law required for taking the First German State Exam according to § 8 Abs. 2 Nr. 5 JAPrO.
The course will cover the following subjects:
• Concept and practical relevance of international litigation
• Advantages and disadvantages of international litigation
• Sources of international procedural law
• International jurisdiction
• Coordination between different jurisdictions
• Conduct of proceedings
• Recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments
Course materials: Required reading materials will be provided or made available electronically via the university library. Introductory and further readings (optional):
• Fentiman, Richard: International Commercial Litigation, 2nd edition, Oxford 2015, Oxford University Press
• Hartley, Trevor C.: International Commercial Litigation, 3rd edition, Cambridge 2020, Cambridge University Press
• Junker, Abbo: Internationales Zivilprozessrecht, 5th edition, München 2020, C. H. Beck
Assessment: Class participation and take-home-exam
After introducing the concept of international litigation and the main policy issues at stake, the course will comprehensively address the crucial procedural law questions lawyers have to deal with when bringing a cross-border civil or commercial dispute to a national court. These include: international jurisdiction (Which court is competent?), coordination between different jurisdictions (lis pendens, provisional measures), conduct of proceedings (service of documents, taking evidence abroad) as well as recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments.
Students who have completed the course will have developed a sound understanding of international procedural law that will enable them to successfully work in a litigation context, be it in the judiciary, a law firm or a legal department. The course is suited for exchange and graduate students (LL.M., M.C.B.L.) in law and related fields as well as for LL.B. students aiming to cover the relevant aspects of international procedural law required for taking the First German State Exam according to § 8 Abs. 2 Nr. 5 JAPrO.
The course will cover the following subjects:
• Concept and practical relevance of international litigation
• Advantages and disadvantages of international litigation
• Sources of international procedural law
• International jurisdiction
• Coordination between different jurisdictions
• Conduct of proceedings
• Recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments
Course materials: Required reading materials will be provided or made available electronically via the university library. Introductory and further readings (optional):
• Fentiman, Richard: International Commercial Litigation, 2nd edition, Oxford 2015, Oxford University Press
• Hartley, Trevor C.: International Commercial Litigation, 3rd edition, Cambridge 2020, Cambridge University Press
• Junker, Abbo: Internationales Zivilprozessrecht, 5th edition, München 2020, C. H. Beck
Assessment: Class participation and take-home-exam
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
International Humanitarian Law / The law of armed conflict (Lecture, English)
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
English
Attendance:
On-campus and online, live
Registration procedure:
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a body of rules that seeks to limit the effects of armed conflict. IHL protects those who are not participating in hostilities, and those who are no longer participating in hostilities. This body of law imposes limits on the methods and means of warfare. IHL forms part of public international law and is largely based on treaties and rules of customary international law.
In this course the development as well as the basic concepts of IHL will be explored. Students will be introduced to the most important documents governing armed conflict, learn how to apply these and will consider the challenges posed to the application of IHL in armed conflicts. A large part of the course will focus on the new developments in IHL including the emergence of new forms of armed conflicts and the development and use of new technologies in armed conflict.
Assessment
Assessment for this course will consist of one presentation and one take-home exam.
In this course the development as well as the basic concepts of IHL will be explored. Students will be introduced to the most important documents governing armed conflict, learn how to apply these and will consider the challenges posed to the application of IHL in armed conflicts. A large part of the course will focus on the new developments in IHL including the emergence of new forms of armed conflicts and the development and use of new technologies in armed conflict.
Assessment
Assessment for this course will consist of one presentation and one take-home exam.
Instructor(s):
Marelie Manders
Date(s):
| Wednesday (weekly) | 12.02.2025 – 28.05.2025 | 15:30 – 17:00 | EO 165 Hörsaal; Schloss Ehrenhof Ost |
Introduction to German Constitutional Law (Lecture, English)
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
English
Attendance:
On-campus and online, live
Registration procedure:
The course provides a general introduction to German Constitutional Law i.e. the constitution, its background and contents and methods to work with constitutional legal texts.
The German Grundgesetz (Basic Law) which up to this day forms the formal constitutional document of the Federal Republic of Germany has its roots in the allied occupation of Western Germany after World War II. It has proven to be a reliable foundation for the development of the German democratic system and the federal state. The provision of fundamental rights (Art. 1 – 19) puts the Grundgesetz in the tradition of European and North American human rights thinking. It has had an enormous impact on all German law.
Although experiencing some changes throughout the years – especially during the process of the German reunification – the general structure and main provisions of the Grundgesetz remained unchanged.
The course will cover the structure of the German Grundgesetz and its most important provisions while putting a particular focus on the first chapter containing the fundamental rights provisions. Additionally, students will learn about constitutional law in general, the federal structure and the fundamental constitutional principles of the Federal Republic and its integration in the European Union legal system as well as understand the function of the constitutional organs and the legislative process.
Contents:
• The German legal system
• Constitutional Law
• The Grundgesetz and the European Union
• Fundamental Rights
• Fundamental Constitutional Principles
• The Federal State
• Constitutional organs
• Legislative procedure
• Public administration
• The judicial system
Learning Target:
Students will be able to understand the basic principles and most important provisions of the Grundgesetz and solve simple cases regarding fundamental rights. They will be familiar with the structure of the federal state and its function as well as its most important constitutional, administrative and judicial organs. Students can assess by way of comparison similarities and dissimilarities in other legal systems.
Literature:
No specific textbook is required. Additional reading recommendations will be given in the lecture.
Examination:
Oral Exam
Lecturer:
Katharina Longin
Introduction to Public International Law (Lecture, English)
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Online, live
Description:
This course provides students with an understanding of the system of public international law, regulating relations between actors on the global stage. Topics include: the nature of international law, sources of international law (including treaties, customary international law and general principles of law), participants in the international legal system (including notions of statehood, legal personality and diplomatic protection), territory and acquisition of title, state responsibility, jurisdiction and immunity, the relationship between international and domestic law, international human rights law, the (peacekeeping) operations of the United Nations including the role of the General Assembly, international dispute settlement and the role of the International Court of Justice as well as the law regulating the use of force and, correspondingly, the Security Council.
Sessions will take place on a weekly basis and consist of both lecture and discussion parts. Within the discussion part, current developments such as inter alia pending cases before the International Court of Justice and further contemporary topics will be discussed.
Introductory Reading (optional):
Mode of assessment for this course will be a research paper. In addition, oral participation will contribute to the final grade awarded for this course.
Course is open for Bachelor and Master students and recommended for Bachelor and Master Political Science students.
Sessions will take place on a weekly basis and consist of both lecture and discussion parts. Within the discussion part, current developments such as inter alia pending cases before the International Court of Justice and further contemporary topics will be discussed.
Introductory Reading (optional):
- Cassese, Antonio (ed.): ‘Realizing Utopia: The Future of International Law’ (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2012)
- Crawford, James and Ian Brownlie: ‘Brownlie’s Principles of Public International Law’ (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2012)
- Hall, Stephen: ‘Principles of International Law’ (Hong Kong, LexisNexis, 2014)
- Kaczorowska, Alina: ‘Public International Law’ (London, Routledge, 2010)
- Lowe, Vaughan: ‘International Law’ (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2007)
- Tourme-Jouannet, Emmanuelle: ‘The Liberal-Welfarist Law of Nations: A History of International Law’ (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2012)
Mode of assessment for this course will be a research paper. In addition, oral participation will contribute to the final grade awarded for this course.
Course is open for Bachelor and Master students and recommended for Bachelor and Master Political Science students.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Law and Climate Change (Lecture, English)
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
On-campus and online, live
Registration procedure:
The course ‘Law and Climate Change’ will explore the relationship between law and environmental challenges. It will examine the legal responses to the climate crisis by providing an overview of the various German and international laws that are meant to combat climate change and discussing specific legal issues raised by this legislation.
Participants will first be introduced to fundamental rights and the role they play for climate protection. Thus, the German Federal Constitutional Court has made it clear that the constitution itself obliges the state, including all three powers, to take measures to protect the climate and future generations.
The course will analyse how climate change impacts legislation, the interpretation of the law and courts’ decision-making. On the one hand, the legislature can directly regulate certain behavioural obligations in order to protect the climate. It has done so in the area of global supply chains: The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which has been in force since July 2024, implements defined due diligence obligations and makes all companies within its scope liable for failure to comply with them. On the other hand, the legislature can also choose to sanction harmful behaviour through tort law or the more specific law of environmental liability.
Furthermore, litigation is more and more used as a tool to address the causes and impacts of climate changes. The number of climate change cases is rapidly increasing around the world, and their purpose is not only to obtain compensation for damage induced by climate change. Instead, these cases are also filed against governments and companies to oblige them to do more for climate protection. In these cases, climate change litigation not only raises questions of tort law and, in cross-border situations, private international law, but also challenges the very authority of courts. Thus, some argue that courts lack the power to hear those cases because the climate crisis presents nonjusticiable political questions. Another newly emerging but related field is microplastic litigation, which deals with liability for the release of microplastic particles that are harmful to the environment and human health.
Moreover, EU legislation causes environmental protection to frequently have an impact on contractual relationships as well. This includes the so-called ‘right to repair’, which seeks to reduce waste and obliges manufacturers to produce certain goods in a way that allows consumers to have them repaired. Consumer protection law may also help prevent greenwashing, which consists of disinformation regarding a company’s environmental practices or the environmental impact of a product or its production.
Finally, law and climate change are also linked on a completely different level: To draw attention to the dangers of climate change and protest against the use of fossil energy, activists from campaign groups such as Last Generation, Just Stop Oil or Oil Kills carry out controversial protest actions by, e.g., throwing soup at paintings in museums or blocking roads and airport runways. Are they liable for the damage thus caused, or are those actions justified based on a higher cause?
Participants will first be introduced to fundamental rights and the role they play for climate protection. Thus, the German Federal Constitutional Court has made it clear that the constitution itself obliges the state, including all three powers, to take measures to protect the climate and future generations.
The course will analyse how climate change impacts legislation, the interpretation of the law and courts’ decision-making. On the one hand, the legislature can directly regulate certain behavioural obligations in order to protect the climate. It has done so in the area of global supply chains: The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which has been in force since July 2024, implements defined due diligence obligations and makes all companies within its scope liable for failure to comply with them. On the other hand, the legislature can also choose to sanction harmful behaviour through tort law or the more specific law of environmental liability.
Furthermore, litigation is more and more used as a tool to address the causes and impacts of climate changes. The number of climate change cases is rapidly increasing around the world, and their purpose is not only to obtain compensation for damage induced by climate change. Instead, these cases are also filed against governments and companies to oblige them to do more for climate protection. In these cases, climate change litigation not only raises questions of tort law and, in cross-border situations, private international law, but also challenges the very authority of courts. Thus, some argue that courts lack the power to hear those cases because the climate crisis presents nonjusticiable political questions. Another newly emerging but related field is microplastic litigation, which deals with liability for the release of microplastic particles that are harmful to the environment and human health.
Moreover, EU legislation causes environmental protection to frequently have an impact on contractual relationships as well. This includes the so-called ‘right to repair’, which seeks to reduce waste and obliges manufacturers to produce certain goods in a way that allows consumers to have them repaired. Consumer protection law may also help prevent greenwashing, which consists of disinformation regarding a company’s environmental practices or the environmental impact of a product or its production.
Finally, law and climate change are also linked on a completely different level: To draw attention to the dangers of climate change and protest against the use of fossil energy, activists from campaign groups such as Last Generation, Just Stop Oil or Oil Kills carry out controversial protest actions by, e.g., throwing soup at paintings in museums or blocking roads and airport runways. Are they liable for the damage thus caused, or are those actions justified based on a higher cause?
Examination achievement:
Oral Examination
Instructor(s):
Silvia Deuring
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Master
International Civil and Commercial Litigation (Lecture, English)
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Registration procedure:
This course will examine all major aspects of cross-border litigation as the conventional and most important method of international dispute resolution between private parties. Primary emphasis is on the conduct of international litigation in EU Member States, but there will also be comparative treatment of other major jurisdictions (notably the UK and the U.S.).
After introducing the concept of international litigation and the main policy issues at stake, the course will comprehensively address the crucial procedural law questions lawyers have to deal with when bringing a cross-border civil or commercial dispute to a national court. These include: international jurisdiction (Which court is competent?), coordination between different jurisdictions (lis pendens, provisional measures), conduct of proceedings (service of documents, taking evidence abroad) as well as recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments.
Students who have completed the course will have developed a sound understanding of international procedural law that will enable them to successfully work in a litigation context, be it in the judiciary, a law firm or a legal department. The course is suited for exchange and graduate students (LL.M., M.C.B.L.) in law and related fields as well as for LL.B. students aiming to cover the relevant aspects of international procedural law required for taking the First German State Exam according to § 8 Abs. 2 Nr. 5 JAPrO.
The course will cover the following subjects:
• Concept and practical relevance of international litigation
• Advantages and disadvantages of international litigation
• Sources of international procedural law
• International jurisdiction
• Coordination between different jurisdictions
• Conduct of proceedings
• Recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments
Course materials: Required reading materials will be provided or made available electronically via the university library. Introductory and further readings (optional):
• Fentiman, Richard: International Commercial Litigation, 2nd edition, Oxford 2015, Oxford University Press
• Hartley, Trevor C.: International Commercial Litigation, 3rd edition, Cambridge 2020, Cambridge University Press
• Junker, Abbo: Internationales Zivilprozessrecht, 5th edition, München 2020, C. H. Beck
Assessment: Class participation and take-home-exam
After introducing the concept of international litigation and the main policy issues at stake, the course will comprehensively address the crucial procedural law questions lawyers have to deal with when bringing a cross-border civil or commercial dispute to a national court. These include: international jurisdiction (Which court is competent?), coordination between different jurisdictions (lis pendens, provisional measures), conduct of proceedings (service of documents, taking evidence abroad) as well as recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments.
Students who have completed the course will have developed a sound understanding of international procedural law that will enable them to successfully work in a litigation context, be it in the judiciary, a law firm or a legal department. The course is suited for exchange and graduate students (LL.M., M.C.B.L.) in law and related fields as well as for LL.B. students aiming to cover the relevant aspects of international procedural law required for taking the First German State Exam according to § 8 Abs. 2 Nr. 5 JAPrO.
The course will cover the following subjects:
• Concept and practical relevance of international litigation
• Advantages and disadvantages of international litigation
• Sources of international procedural law
• International jurisdiction
• Coordination between different jurisdictions
• Conduct of proceedings
• Recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments
Course materials: Required reading materials will be provided or made available electronically via the university library. Introductory and further readings (optional):
• Fentiman, Richard: International Commercial Litigation, 2nd edition, Oxford 2015, Oxford University Press
• Hartley, Trevor C.: International Commercial Litigation, 3rd edition, Cambridge 2020, Cambridge University Press
• Junker, Abbo: Internationales Zivilprozessrecht, 5th edition, München 2020, C. H. Beck
Assessment: Class participation and take-home-exam
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
International Humanitarian Law / The law of armed conflict (Lecture, English)
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
English
Attendance:
On-campus and online, live
Registration procedure:
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a body of rules that seeks to limit the effects of armed conflict. IHL protects those who are not participating in hostilities, and those who are no longer participating in hostilities. This body of law imposes limits on the methods and means of warfare. IHL forms part of public international law and is largely based on treaties and rules of customary international law.
In this course the development as well as the basic concepts of IHL will be explored. Students will be introduced to the most important documents governing armed conflict, learn how to apply these and will consider the challenges posed to the application of IHL in armed conflicts. A large part of the course will focus on the new developments in IHL including the emergence of new forms of armed conflicts and the development and use of new technologies in armed conflict.
Assessment
Assessment for this course will consist of one presentation and one take-home exam.
In this course the development as well as the basic concepts of IHL will be explored. Students will be introduced to the most important documents governing armed conflict, learn how to apply these and will consider the challenges posed to the application of IHL in armed conflicts. A large part of the course will focus on the new developments in IHL including the emergence of new forms of armed conflicts and the development and use of new technologies in armed conflict.
Assessment
Assessment for this course will consist of one presentation and one take-home exam.
Instructor(s):
Marelie Manders
Date(s):
| Wednesday (weekly) | 12.02.2025 – 28.05.2025 | 15:30 – 17:00 | EO 165 Hörsaal; Schloss Ehrenhof Ost |
Introduction to German Constitutional Law (Lecture, English)
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
English
Attendance:
On-campus and online, live
Registration procedure:
The course provides a general introduction to German Constitutional Law i.e. the constitution, its background and contents and methods to work with constitutional legal texts.
The German Grundgesetz (Basic Law) which up to this day forms the formal constitutional document of the Federal Republic of Germany has its roots in the allied occupation of Western Germany after World War II. It has proven to be a reliable foundation for the development of the German democratic system and the federal state. The provision of fundamental rights (Art. 1 – 19) puts the Grundgesetz in the tradition of European and North American human rights thinking. It has had an enormous impact on all German law.
Although experiencing some changes throughout the years – especially during the process of the German reunification – the general structure and main provisions of the Grundgesetz remained unchanged.
The course will cover the structure of the German Grundgesetz and its most important provisions while putting a particular focus on the first chapter containing the fundamental rights provisions. Additionally, students will learn about constitutional law in general, the federal structure and the fundamental constitutional principles of the Federal Republic and its integration in the European Union legal system as well as understand the function of the constitutional organs and the legislative process.
Contents:
• The German legal system
• Constitutional Law
• The Grundgesetz and the European Union
• Fundamental Rights
• Fundamental Constitutional Principles
• The Federal State
• Constitutional organs
• Legislative procedure
• Public administration
• The judicial system
Learning Target:
Students will be able to understand the basic principles and most important provisions of the Grundgesetz and solve simple cases regarding fundamental rights. They will be familiar with the structure of the federal state and its function as well as its most important constitutional, administrative and judicial organs. Students can assess by way of comparison similarities and dissimilarities in other legal systems.
Literature:
No specific textbook is required. Additional reading recommendations will be given in the lecture.
Examination:
Oral Exam
Lecturer:
Katharina Longin
Introduction to Public International Law (Lecture, English)
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Online, live
Description:
This course provides students with an understanding of the system of public international law, regulating relations between actors on the global stage. Topics include: the nature of international law, sources of international law (including treaties, customary international law and general principles of law), participants in the international legal system (including notions of statehood, legal personality and diplomatic protection), territory and acquisition of title, state responsibility, jurisdiction and immunity, the relationship between international and domestic law, international human rights law, the (peacekeeping) operations of the United Nations including the role of the General Assembly, international dispute settlement and the role of the International Court of Justice as well as the law regulating the use of force and, correspondingly, the Security Council.
Sessions will take place on a weekly basis and consist of both lecture and discussion parts. Within the discussion part, current developments such as inter alia pending cases before the International Court of Justice and further contemporary topics will be discussed.
Introductory Reading (optional):
Mode of assessment for this course will be a research paper. In addition, oral participation will contribute to the final grade awarded for this course.
Course is open for Bachelor and Master students and recommended for Bachelor and Master Political Science students.
Sessions will take place on a weekly basis and consist of both lecture and discussion parts. Within the discussion part, current developments such as inter alia pending cases before the International Court of Justice and further contemporary topics will be discussed.
Introductory Reading (optional):
- Cassese, Antonio (ed.): ‘Realizing Utopia: The Future of International Law’ (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2012)
- Crawford, James and Ian Brownlie: ‘Brownlie’s Principles of Public International Law’ (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2012)
- Hall, Stephen: ‘Principles of International Law’ (Hong Kong, LexisNexis, 2014)
- Kaczorowska, Alina: ‘Public International Law’ (London, Routledge, 2010)
- Lowe, Vaughan: ‘International Law’ (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2007)
- Tourme-Jouannet, Emmanuelle: ‘The Liberal-Welfarist Law of Nations: A History of International Law’ (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2012)
Mode of assessment for this course will be a research paper. In addition, oral participation will contribute to the final grade awarded for this course.
Course is open for Bachelor and Master students and recommended for Bachelor and Master Political Science students.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Law and Climate Change (Lecture, English)
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
On-campus and online, live
Registration procedure:
The course ‘Law and Climate Change’ will explore the relationship between law and environmental challenges. It will examine the legal responses to the climate crisis by providing an overview of the various German and international laws that are meant to combat climate change and discussing specific legal issues raised by this legislation.
Participants will first be introduced to fundamental rights and the role they play for climate protection. Thus, the German Federal Constitutional Court has made it clear that the constitution itself obliges the state, including all three powers, to take measures to protect the climate and future generations.
The course will analyse how climate change impacts legislation, the interpretation of the law and courts’ decision-making. On the one hand, the legislature can directly regulate certain behavioural obligations in order to protect the climate. It has done so in the area of global supply chains: The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which has been in force since July 2024, implements defined due diligence obligations and makes all companies within its scope liable for failure to comply with them. On the other hand, the legislature can also choose to sanction harmful behaviour through tort law or the more specific law of environmental liability.
Furthermore, litigation is more and more used as a tool to address the causes and impacts of climate changes. The number of climate change cases is rapidly increasing around the world, and their purpose is not only to obtain compensation for damage induced by climate change. Instead, these cases are also filed against governments and companies to oblige them to do more for climate protection. In these cases, climate change litigation not only raises questions of tort law and, in cross-border situations, private international law, but also challenges the very authority of courts. Thus, some argue that courts lack the power to hear those cases because the climate crisis presents nonjusticiable political questions. Another newly emerging but related field is microplastic litigation, which deals with liability for the release of microplastic particles that are harmful to the environment and human health.
Moreover, EU legislation causes environmental protection to frequently have an impact on contractual relationships as well. This includes the so-called ‘right to repair’, which seeks to reduce waste and obliges manufacturers to produce certain goods in a way that allows consumers to have them repaired. Consumer protection law may also help prevent greenwashing, which consists of disinformation regarding a company’s environmental practices or the environmental impact of a product or its production.
Finally, law and climate change are also linked on a completely different level: To draw attention to the dangers of climate change and protest against the use of fossil energy, activists from campaign groups such as Last Generation, Just Stop Oil or Oil Kills carry out controversial protest actions by, e.g., throwing soup at paintings in museums or blocking roads and airport runways. Are they liable for the damage thus caused, or are those actions justified based on a higher cause?
Participants will first be introduced to fundamental rights and the role they play for climate protection. Thus, the German Federal Constitutional Court has made it clear that the constitution itself obliges the state, including all three powers, to take measures to protect the climate and future generations.
The course will analyse how climate change impacts legislation, the interpretation of the law and courts’ decision-making. On the one hand, the legislature can directly regulate certain behavioural obligations in order to protect the climate. It has done so in the area of global supply chains: The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which has been in force since July 2024, implements defined due diligence obligations and makes all companies within its scope liable for failure to comply with them. On the other hand, the legislature can also choose to sanction harmful behaviour through tort law or the more specific law of environmental liability.
Furthermore, litigation is more and more used as a tool to address the causes and impacts of climate changes. The number of climate change cases is rapidly increasing around the world, and their purpose is not only to obtain compensation for damage induced by climate change. Instead, these cases are also filed against governments and companies to oblige them to do more for climate protection. In these cases, climate change litigation not only raises questions of tort law and, in cross-border situations, private international law, but also challenges the very authority of courts. Thus, some argue that courts lack the power to hear those cases because the climate crisis presents nonjusticiable political questions. Another newly emerging but related field is microplastic litigation, which deals with liability for the release of microplastic particles that are harmful to the environment and human health.
Moreover, EU legislation causes environmental protection to frequently have an impact on contractual relationships as well. This includes the so-called ‘right to repair’, which seeks to reduce waste and obliges manufacturers to produce certain goods in a way that allows consumers to have them repaired. Consumer protection law may also help prevent greenwashing, which consists of disinformation regarding a company’s environmental practices or the environmental impact of a product or its production.
Finally, law and climate change are also linked on a completely different level: To draw attention to the dangers of climate change and protest against the use of fossil energy, activists from campaign groups such as Last Generation, Just Stop Oil or Oil Kills carry out controversial protest actions by, e.g., throwing soup at paintings in museums or blocking roads and airport runways. Are they liable for the damage thus caused, or are those actions justified based on a higher cause?
Examination achievement:
Oral Examination
Instructor(s):
Silvia Deuring
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Master
Industrial Applications of Artificial Intelligence – Exercise (Exercise, English)
Course type:
Exercise
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Online, live
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Heiner Stuckenschmidt, Ralph Bubak, Lea Cohausz, Jakob Kappenberger, Patrick Betz, Keyvan Amiri Elyasi
Date(s):
| Friday (weekly) | 14.02.2025 – 30.05.2025 | 13:45 – 15:15 | ZOOM-Lehre-087; Virtuelles Gebäude |
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Industrial Applications of Artificial Intelligence – Exercise (Exercise, English)
Course type:
Exercise
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Heiner Stuckenschmidt, Ralph Bubak, Lea Cohausz, Jakob Kappenberger, Patrick Betz, Keyvan Amiri Elyasi
Date(s):
| Friday (weekly) | 14.02.2025 – 30.05.2025 | 15:30 – 17:00 | A 104 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A |
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Industrial Applications of Artificial Intelligence – Lecture (Lecture, English)
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Online, live
Learning target:
Expertise:
Students will acquire knowledge about possible applications of machine learning in different branches of industry as well as the dominant methods used in these areas:
Methodological competence:
Successful participants will be able to: Identify potential for applying AI methods in different areas of industry; Decide on a suitable method for addressing typical problems in these industries
Personal competence:
Participants will learn to reflect and document their own learning process
Students will acquire knowledge about possible applications of machine learning in different branches of industry as well as the dominant methods used in these areas:
- Primary Sector: Agriculture, Energy Production
- Secondary Sector: Production, Supply Chain Management
- Tertiary Sector: Healthcare, Education, Finance
Methodological competence:
Successful participants will be able to: Identify potential for applying AI methods in different areas of industry; Decide on a suitable method for addressing typical problems in these industries
Personal competence:
Participants will learn to reflect and document their own learning process
Recommended requirement:
Literature:
Various Scientific Publications – details in the lecture slides
Examination achievement:
Submission of a Learning Portfolio
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Heiner Stuckenschmidt
Date(s):
| Friday (weekly) | 14.02.2025 – 30.05.2025 | 12:00 – 13:30 | ZOOM-Lehre-061; Virtuelles Gebäude |
Description:
Participants will learn about the use of Artificial Intelligence methods, mostly from the field of machine learning in different sectors and industries. They will learn about application areas in the primary, secondary and tertiary sector, get an introduction to examples of such applications that have been published on a scientific level and gather some experience in working with data from the respective fields using publically available datasets.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Please note: the lecture “Industrial Applications of Artificial Intelligence”is accompanied by an excercise. Students do not receive separate credits for participation in the exercise but instead for the successful completion of the overall course (lecture+exercise). The exercises are on display here only to inform you about the offered time slots. For technical reasons both the on-campus and the online-live exercise are displayes here – of course, Online Exchange Initiative participants can only attend the online-live exercise. On your application, please ONLY state the lecture.
