Logo of the University of Mannheim
Search
Accessibility
Intranet
DE / EN
Das Mannheimer Barockschloss und der Ehrenhof unter blauem Himmel.
Credit: Staatliche Schlösser und Gärten Baden-Württemberg

Search filter

Political Science

Courses in Political Science are usually only open for incoming exchange students majoring in Political Science and for exchange students at the School of Social Sciences (Sociology, Psychology). Nominated exchange students will be contacted by their departmental exchange coordinator via e-mail at the end of November/early December (spring/summer semester) or by the end of May/early June (fall/winter semester) regarding their course choice.

Exchange students from other schools and departments may only attend classes if

  1. places are left for other students,
  2. they have basic knowledge in political science and statistics,
  3. the departmental exchange coordinator explicitly approves their participation. In case of further questions, please contact: int-pol@uni-mannheim.de.
Advanced Quantitative Methods (Lecture)
EN
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
6.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Registration procedure:
Please send an email  to int-pol@uni-mannheim.de to register for this course.
This course is accompanied by a mandatory tutorial.
Recommended requirement:
Literature:
Eliason, Scott R. 1993. Maximum Likelihood Estimation: Logic and Practice. Newbury Park: Sage.
Long, J. Scott. 1997. Regression Models for Categorical and Limited Dependent Variables. Newbury Park: Sage.
King, Gary. 2008. Unifying political methodology: the likelihood theory of statistical inference. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press.
Examination achievement:
Homework assignments and research paper
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Thomas Gschwend
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 11.02.2026 – 27.05.202608:30 – 10:00B 244 Hörsaal; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
The goal of this course is to provide an introduction into maximum-likelihood estimation.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Advanced Topics in Comparative Politics: Coalition Politics (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
Term paper
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Marc Debus
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 11.02.2026 – 27.05.202610:15 – 11:45C 116 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
The way how parties agree to form stable multi-party cabinets is a key topic in the analysis of comparative politics. The recent rise in fragmentation of party systems in many countries puts coalition politics at the forefront. The recent success of left-wing and right-wing extremist and populist parties, often considered pariah parties, result in more complex government formation processes. Furthermore, the stability of coalitions is likely to decrease since recently formed coalitions tend to be ideologically more heterogeneous. Scientific interest in minority governments has also increased accordingly. The seminar addresses questions of coalition politics in the full life cycle such as coalition bargaining, coalition formation, the role of coalition agreements, portfolio allocation, governing in coalitions, coalition committees, the role of prime ministers or head of states, and coalition termination.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Advanced Topics in International Politics: International Conflict Resolution (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
7
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Dr. Kristina Petrova
Date(s):
Saturday  (single date) 28.02.2026 – 01.03.202609:00 – 17:00
Saturday  (single date) 21.03.2026 – 22.03.202609:00 – 17:00
Description:
This course focuses on the conflict resolution process, that is, the process through which conflict parties move from violent interactions to durable peace. Particular attention is given to the challenges that the parties face in each stage of this process: from the initiation of negotiations and the reaching of a settlement to the establishment of lasting peace following war endings. The importance of regional conditions and the role of the international community is also emphasized.

The course covers key concepts and issues in conflict resolution, including conflict prevention, peace processes, mediation, ceasefires, the design and implementation of peace agreements, the role of third parties and international organizations, peacekeeping operations, spoiler management, security issues, economic development, civil society, war crimes, and the prevention of war recurrence.

As a final assessment, students will complete a final paper examination that involves a theoretically guided analysis of an instrument for conflict resolution. This paper will test students’ ability to apply theoretical frameworks, critically engage with the literature, and demonstrate analytical depth in understanding the dynamics of peace processes.
More information
Advanced Topics in International Politics: Causal Inference in Political Economy (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Valentin Lang
Date(s):
Friday  (block date) 06.02.202613:45 – 15:15
Friday  (block date) 27.02.202610:15 – 17:00211 Seminarraum; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Friday  (block date) 13.03.202610:15 – 17:00
Friday  (block date) 27.03.202610:15 – 17:00
Description:

In this seminar, we learn how to apply statistical methods for causal inference by studying recent research topics in the field of international political economy. In terms of methods, we will learn about experiments, natural experiments, difference-in-difference designs, regression discontinuity designs, and instrumental variables. In terms of research topics, we will study international migration, international organizations, and attitudes towards globalization. The seminar is structured such that for each method that we cover there is one session dedicated to learning the method itself and another session dedicated to a recent research paper that applies this method.
More information
Advanced Topics in International Politics: International Migration (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
Schriftliche Hausarbeit / Research paper
Instructor(s):
PD Dr. Bernd Beber
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 10.02.2026 – 26.05.202608:30 – 10:00B 143 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
What explains international migration flows, individual decisions to migrate and destination choices? How do political processes shape international migration regimes? The seminar begins with a discussion of core theories of migration as well as data sources and measurement challenges, and then examines key topics such as migrant decision-making, forced displacement and conflict-related mobility, climate migration, border governance, and asylum regimes and migration return policies, with a particular focus on recent quantitative empirical research. Students will develop their own research question on one of the topics of discussion and conduct their own research.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Advanced Topics in International Politics: UN Peacekeeping and the Protection of Civilians (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
schriftliche Hausarbeit maximal 8000 Wörter
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Melanie Sauter
Date(s):
Monday  (weekly) 09.02.2026 – 25.05.202612:00 – 13:30A 103 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Description:
 Titel: UN Peacekeeping and the Protection of Civilians
Contents: 
Are peacekeeping missions really keeping peace? The aim of this course is to examine the problems and possibilities of United Nations (UN) peace operations. The roles and responsibilities of peacekeepers are evolving as peacekeeping mandates become more complex and multidimensional. Peacekeeping operations have developed from simply monitoring ceasefires to protecting civilians, disarming ex-combatants, protecting human rights, promoting the rule of law, supporting free and fair elections, minimizing the risk of land-mines and much more. As of today, there are 12 active missions with over 90,000 personnel deployed. Civilians have increasingly become the victims of armed conflict. In response, the UN Security Council has made protecting civilians a focus of modern peacekeeping. The vast majority of peacekeepers today serve in missions with mandates that prioritize the protection of civilians (POC). The POC mandate is often the yardstick by which the success or failure of peacekeeping missions is assessed. But not only civilians are increasingly the target of violence. Tragically, over 3,500 peacekeepers have lost their lives, making many countries wary of contributing troops to the field.
This course is an introduction to the UN’s role in maintaining peace and international security. The subject is relevant for all those who want to focus on conflict or security studies, international organizations, global governance or other subfields in international relations, or are interested in pursuing a career working with a UN organization. The instructor not only focuses on civil-military coordination in her own research but has also practical work experience with a UN peacekeeping mission in the field.
 
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Comparative Political Behavior (Lecture)
EN
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
Term Paper
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Harald Schoen
Date(s):
Monday  (weekly) 09.02.2026 – 25.05.202610:15 – 11:45B 244 Hörsaal; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
 Comparative Political Behavior
  The main goal of this lecture is to present an introduction to theoretical approaches, key concepts, and substantive issues in comparative political behavior. Building on a multi-level perspective, it will provide an overview of key concepts and theories in the analysis of micro-level processes of political behavior that are embedded in and feed into macro-level processes. Capitalizing on this analytical perspective, the lecture will also address major changes in the relationship between societal and political processes and institutions.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
S Advanced Quantitative Methods (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
2.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Domantas Undzenas
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 12.02.2026 – 28.05.202610:15 – 11:45A 103 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Description:
This tutorial accompanies the course “Advanced Quantitative Methods” in the M.A. program in Political Science.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
S Advanced Quantitative Methods (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
2.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Lisa-Marie Müller
Date(s):
Friday  (weekly) 13.02.2026 – 29.05.202610:15 – 11:45B 143 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
This tutorial accompanies the lecture “Advanced Quantitative Methods” in the M.A. program in Political Science.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
VL Comparative Government: Political Institutions and the Political Process (Lecture)
EN
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
8
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
Written exam (90 minutes)
Instructor(s):
Or Tuttnauer
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 10.02.2026 – 26.05.202610:15 – 11:45C 217 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
This lecture gives an overview of selected theoretical concepts and the main research findings in the field of Comparative Government, specifically focusing on the role of political institutions and their impact for political decision-making at all stages in the political process. The course introduces a number of core themes in the comparative study of political institutions, such as electoral institutions and their effects on turnout, voting behaviour and party strategies. In addition, the lecture focuses on the impact of different institutional designs on patterns of party competition, government formation and coalition governance. In a third step, we discuss the effects of political institutions and of personal characteristics of legislators on various aspects of decision-making within parliaments and governments.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
VL International Politics (Lecture)
EN
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
8
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
Written Exam
Instructor(s):
PD Dr. Bernd Beber
Date(s):
Monday  (weekly) 09.02.2026 – 25.05.202613:45 – 15:15B 244 Hörsaal; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
The security of individuals and states depends profoundly on international politics. Beyond the realm of security, structures and actors of “global governance” have been proliferating for many years. They influence crucial public policies in diverse ways. This lecture surveys academic debates on key topics of international politics, including: the sources of war, peace, and terrorism, the emergence and operation of international organizations and transnational civil society, and the making of key international policy outcomes including respect for human rights and climate policies.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.

Sociology (Master)

Courses in Sociology are usually only open for incoming exchange students majoring in Sociology at Master’s level. Nominated exchange students will be contacted by their departmental exchange coordinator via e-mail at the end of November/early December (fall semester) or by the end of May/early June (Spring semester) regarding their course choice.

Exchange students from Political Science or Psychology  from other schools and departments may only attend classes if

  1. places are left for other students,
  2. they have sufficient knowledge in Sociology and statistics,
  3. the departmental exchange coordinator explicitly approves their participation. In case of further questions, please contact: International.sowimail-uni-mannheim.de.
VL Longitudinal Data Analysis (Lecture)
EN
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Recommended requirement:
Literature:
  • Cameron, A. Colin and Trivedi, Pravin K. (2005), “Microeconometrics: Methods and Applications”, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
  • Green, William H. (2008), “Econometric Analysis” (sixth edition), Prentice Hall, New Jersey, USA.
  • Wooldridge, Jeffrey M. (2001) “Econometric Analysis of Cross Section and Panel Data”, The MIT Press, Cambridge (MA), USA.
Examination achievement:
Written examination (90min.), closed-book.
Instructor(s):
Danielle Martin Ph.D.
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 10.02.2026 – 26.05.202610:15 – 11:45B 243 Hörsaal; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
The course provides a broad overview of methods used in longitudinal data analysis, with a focus on the analysis of panel data. Compared to cross-sectional data, using measurements of the same individuals taken repeatedly over time can lead to better causal inferences in some cases and can also provide the opportunity to learn more about the dynamics of individual behavior. The first objective of this course is to discuss the advantages of panel data and the characteristics of its structure. The course will then provide an overview of the main models (pooled OLS, fixed effects, random effects, first-differences) and offer tools to help choose between these models. It will also cover panel generalized linear models. Finally, an overview of event history analysis will be presented.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
S Elective Seminar (Seminar)
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
More information
S Elective Seminar: Cities, Housing Markets, and Inequality (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
Term Paper
Instructor(s):
Malte Grönemann
Date(s):
Monday  (weekly) 09.02.2026 – 25.05.202615:30 – 17:00A 102 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Description:

This graduate seminar offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary examination of the modern city in high-income countries, located at the nexus of Urban Sociology and Urban Economics. Cities are the defining places of our time. With more than half the global population residing in cities — a figure projected to reach two-thirds by 2050 — they are simultaneously the engines of global innovation and wealth creation, and the sites of our deepest social fractures. To understand the city requires moving beyond a single lens. This seminar focuses on integrating the economist’s focus on efficiency, market mechanisms, and spatial equilibrium with the sociologist’s focus on stratification, power structures, and structural inequalities. By bridging this divide, students will gain a holistic toolkit for analyzing cities and urban life.
To give you some examples of questions we will cover: Why do people and firms cluster in space? When do households move? How do neighborhood environments impact individual life chances? What are the mechanisms driving housing crises and patterns of inequality? And how can evidence-based policy foster equitable and sustainable urban futures?
We are going to read a mix of foundational theoretical classics that shaped the field and exemplary work from recent scholarship. Students will learn to critically evaluate literature from both disciplines, allowing them to assess the limitations of purely economic models and to ground sociological concepts in rigorous quantitative evidence. Please be prepared for a reading-intensive seminar covering important formal theoretical work as well as cutting-edge empirical research using advanced statistical methods.


Sessions (preliminary):
– Introduction
– Agglomeration Economies
– Housing Demand and Residential Preferences
– Residential Mobility and Length of Residency
– Neighborhood Formation and Residential Segregation
– Neighborhood Effects
– Crime and Concentrated Poverty
– City and Neighborhood Change
– Housing Supply and City Growth
– Housing Inequality
– Evictions and Homelessness
– Urban and Housing Policy
– Smart and Sustainable Cities
 

More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
S Elective Seminar: Collaborative Research Seminar: Partnership Preferences and Social Integration (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Recommended requirement:
Examination achievement:
Term paper
Instructor(s):
Dr. Tamara Gutfleisch
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 10.02.2026 – 26.05.202612:00 – 13:30B 143 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
Interethnic partnerships are a key dimension of social integration in contemporary multiethnic societies. Besides the preferences and opportunities of migrants, integration depends on the openness of the established population toward social relationships across group boundaries. Attitudes toward interethnic partnerships therefore provide important insights into broader dynamics of social integration.

Germany provides a relevant context for studying these dynamics, having received one of the largest numbers of refugees in Europe over the past decade, including a disproportionate share of young men from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and women from Ukraine. Due to the limited co-ethnic partner market in both refugee populations (more men among MENA refugees and more women among Ukrainian refugees), both groups are likely to be open to inter-group partnerships. But to what extent are German residents willing to form partnerships with refugees?

This is the key question that the seminar will address. The seminar is conceived as a collaborative research workshopwith the goal of jointlypreparing a scientific publication. We will draw on data from a multifactorial vignette survey experiment implemented in the GESIS Panel. Members of the German resident population, both with and without migration background, evaluated fictitious descriptions of potential partners that systematically varied along several characteristics.

Students are introduced to the full workflow of producing a scientific journal article in sociology and will collectively contribute to different components of the research and writing process. The seminar provides students with key skills that are central both within and beyond academia: synthesizing empirical findings, structuring results around a coherent research question, and communicating evidence-based insights in a clear way. These competencies are highly relevant not only for master’s theses, but also for careers in research-oriented institutions, policy analysis, and data-driven organizations.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
S Elective Seminar: Experimental Designs in the Social Sciences (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
Presentation of the Exposé of the seminar paper (incl. peer-feedback), research design seminar paper
Instructor(s):
Dr. Sandra Morgenstern
Date(s):
Monday  (weekly) 09.02.2026 – 25.05.202613:45 – 15:15A 102 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Description:
Experimental research designs are called the silver bullet or ‘Königsweg’ for causal identification. In recent years, the growing interest in causal identification and mechanism testing made experimental designs a regular empirical research tool in the social sciences – most recently in political science and sociology. This seminar shall give a broad overview of the range of experimental methods such as survey, field, lab-in-the-field, and laboratory experiments. We will discuss classical and recent work, including shortcomings and best practices like transparency (open science) and ethical considerations in experimental research methods. In addition, students will learn to think critically about different (experimental) research designs and design their own experiment to answer a research question they have developed.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
S Elective Seminar: The Political Economy of the Welfare State (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
The final evaluation will be a term paper on a topic of the student’s choice within the scope of the course content.
Instructor(s):
Andrew Zola
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 11.02.2026 – 27.05.202613:45 – 15:15A 102 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Description:
Welfare states in advanced capitalist democracies can be understood as institutions that shape, facilitate, and counterbalance the dynamics of the free market. This seminar examines the interplay between markets and social policies: how countries design and reform systems of social protection under political economy constraints, and in turn how welfare states structure labor markets, influence inequality, and affect economic performance. We will explore the historical development of welfare states, the institutional logics that distinguish welfare state models across countries, and the economic, political, and demographic pressures shaping contemporary policy debates. Throughout the semester, we will engage with theoretical traditions including power-resources theory, varieties of capitalism, and historical institutionalism, and consider perspectives that address current issues of financialization, climate change, and the rise of far-right populism. We will analyze why some countries expand or retrench benefits, how interest groups and electoral politics drive policy choices, and how ideas about citizenship, deservingness, and the role of the state inform public support for welfare programs. The seminar emphasizes a comparative perspective across countries to encourage students to understand both common challenges and divergent national responses to them. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically evaluate various explanations of welfare-state development and situate current debates within broader political economy transformations.
More information
S Seminar in Research Methods: Computational Social Science Methods and Digital Behavioral Data (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Recommended requirement:
Examination achievement:
Written term paper based on an analysis in R (max. 5000 words), deadline 31 July
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Sebastian Stier
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 11.02.2026 – 27.05.202608:30 – 10:00A 103 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Description:
Computational Social Science is a young research field at the intersection of various social science disciplines, data science and computer science. The goal is to gain new insights into society through large amounts of data and the direct observation of human behavior. CSS relies on two cornerstones: digital behavioral data, which can be collected from online platforms or sensors like smartphones, and computer science methods such as automated text analysis to create appropriate measures for social science research questions. In the course, students will get to know foundational studies, theories and methods used in the field of CSS. We will discuss infrastructural, ethical and legal challenges and how to navigate these to devise appropriate research designs in CSS.
The course will be application oriented. Students will familiarize themselves with the main applications of CSS methods and implement them in R. The range of applications will cover data management and preprocessing, the application of machine learning, data and results visualization, statistical data analysis and the validation of results. The hands-on application examples will cover questions from various research fields and different data types like social media data or web browsing histories. Equipped with this theoretical and methodological toolkit, students will develop their own CSS research projects.


Email: Sebastian.Stier@gesis.org
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
S Seminar in Research Methods: Generative AI in the Social Sciences (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Online, live
Learning target:
  Upon completion of the module, students are able to:
• present their basic knowledge in Generative AI applied to social science research fields
• name the latest Generative AI developments in social science research
• describe their in-depth knowledge of empirical approaches to Generative AI in the social science research fields covered
• critically evaluate the empirical literature and applications of Generative AI in the social science research fields covered
Recommended requirement:
Examination achievement:
 For the examination, students write a term paper (5,000 words max.) where they either 1) carry out an empirical study in a focus area of social science research using Generative AI methods, OR 2) conduct a critical literature review of Generative AI used in the social sciences.
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Joseph Sakshaug
Date(s):
Friday  (weekly) 13.02.2026 – 29.05.202608:30 – 10:00ZOOM-Lehre-116; Virtuelles Gebäude
Description:
Selected topics relating to Generative AI in the social sciences are introduced in this seminar. Assigned readings and in-class activities will impart a deeper insight into the current status of research in this field, which is used to determine open questions and perspectives for further research.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
S Seminar in Research Methods: Natural Experiments Using Digital and Web Data (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Nicole Schwitter Ph.D.
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 11.02.2026 – 27.05.202615:30 – 17:00A 103 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
More information

Psychology (Master)

Courses in Psychology are usually only open for incoming exchange students majoring in Psychology at Master’s level. Nominated exchange students will be contacted by their departmental exchange coordinator via e-mail at the end of November/early December (fall semester) or by the end of May/early June (Spring semester) regarding their course choice.

Exchange students from Political Science or Psychology may only attend classes if (a) places are left for other students (b) they have sufficient knowledge in Psychology and statistics (c) the departmental exchange coordinator explicitly approves their participation. In case of further questions, please contact: International.sowimail-uni-mannheim.de.

A Techniques for Academic Work (Scientific exercise)
EN
Course type:
Scientific exercise
ECTS:
5
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
English
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Janina Heker
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 11.02.2026 – 27.05.202610:15 – 11:45A 301 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Description:
In this course we will examine and practise various building blocks of scientific work specifically at Uni Mannheim. Building blocks that we will touch on include writing term papers, finding and reading scientific literature, using AI in academia responsibly, giving presentations, using learning strategies and dealing with stress. The contents of the course can be changed according to the students' needs and interests.

To pass, students must hold a presentation about a scientific research question of their choosing.

This course is designed as a first introduction to working as a (quantitative) social scientist and studying social science at Uni Mannheim. No prior knowledge is required.
More information
A Welcome Event Exchange Students School of Social Sciences (Introductory course)
EN
Course type:
Introductory course
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
English
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Janina Heker, Priscilla Golling
Date(s):
Wednesday  (single date) 04.02.202611:00 – 12:00B 243 Hörsaal; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
Join us, your International Coordinators, for a brief yet informative introduction session. We will guide you through organizing your studies at the University of Mannheim, provide essential links, and explain the course and exam registration process. We will conclude with an overview and a list of upcoming events, ensuring you don't miss out on any opportunities here in Mannheim.
This session is also a fantastic chance to meet fellow international students in the Faculty of Social Sciences. Don't miss it!
Looking forward to meeting you all!
More information
AA2/BA2: Special Research and Evaluation Methods (Seminar)
DE
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
Klausur (unbenotet)
Instructor(s):
Dr. Dietrich Wagener
Date(s):
Monday  (weekly) 09.02.2026 – 25.05.202617:15 – 18:45EO 159 Seminarraum; Schloss Ehrenhof Ost
Description:
Psychologische Evaluationsforschung hat die Bewertung psychologischer Interventionsmaßnahmen zum Thema. Aufgrund der Anwendungsnähe der Fragestellungen ergeben sich oftmals besondere Randbedingungen für die Durchführung von Untersuchungen und spezifische methodische Anforderungen an die Versuchsplanung und -auswertung. Im Seminar verschaffen wir uns einen Überblick über Geschichte, Methoden, Anwendungsfelder und Probleme der Evaluationsforschung.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AB2/BB2: New Developments in Test Theory and Test Construction (Seminar)
DE
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Literature:
  • Embretson, S. E., & Reise, S. P. (2000). Item response theory for psychologists. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
  • Moosbrugger, H., & Kelava, A. (Eds.). (2012). Testtheorie und Fragebogenkonstruktion (2nd ed.). doi:10.1007/978-3-642-20072-4
  • Rost, J. (2004). Lehrbuch Testtheorie – Testkonstruktion (2nd ed.). Göttingen: Huber.
  • Strobl, C. (2012). Das Rasch-Modell: Eine verständliche Einführung für Studium und Praxis. Mering: Rainer Hampp.
Examination achievement:
Written exam
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Thorsten Meiser
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 12.02.2026 – 28.05.202608:30 – 10:00A 103 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Description:
The seminar presents recent advances in the fields of linear test models and probabilistic test theory. The first part on linear test models builds on the tenets of classical test theory and focuses on the decomposition of observed values into true scores and error terms. The topics include congeneric measurement models, multitrait-multimethod models, bifactor models and latent state-trait models. The second part of the seminar covers models of item response theory, which specify the probability of observed responses as a function of latent person and item attributes. The topics include probabilistic test models for binary and ordinal responses, and extensions to mixture-distribution and multidimensional IRT models.

The linear and probabilistic test models will be introduced with their theoretical and formal foundations, and applications will be discussed and illustrated in different fields of psychological research and practice.

The language of this seminar is English. Short summaries can be given in German on request.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AB2/BB2: New Developments in Test Theory and Test Construction: Workshop IRT Modeling – Theory and Applications in R (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
On-campus and online, live
Literature:
  • Böckenholt, U., & Meiser, T. (2017). Response style analysis with threshold and multi-process IRT models: A review and tutorial. British Journal of Mathematical and Statistical Psychology, 70, 159–181.
  • Debelak, R., Strobl, C., & Zeigenfuse, M. (2022). An introduction to the Rasch model with Examples in R. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
  • De Boeck, P., & Wilson, M. (2004). Explanatory item response models. New York: Springer.
  • Chalmers, R. P. (2012). mirt: A multidimensional item response theory package for the R environment. Journal of Statistical Software, 48(6), 1–29.
  • Embretson, S. E., & Reise, S. P. (2000). Item response theory for psychologists. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
  • Rizopoulos, D. (2006). ltm: An R package for latent variable modeling and item response analysis. Journal of Statistical Software, 17(5), 1–25
Examination achievement:
Written exam, 90 minutes
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Thorsten Meiser
Date(s):
Friday  (single date) 20.02.202610:15 – 11:45108 CIP-Pool; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Friday  (single date) 20.03.202610:15 – 11:45108 CIP-Pool; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Friday  (single date) 17.04.202610:15 – 11:45108 CIP-Pool; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Friday  (single date) 15.05.202610:15 – 11:45108 CIP-Pool; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Description:
This workshop provides an introduction to Item Response Theory (IRT) with basic and advanced models for dichotomous and polytomous items. The topics include the Rasch model and extensions with two, three and four item parameters for dichotomous items. Concerning polytomous items, we discuss the partial credit and rating scale model, generalized partial-credit model and graded response model for items with ordinal response format, and the nominal response model for items with categorical response format. In addition, multidimensional IRT models for response styles and IRTree models for multiple response processes are presented.

The IRT models are outlined with their formal model equations, theoretical assumptions and implications, estimation techniques, and statistical testing procedures. Applications to simulated and real data sets illustrate the use of IRT models for the analysis of individual differences in basic and applied research.

The workshop includes practical exercises of IRT modeling and analysis with current R packages. Basic knowledge and experience in R, including data management and use of R packages, are required for participation in this workshop.

The language of instruction is English. The course program includes online meetings, videos and analysis projects as homework.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AC1/BC1: Research and Application Techniques: Introduction to Computerized Bayesian Analysis of Psychological Data (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Learning target:
By the end of the seminar, students will be able to:
1. Understand the core principles of Bayesian statistical methods.
2. Perform Bayesian analyses in JASP independently.
3. Critically interpret Bayesian statistical outputs.
4. Report Bayesian results in line with APA guidelines.
5. Recognize appropriate contexts for applying Bayesian techniques in psychological research.
Recommended requirement:
Examination achievement:
Analyze a provided dataset using JASP, answer specific research questions using Bayesian methods, and submit a report.
Instructor(s):
Emre Alagöz
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 10.02.2026 – 26.05.202613:45 – 15:15108 CIP-Pool; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Description:
1. Introduction to Bayesian Statistics:
  • Overview and history of Bayesian statistics.
  • Key differences between Bayesian and frequentist approaches.
  • Core concepts: prior, likelihood, posterior, and Bayes factor.
2. Introduction to JASP:
  • Interface walkthrough.
  • Exploring available Bayesian analysis modules.
  • Customizing output and interpreting results.
3. Applications of Bayesian Methods in Psychology:
  • Bayesian t-tests (paired and independent samples).
  • Bayesian one-way and two-way ANOVA.
  • Bayesian correlation and (multiple) regression analyses.
4. Hands-On Practice:
  • Conducting analyses with example datasets.
  • Exploring how priors influence results.
  • Interpreting and reporting findings according to APA standards.
5. Advanced Topics (Optional, Based on Time):
  • Model comparison (Bayes factors, model averaging).
  • Sensitivity analysis.
  • Exploring hierarchical models in JASP.
6. Ethical and Practical Considerations:
  • Understanding limitations of Bayesian methods.
  • Transparency and reproducibility in Bayesian reporting.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AC1/BC1: Research and Application Techniques: Programming in R (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
a graded test (90 Min)
Instructor(s):
Dr. Martin Brandt
Date(s):
Friday  (fortnightly) 13.02.2026 – 22.05.202610:15 – 13:30108 CIP-Pool; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Description:
This seminar will provide an introduction how to use R, a powerful programming language that is often used for statistical analyses, simulations, and cognitive modeling. The seminar first will provide a thorough introduction covering the core functionality such as objects, functions, data management, and plotting.
 
The last sessions of the seminar will address how to perform specific statistical analyses in R such as:
* Generalized linear mixed models with lme4 (also known as hierarchical
models)
* Simple structural equation models
* Basic set-up of Monte-Carlo simulations
* Simple cognitive modeling (e.g., signal detection or multinomial processing trees)
 
It is planned that participants practice R in homework assignments and work on small group projects such as analyzing own data, replicating a paper, or running a small simulation.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AC1/BC1/BF2/BG2: Psychological Interventions Using Diary Designs (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Literature:
A more comprehensive list will be available in the first meeting. Bolger, N., Davis, A., & Rafaeli, E. (2003). Diary methods: Capturing life as it is lived. Annual Review of Psychology, 54, 579–616.
Lischetzke, T., Reis, D., & Arndt, C. (2015). Data-analytic strategies for examining the effectiveness of daily interventions. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 88, 587–622. doi:10.1111/joop.12104
Examination achievement:
Hausarbeit / Term paper
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Sabine Sonnentag
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 12.02.2026 – 28.05.202617:15 – 18:45C 112 Unterrichtsraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
During recent years interventions using diary methods became increasingly popular within several fields of psychology, including health psychology and organizational psychology. These interventions use daily-survey approaches to apply the treatment and to assess the data. 

This course will present several approaches to psychological interventions and to daily-survey methods. Student can choose specific content topics from all areas of psychology to learn more about diary intervention (i.e., this course is not limited to interventions within organizational psychology).
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AC3/BC4: Colloquium II: Work and Organizational Psychology (Colloquium)
DE
Course type:
Colloquium
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Sabine Sonnentag
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 11.02.2026 – 27.05.202612:00 – 13:30C 112 Unterrichtsraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
Das Kolloquium ist zunächst für alle Masterstudierende offen, die ihre Masterarbeit in der Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie schreiben wollen. Studierende, die sich entschieden haben, die Abschlussarbeit in der Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie zu schreiben, sollten regelmäßig am Kolloquium teilnehmen. In dem Kolloquium präsentieren Studierende ihre Untersuchungskonzepte und die empirischen Ergebnisse der Untersuchungen. Ergänzt wird das Kolloquium durch Input-Präsentationen der Dozentin und durch Fragerunden.
Am ersten Termin wird eine erste Orientierung darüber gegeben, wie bei der Konzeption und Erstellung einer Masterarbeit am Lehrstuhl Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie vorgegangen werden kann. Themenbereiche für Masterarbeiten werden vorgestellt. Erste Termine für Präsentationen werden vergeben.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AC3/BC4: Colloquium II: Education Psychology (Colloquium)
DE
Course type:
Colloquium
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Stefan Münzer, Prof. Dr. Oliver Dickhäuser
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 11.02.2026 – 27.05.202610:15 – 11:45C 301 Seminarraum; B 6, 27–29 Bauteil C
More information
AC3/BC4: Colloquium II: Consumer and Economic Psychology (Colloquium)
DE
Course type:
Colloquium
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Michaela Wänke
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 11.02.2026 – 27.05.202612:00 – 13:30
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AC3/BC4: Colloquium II: Educational Psychology (Colloquium)
DE
Course type:
Colloquium
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
Prüfungsleistung: Präsentation im Kolloquium (Referat). Die Präsentation ist dem Dozenten bzw. dem Betreuer/der Betreuerin spätestens eine Woche vor dem Termin zuzusenden. Die Kommentare zum Entwurf der Präsentation werden in der Sprechstunde besprochen. Nach der Präsentation im Kolloquium ist die finale Präsentation dem Dozenten zu übersenden.
Als Bestehenskriterium wird die Qualität der Präsentation in der Entwurfsfassung, in der Endfassung sowie die Art der Diskussion im Kolloquium bewertet. Die Leistung ist unbenotet.
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Oliver Dickhäuser
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 11.02.2026 – 27.05.202610:15 – 11:45B 317 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
In diesem Kolloquium werden laufende Master-, Diplom-, Magister- und Bachelorarbeiten vorgestellt und gemeinsam diskutiert. Die Teilnahme an dem Kolloquium wird im Rahmen der Betreuung empfohlen für Studierende, die am Lehrstuhl Pädagogische Psychologie ihre Abschlussarbeit schreiben.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AC3/BC4: Colloquium II: Social and Personality Psychology (Colloquium)
EN
Course type:
Colloquium
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Literature:
Wird in der Veranstaltung bekannt gegeben
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Jochen Gebauer
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 11.02.2026 – 27.05.202612:00 – 13:30B 318 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
Im Rahmen der Veranstaltung werden aktuelle Forschungsideen und -ergebnisse vorgestellt und diskutiert. Einerseits werden die teilnehmenden Studierenden eine eigene Forschungsidee aufgrund aktueller selbst ausgewählter Literatur aus einem Forschungsgebiet der Sozial- und Persönlichkeitspsychologie entwickeln und präsentieren (z. B. das Konzept der eigenen Abschlussarbeit). Andererseits können Vorträge von MitarbeiterInnen der Abteilung sowie von auswärtigen Gästen stattfinden.

Wichtige Informationen: Bei freiwilliger Teilnahme melden Sie sich bitte nur zur Veranstaltung, nicht aber zur Prüfung an (ansonsten muss die Leistung auch bewertet werden).

Die Anmeldung und Zulassung zum Kolloquium ist NICHT verbunden mit der Zusage, dass die Masterarbeit der Teilnehmenden betreut wird. Die Betreuung der Masterarbeit ist unabhängig individuell mit den Betreuenden zu vereinbaren.

Die Veranstaltung findet nur an Tagen statt, an denen auch Vorträge gehalten werden (nicht zwingend wöchentlich). Die aktuellen Daten werden per Rundmail an alle angemeldeten Teilnehmenden verschickt.

Sprechstunde: Nach Vereinbarung per E-Mail (Jochen.Gebauermail-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.
AC3/BC4: Colloquium II: Social Psychology (Colloquium)
EN
Course type:
Colloquium
ECTS:
2.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Literature:
Wird in der Veranstaltung bekannt gegeben
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Olga Stavrova
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 11.02.2026 – 27.05.202612:00 – 13:30
Description:
Im Rahmen der Veranstaltung werden aktuelle Forschungsideen und -ergebnisse vorgestellt und diskutiert. Einerseits werden die teilnehmenden Studierenden eine eigene Forschungsidee aufgrund aktueller selbst ausgewählter Literatur aus einem Forschungsgebiet der Sozial- und Persönlichkeitspsychologie entwickeln und präsentieren (z. B. das Konzept der eigenen Abschlussarbeit). Andererseits können Vorträge von MitarbeiterInnen der Abteilung sowie von auswärtigen Gästen stattfinden.

Wichtige Informationen: Bei freiwilliger Teilnahme melden Sie sich bitte nur zur Veranstaltung, nicht aber zur Prüfung an (ansonsten muss die Leistung auch bewertet werden).

Die Anmeldung und Zulassung zum Kolloquium ist NICHT verbunden mit der Zusage, dass die Masterarbeit der Teilnehmenden betreut wird. Die Betreuung der Masterarbeit ist unabhängig individuell mit den Betreuenden zu vereinbaren.

Die Veranstaltung findet nur an Tagen statt, an denen auch Vorträge gehalten werden (nicht zwingend wöchentlich). Die aktuellen Daten werden per Rundmail an alle angemeldeten Teilnehmenden verschickt.

Sprechstunde: Nach Vereinbarung per E-Mail (olga.stavrova@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.
AC3/BC4: Colloquium II/CJ2: Master Colloquium: Research Methods and Psychological Assessment (Colloquium)
DE
Course type:
Colloquium
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Thorsten Meiser
Date(s):
Friday  (weekly) 13.02.2026 – 29.05.202613:45 – 15:15519 Besprechungsraum; L 13, 15–17
Description:
Die aktuellen Veranstaltungstermine finden Sie auf der Homepage unserer Arbeitsgruppe: https://www.sowi.uni-mannheim.de/meiser/news/ und in ILIAS.

In dem Kolloquium werden laufende Forschungsprojekte und Qualifikationsarbeiten der Arbeitsgruppe vorgestellt und diskutiert. Darüber hinaus finden Vorträge von eingeladenen Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftlern statt. Themen sind unter anderem die mathematische Modellierung von episodischen und prospektiven Gedächtnisleistungen, die Analyse von Urteils- und Entscheidungsprozessen sowie neue Entwicklungen der Testtheorie und Testkonstruktion.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AC3/BC4: Colloquium II/CJ2: Master Colloquium: Health Psychology (Colloquium)
DE
Course type:
Colloquium
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
Studienleistung ersetzt Prüfungsleistung
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Jutta Mata
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 12.02.2026 – 28.05.202612:00 – 13:30
Description:
Wie schreibe ich eine Masterarbeit?
Diskussion und Vorstellung geplanter Masterarbeiten und aktueller Forschungsvorhaben.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AC3/BC4: Colloquium II/CJ2: Master Colloquium: Clinical Psychology, Interaction and Psychotherapy Research (Colloquium)
DE
Course type:
Colloquium
ECTS:
2.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Corina Aguilar-Raab
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 11.02.2026 – 27.05.202610:15 – 11:45A1.05–19 Besprechungsraum; Willy-Brandt-Platz 1
Description:

Im Kolloquium werden aktuelle Forschungsprojekte am Lehrstuhl für Klinische, Interaktions- und Psychotherapieforschung / IN-CARE vorgestellt. Wissenschaftliche Fragestellungen, die im Rahmen von Masterarbeiten bearbeitet werden sollen, werden von teilnehmenden Studierenden diskutiert und gemeinsam reflektiert. Die Beiträge werden in Form von Power-Point-Präsentationen eine Woche vor dem geplanten Präsentationstermin an die Dozentin gesendet – ggf. nach vorheriger Rücksprache.

Ziel ist es, Studierende bei der Erstellung ihrer Masterarbeit ein interaktives und lebendiges Diskussions- und Reflexionsforum zu bieten, um Fragen rund um die Bearbeitung, das Vorgehen bis zu Anfertigung und Fertigstellung ihrer Abschlussarbeit zu klären.

Vorbereitung: Eine zumindest grobe Ideensammlung für die Auswahl einer zu bearbeitenden Fragestellung im Rahmen der Masterarbeit sollte vorliegen, kann nach Vereinbarung eines Sprechstundentermins auch vorab oder während des Semesters gemeinsam mit der Dozentin besprochen werden.

More information
AC3/BC4: Colloquium II/CJ2: Master Colloquium: Clinical and Biological Psychology and Psychotherapy (Colloquium)
DE
Course type:
Colloquium
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Georg Alpers
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 12.02.2026 – 28.05.202617:15 – 18:45016–017 Seminarraum; L 13, 15–17
More information
AC3/BC4: Colloquium II/CJ2: Master Colloquium: Cognitive and Developmental Psychology (Colloquium)
Course type:
Colloquium
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
wird im Kolloquium bekannt gegeben
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Edgar Erdfelder, Prof. Dr. Beatrice Kuhlmann
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 12.02.2026 – 28.05.202612:00 – 13:30
Description:
Dieses Kolloquium richtet sich in erster Linie an Studierende der psychologischen Masterstudiengänge, die eine Masterarbeit oder Doktorarbeit im Bereich der Kognitiven Psychologie durchführen oder planen. Zugelassen sind ebenfalls Studierende des Bachelorstudienganges Psychologie, die am Ende ihres Studiums stehen und eine Bachelorarbeit im Bereich Kognitionspsychologie anfertigen. Im Rahmen des Seminars werden die derzeit laufenden Examensarbeiten und Doktorarbeiten am Lehrstuhl für Kognitive Psychologie mit Schwerpunkt kognitives Altern vorgestellt und diskutiert. Außerdem werden aktuelle und zukünftig geplante Forschungsarbeitendes Lehrstuhls vorgestellt.

ACHTUNG: Das Kolloquium findet im Raum
B318 (A5) statt!

Zu ausgewählten Themen werden externe Kolloquiumsgäste eingeladen, die über ihre Forschungsergebnisse berichten.

Bei Interesse an einer Masterarbeit an unserem Lehrstuhl, schauen Sie bitte auf unsere Webseite zu Themenvorschlägen und kontaktieren Sie Prof. Kuhlmann und die Mitarbeitenden im Voraus.
More information
AC2/BC3: Colloquium I//CJ2 Master Colloquium: Cognitive and Experimental Psychology (Colloquium)
DE
Course type:
Colloquium
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Arndt Bröder
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 12.02.2026 – 28.05.202612:00 – 13:30B 318 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
Im Kolloquium des Lehrstuhls für Allgemeine Psychologie werden laufende Forschungs- und Abschlussarbeiten vorgestellt. Idealerweise werden sowohl der Studienplan im Entstehungsstadium sowie später die Ergebnisse und deren Interpretation diskutiert. Dies dient dazu, die empirischen Studien optimal vorzubereiten und ist eine Übung für Studierende, Forschungsarbeiten vorzustellen.

Empfohlen für: Studierende im M.Sc. Psychologie im 4. Fachsemester
Eingeladen sind alle interessierten Studierenden aus allen Studiengängen der Psychologie.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AD2: Selected problems in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy/CC3: Special topics in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (Seminar)
DE
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Corina Aguilar-Raab
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 12.02.2026 – 28.05.202612:00 – 13:30A1.01–08 Seminarraum; Willy-Brandt-Platz 1
Description:
„Das Seminar zielt darauf ab, ein umfassendes Verständnis der relevanten Besonderheiten und Konzepte des Störungsbildes Depression (ggf. Angststörungen) in der klinischen Psychotherapie des Erwachsenenalters aufzubauen. Die inhaltliche Erarbeitung erfolgt durch Studierendenreferate und begleitenden Materialen (Kurzhandouts) sowie Impulse der Dozentin. Ein weiterer Schwerpunkt liegt auf den Erwerb und praktischen Erprobung von Grundlagen psychotherapeutischer Beziehungsgestaltung und Techniken. Hierbei steht insbesondere das Verständnis des psychischen Störungsbilds der Depression (ggf. Angststörungen) sowie theoretischer Modelle im Vordergrund, die für die Patient:innen im klinischen Alltag relevant sind. Die praktische Anwendung und Vertiefung dieser Kompetenzen erfolgt in Anlehnung eines Deliberate Practice (DP) Trainingsansatzes durch angeleitete Rollenspiele und strukturierte Reflexion in Kleingruppen.“
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AD2: Selected problems in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (Seminar)
DE
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Sira Schug
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 11.02.2026 – 27.05.202613:45 – 15:15A1.01–08 Seminarraum; Willy-Brandt-Platz 1
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AD2: Selected problems in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (Seminar)
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
apl. Prof. Dr. Antje Gerdes
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 12.02.2026 – 28.05.202608:30 – 10:00016–017 Seminarraum; L 13, 15–17
More information
AE3: Focal points of Cognitive psychological research/CA2: Selected problems in Cognitive Psychology (Seminar)
DE
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
On-campus and online, live
Instructor(s):
Dr. Sophie Scharf
Date(s):
Friday  (single date) 27.02.202610:15 – 11:45ZOOM-Lehre-120; Virtuelles Gebäude
Friday  (single date) 20.03.202610:15 – 17:00
Saturday  (single date) 21.03.202610:15 – 15:15004 EduSpace; L 9, 1–2
Friday  (single date) 24.04.202610:15 – 17:00004 EduSpace; L 9, 1–2
Saturday  (single date) 25.04.202610:15 – 15:15004 EduSpace; L 9, 1–2
Description:
Die Wahrnehmung unserer Umwelt ist die Grundlage für menschliches Urteilen und Entscheiden. Unsere Wahrnehmung weist jedoch in manchen Situationen (systematische) Verzerrungen oder Fehler auf.

In diesem Seminar beschäftigen wir uns mit Biases unserer Wahrnehmung in verschiedenen Sinnesmodalitäten, diskutieren, auf welche Mechanismen diese Biases zurückzuführen sind und erarbeiten, inwieweit diese Biases menschliches Verhalten, Urteilen und Entscheiden beeinflussen können. Im ersten Teil des Blockseminars werden die Grundlagen der Wahrnehmungspsychologie wiederholt und Hintergrund und Theorien zu Biases in der Psychologie vertieft. Im zweiten Teil des Blockseminars werden Studierende in Kleingruppen spezifische Wahrnehmungsverzerrungen aus aktueller Forschung präsentieren und deren Bedeutung für menschliches Verhalten in Theorie und Praxis diskutieren.

Details zum Ablauf des Blockseminars und den Anforderungen der Studienleistung werden in der einführenden Sitzung am 27.02.2026 geklärt.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AF1/BD7: Health Psychology – Health Promotion, Prevention, Public Health/CD1: Health Psychology and Psychosocial Care (Lecture)
DE
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Literature:
Wird zu Beginn der Vorlesung auf ILIAS hochgeladen
Examination achievement:
Klausur (90 Minuten)
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Jutta Mata, Dr. Christine Emmer
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 12.02.2026 – 28.05.202610:15 – 11:45SN 169 Röchling Hörsaal; Schloss Schneckenhof Nord
Description:
Das noch im 19. Jahrhundert vorherrschende biomedizinische Gesundheitsmodell – Gesundheit als Abwesenheit von Krankheit – ist heute durch das biopsychosoziale Erklärungsmodell ersetzt. Auch die gesundheitlichen Herausforderungen haben sich gewandelt. Vor 100 Jahren waren Infektionskrankheiten die häufigste Todesursache.  Heute ist es vor allem ein ungünstiger Lebensstil,  der entscheidend die Lebensqualität verringert, zu chronisch-degenerativen Krankheiten und frühzeitigem Tod führen kann.  In dieser Vorlesung wird ein Überblick über die wichtigsten Themen der gesundheitspsychologischen Forschung gegeben. Das beinhaltet die wichtigsten aktuellen Theorien, Modelle, Forschungsmethoden, -erkenntnisse und Herausforderungen der Gesundheitspsychologie mit Schwerpunkt auf Gesundheitsprävention und Interventionsmöglichkeiten zur Gesundheitsförderung.
Darüber hinaus werden Grundlagen psychischer und somatischer Gesundheit, psychologische Aspekte bei somatischen Erkrankungen bzw. psychisch mitbedingte Erkrankungen aller Altersgruppen behandelt.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BE1: Project Seminar: Work and Organizational Psychology (Project seminar)
DE
Course type:
Project seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Literature:

Einstiegsliteratur (bitte bis 19.02.2026 lesen):

 

Lehman, D. W., O’Connor, K., Kovács, B., & Newman, G. E. (2019). Authenticity. Academy of Management Annals, 13(1), 1–42. https://doi.org/10.5465/annals.2017.0047

Sonnentag, S., Cheng, B. H., & Parker, S. L. (2022). Recovery from Work: Advancing the field toward the future. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 9, 33–60. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-012420-091355

Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Sabine Sonnentag
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 12.02.2026 – 28.05.202615:30 – 17:00C 116 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:

In diesem Projektseminar geht es um den Zusammenhang zwischen Authentizität und Erholung von der Arbeit. Die bisherige Erholungsforschung hat sich vor allem auf affektive und hedonistische Wohlbefindens-Outcomes konzentriert. Weitgehend offen ist, wie Authentizitätsprozesse (als ein Aspekt des eudaimainischen Wohlbefindens) mit Erholung zusammenhängen. Interessante Fragen sind beispielsweise: Erhöht fehlende Authentizität das Bedürfnis nach Erholung? Können durch positive Erholungserfahrungen (z. B. Detachment, Mastery) fehlende Authentizität bei der Arbeit ausgeglichen werden? Kann durch gute Erholung die Authentizität bei der Arbeit gesteigert werden?

 

Im FSS 2026 erarbeiten wir die theoretischen Grundlagen und planen die Untersuchung. Im HWS 2026 erheben und analysieren wir die Daten. Deshalb ist es notwendig, dass Sie auch im HWS 2026 vor Ort in Mannheim sind (also z. B. kein Auslandssemester machen). Die Untersuchung wird mit Berufstätigen durchgeführt, zum Beispiel mit einer Daily-Diary-Ansatz.

 

More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BE1: Project Seminar: Health Psychology (Project seminar)
DE
Course type:
Project seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
Erstellen eines wissenschaftlichen Posters zum Forschungsthema.
Instructor(s):
Dario Leanza
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 12.02.2026 – 28.05.202615:30 – 17:00
Description:
In diesem Projektseminar wird ein aktuelles Forschungsthema aus der Gesundheitspsychologie empirisch bearbeitet, z. B. neue Ansätze zur Erfassung von Essverhalten und Ernährungsentscheidungen in sozialen Kontexten (Freunde, Familie, Paare). Neue Ansätze können beispielsweise die Nutzung von Sensoren sein, die mit Techniken aus dem Videolabor oder Befragungen kombiniert werden. Inhaltliche Fragestellungen können sich z. B. auf eine gesündere Ernährung oder die Beziehungsqualität beziehen. In einem ersten Schritt wird dabei die erforderliche Literatur gesichtet und diskutiert. Im nächsten Schritt werden – ausgehend von der aktuellen Literatur – wissenschaftliche Fragestellungen und Hypothesen entwickelt. Für deren Überprüfung werden passende Methoden ausgewählt und empirisch getestet (Operationalisierung, Durchführung, Auswertung, etc.). Abschließend werden die Ergebnisse in der Gruppe in einem wissenschaftlichen Format (Poster) präsentiert.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BE1: Project Seminar: Consumer and Economic Psychology (Project seminar)
DE
Course type:
Project seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
nach Abschluss von BE2 (HWS) ist eine Projektarbeit zu erstellen
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Michaela Wänke
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 12.02.2026 – 28.05.202615:30 – 17:00C 216 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:

Im Projektseminar wird ein aktuelles Forschungsthema aufgegriffen und empirisch bearbeitet.  In einem ersten Schritt wird dabei die erforderliche Literatur gesichtet und diskutiert. Im nächsten Schritt sollen – ausgehend von der aktuellen Literatur – eigene Fragestellungen entwickelt werden. Diese Fragestellungen sollen dann in empirische Studien überführt werden (Operationalisierung, Durchführung, Auswertung, etc.). 

In diesem Semester stehen nach derzeitiger Planung (ohne Gewähr) folgende Themen im Mittelpunkt (aber weitere können folgen):
 

Sprache & Kommunikation im Konsumkontext

Unterschiedliche Aspekte von Sprache und Kommunikation in Produktkommunikation und politischer Kommunikation können untersucht werden: Ihre Verwendung, ihre Effekte und die Randbedingungen der jeweiligen Effekte.

 

Politische Psychologie

Politikern werden anhand ihrer Gesichtszüge Eigenschaften wie linke oder rechte politische Ideologie, Wärme, Kompetenz, Agency, Communion u. a. zugeschrieben. Dies kann einen Einfluss auf die Wahlwahrscheinlichkeit diese Politiker zu wählen haben. Im Projekt sollen weitere Implikationen und Randbedingungen untersucht werden.

In einer anderen Forschungslinie kann es um die Wirkung politischer Slogans gehen.

 

Conspicuous consumption

Unter conspicuous consumption versteht man, dass man durch Konsum seinen Status zur Schau stellt. Marie-Louise Wander untersucht in ihrer Dissertation mögliche Effekte auf Personenwahrnehmung. Welche Variablen spielen dabei noch eine Rolle (z. B. interindividuelle Eigenschaften; Eigenschaften der Verwender etc.). Welche Rolle spielen dabei Fälschungen von Luxusmarken?  

More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BE1: Project Seminar: Social and Personality Psychology (Project seminar)
DE
Course type:
Project seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Literature:
Materialien: Über das Studierendenportal
Examination achievement:
Prüfungsleistung für das Modul BE wird im Folgeseminar im HWS erbracht.
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Jochen Gebauer
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 12.02.2026 – 28.05.202615:30 – 17:00A 442 Konferenzraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil A
Description:
Gesellschaften unterliegen ständigem Wandel. Dieser Wandel scheint sich immer schneller zu vollziehen. Religiösen Wandel oder technischen und medizinischen Fortschritt gibt es seit vielen tausenden von Jahren, aber noch nie haben sich gesellschaftliche Veränderungen so rasend schnell vollzogen wie in den letzten Jahrzehnten.

Ganz im Sinne des Masterstudiengangs „Arbeit, Wirtschaft und GESELLSCHAFT“ werden wir uns in diesem Projektseminar dem gesellschaftlichen Wandel in den letzten 40 Jahren widmen. Wir werden dazu bevölkerungsrepräsentative Daten des Integrated Value Surveys aus 100+ Ländern nutzen. Unser Vorgehen wird zweistufig sein:

Zuerst werden wir uns in Kleinstgruppen von 2–3 Studierenden interessante Variablen aus dem Integrated Values Survey heraussuchen und deren Veränderung über die letzten 40 Jahre deskriptiv betrachten. Beispielvariablen dafür könnten sein: Vertrauen, Vorurteile, Werte und vieles, vieles mehr (der Integrated Values Survey beinhaltet sehr, sehr viele unterschiedliche Variablen).

Im zweiten Schritt werden wir uns die Frage Stellen auf was die beobachteten, gesellschaftlichen Veränderungen zurückgehen könnten. Die meisten Veränderungen haben mehr als eine Ursache und so werden wir höchstwahrscheinlich mehrere Antworten auf diese theoretisch interessante und praktisch relevante Frage finden.

Ein Beispiel: Eine Kleinstgruppe könnte im ersten Schritt einen Anstieg in der Politikverdrossenheit über die letzten 40 Jahre betrachten—zumindest in der westlichen Welt. Im zweiten Schritt könnte die Kleinstgruppe versuchen diesen Anstieg durch steigenden Vertrauensverlust in die Integrität von Politiker*innen zu erklären.

Sprechstunde: nach Anmeldung per E-Mail
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BE1: Project Seminar: Social Psychology: Sociality and Well-Being in Daily Life (Project seminar)
DE
Course type:
Project seminar
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Olga Stavrova
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 10.02.2026 – 26.05.202612:00 – 13:30A 442 Konferenzraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil A
Description:
Die Studierenden entwickeln eigene empirische Forschungsprojekte auf Basis von Experience-Sampling-Daten, die während der COVID-19-Beschränkungen (2020) erhoben wurden. Der Datensatz umfasst drei tägliche Erhebungen zu Emotionen und sozialen Erfahrungen über einen Zeitraum von sieben Tagen sowie zwei Follow-up-Messungen im Abstand von mehreren Monaten. Beispiele für mögliche Forschungsfragen sind:
Wie hängen tägliche soziale Erfahrungen mit täglichen Emotionen, dem Erleben von Sinn im Leben, sozialer Verbundenheit und dem Wunsch nach Rückzug, Selbstwertgefühl und Optimismus zusammen? Gehen negative soziale Erfahrungen einem Rückgang des Selbstwertgefühls voraus – oder folgen sie darauf? Sagen persönliche (Face-to-Face) im Vergleich zu digitalen Interaktionen das Wohlbefinden stärker vorher? Wie stehen Nickerchen, Meditation oder Sport im Zusammenhang mit dem Wohlbefinden? Sind positive oder negative Interaktionen stärkere Prädiktoren des täglichen Wohlbefindens? Und wie sagen Schwankungen in den täglichen emotionalen Erfahrungen Veränderungen des Wohlbefindens in den Folgemonaten voraus?
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BF2/BG2: Practice of Work and Organizational Psychology: Train the Trainer (Seminar)
DE
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Literature:
Die Literatur wird in der konstituierenden Sitzung bekannt gegeben.
Examination achievement:
Hausarbeit
Instructor(s):
Dr. Jette Völker
Date(s):
Monday  (weekly) 09.02.2026 – 25.05.202613:45 – 15:15C 112 Unterrichtsraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
This seminar provides an introduction to training practices in the field of work and organizational psychology. Based on the behavior modeling training approach, the students develop a training concept which they then carry out and evaluate in practice. This enables the students to gain their first practical experience in the training field.

The working methods used include: Independent reading of literature, group work, design and holding of a training course, training evaluation, written term paper
            Course demands:
Reading course materials before sessions
•     Active participation (including participation in the training of the other group)
•     Development of a training module, practical implementation and evaluation
•     Written elaboration on the training (deriving the learning points, evaluation, personal    reflection)
This course will be online before Easter, and probably in presence afterwards.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BH2/BI2/AC1/BC1: Psychological Theory on Practical Technology (Service-Learning Seminar Focussing on Methods of Study Orientation and Self-Reflection) (Seminar)
DE
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Learning target:
Zentrale Lernziele sind:
  • Entwicklung handlungsorientierter psychologischer Technologien zur Lösung praktischer Probleme
  • Stakeholdergerechte Kommunikation (Vermitteln eigener Ideen an Praktiker)
Literature:
  Grassinger, R., & Schnebel, S. (2025). Durch ein Online-Self-Assessment angeregte Selbstreflexion von Lernerfahrungen im Praktikum. Eine Studie zum Zusammenhang der Selbstreflexion mit motivationalen Zielen, dem Erleben motivationaler Erwartungsdiskrepanz und der Verunsicherung ob der Studienwahl. Zeitschrift für Pädagogische Psychologie, 39(1–2), 11­-21. https://doi.org/10.1024/1010-0652/a000376

Janke, S., & Karst, K. (2025). Online Self Assessments as guidance systems for self-reflection and decision making in higher education – Broadly implemented yet poorly understood. Zeitschrift für Pädagogische Psychologie, 39(1–2), 1­-9. https://doi.org/10.1024/1010-0652/a000383

Merkle, B., Bürkle, H., Janke, S., & Karst, K. (2025). Change my mind: The impact of feedback in online self-assessments for study orientation on change in motivation of prospective students. Zeitschrift für Pädagogische Psychologie, 39(1–2), 23–33. https://doi.org/10.1024/1010-0652/a000379

Merkle, B., Schiltenwolf, M., Kiesel, A., & Dickhäuser, O. (2021). Entwicklung und Validierung eines Erwartungs-und Interessenstests (E× I-Test) zur Erkundung studienfachspezifischer Passung in einem Online-Self-Assessment. Zeitschrift für Empirische Hochschulforschung: ZeHf, 5(2), 162–183.

Messerer, L., Bürkle, H., Karst, K., & Janke, S. (2020). Nutzung hochschulinterner Expertise zur Entwicklung von Online-Selbstreflexionstests für Studieninteressierte. Das Hochschulwesen: HSW, 68(3), 81–87.

Petri, P. S. & Kersting, S. (2025). Evaluation von Online Self-Assessments zur Studienwahl – Hindernisse, Chancen und Praxisbeispiele. Zeitschrift für Pädagogische Psychologie, 39(1–2), 35–48, doi: 10.1024/1010-0652/a000382.
Examination achievement:
Handreichung zu einer selbst entwickelten Bildungstechnologie, inklusive:
  • Theoretischer Hintergrund
  • Darstellung der Technologie
  • Erläuterung zur Implementierung in bestehende oder zukünftigen Systemen der Studienorientierung und/oder Selbstreflexion
Instructor(s):
Dr. Stefan Janke
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 10.02.2026 – 26.05.202615:30 – 17:00C 216 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
Fortgesetzt hohe Studienabbruchraten (ca. ein Drittel jeder Kohorte in grundständigen Bachelorprogrammen) auf Grund ungünstiger Ausgangsvoraussetzungen (fehlerhafte Erwartungen an die Studienrealität) bei Studieninteressierten stellen in Zeiten hohen Fachkräftemangels eine starke Herausforderung für das Bildungssystem dar. Das Baden-Württembergische Hochschulnetzwerk für Verfahren der Studienorientierung und Selbstreflexion (NEST-BW) hat es sich zum Ziel gesetzt diesem Problem durch eine bessere Informationsinfrastruktur für Studieninteressierte zu begegnen.

Die an der Universität Mannheim ansäßige Koordinationsstelle des Netzwerkes entwickelt zu diesem Zweck neue Technologien (z. B. KI-gestützte Empfehlungssysteme, Adaptive Kompetenzdiagnostik, Einbettung psychologischer Interventionen in Selbstreflexionsverfahren) und Qualitätsstandards. Die Seminarteilnehmenden erhalten einen Einblick in aktuelle Herausforderungen bei der Studienorientierung und der Implementierung leistungsstarker Selbstreflexionsverfahren. Im Auftrag der NEST-BW Koordinationsstelle entwickeln sie auf Basis psychologischer Theorien Konzepte für neue Bildungstechnologie, die geeignet sind um aktuelle gesellschaftliche Probleme zu addressieren. Diese Konzepte werden wiederum den Kooperationspartnern in der Koordinationsstelle vorgestellt und im günstigsten Fall von dieser im Nachgang des Seminars breitenwirksam implementiert. Der Kurs verschränkt Case-based learning und Service learning, um pädagogisch-psychologische Praxis erlebbar zu machen.
More information
BK2/BL2: Current Findings in Consumer Psychology and Economic Psychology I/II: Language and Communication in Consumer and Political Contexts (Seminar)
DE
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Learning target:

Kenntnis & Verständnis der psychologischen Wirkung unterschiedlicher sprachlicher Merkmale.

Fähigkeit zur Anwendung dieser Kenntnisse: 
  •  Erkennen
  • Produktion 
Examination achievement:
Aktive Mitarbeit  (25%)

 – Hausaufgaben (Gruppenleistung)

 – mündliche Beteiligung im Seminar

Referat (Gruppenleistung) (30%)

 –  Darstellung eines sprachlichen/kommunikationsmerkmals und seiner psychologischen Wirkung. 

Literaturliste (Gruppenleistung) (15%)

 – Umfassende Auflistung der relevanten Literatur, auch wenn sie nicht im Referat berücksichtigt wurde. Für jedes gelistete paper 2–3 Sätze Zusammenfassung (nicht das Abstract kopieren). 

Hausarbeit (Gruppenleistung)über eine der folgenden Alternativen  (30%)

 – Research Proposal
ODER

 – Analyse eines Textes (Produktkommunikation, politische Rede, Zeitungsartikel, etc.) hinsichtlich der im Seminar besprochenen Merkmale (oder anderer) 

Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Michaela Wänke
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 12.02.2026 – 28.05.202613:45 – 15:15B 143 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
In dem Seminar werden verschiedene kommunikationspsychologische Überlegungen und theoretische Ansätze sowie sprachliche und rhetorische Phänomene und Aspekte vorgestellt. Die Studierenden sollen diese Erkenntnisse auf die Analyse und Produktion von Produktkommunikation (im weitesten Sinne), politischer Kommunikation, Medienberichterstattung u. a. anzuwenden lernen.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BM2/BN2: Applied Social Psychology I/II: The Psychology of Understanding Others: From First Impressions to Close Bonds (Seminar)
DE
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
On-campus and online, live
Examination achievement:
Hausarbeit
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Olga Stavrova
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 11.02.2026 – 27.05.202608:30 – 10:00C 112 Unterrichtsraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
Der Kurs beschäftigt sich mit verschiedenen Fragestellungen rund um zwischenmenschliche Beziehungen.
Beispiele für solche Fragen sind: Wie nehmen wir andere wahr – und wie nehmen andere uns wahr? Wie treffen wir Entscheidungen darüber, wie andere Menschen „sind“, und welche Fehler können uns dabei im Umgang mit zwischenmenschlichen Beziehungen unterlaufen? Welche Faktoren bestimmen, ob wir andere Menschen mögen – und ob sie uns mögen? Und wie beeinflusst Kommunikation die Sympathie zwischen Menschen und das Entstehen persönlicher Beziehungen?
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BM2/BN2: Applied Social Psychology I/II: Social Psychological Theories in Application: Comparative Perspectives on Social Learning (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Registration procedure:
This seminar will be held in English.
Learning target:
  • Think critically about theoretical and empirical literature.
  • Communicate arguments effectively, evaluating academic assumptions or positions that are based on empirical evidence.
  • Work in small and large groups to discuss and communicate scientific positions to an audience.
Literature:
There is no textbook for this course. The lecture materials (available on ILIAS) will consist of:

(1) Slideshows (by the instructor and by the students), highlighting key theoretical concepts, methodological aspects, and providing data-based evidence of the individual and environmental underpinnings of social learning.
(2) Academic journal articles (either data-based papers or review articles).
Examination achievement:
slide deck submission
Instructor(s):
Dr. Camilla Cenni
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 10.02.2026 – 26.05.202608:30 – 10:00B 317 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
***This seminar will be held in English***

While culture is often seen as a hallmark of humanity, an evolutionary perspective challenges this view by proposing continuity in behavioral traits across species. According to this view, culture and its constituting elements exhibit variations in degree rather than kind.
Overall, the goal of this course is to understand how and why individuals (humans and nonhumans) learn in a social context, an essential component of culture. By adopting a (cross-species) comparative perspective, the course covers the mechanisms and functions of social learning, as well as its driving factors, including psychological aspects (cognitive and non-cognitive), and environmental determinants (physical and social), providing a deeper understanding of the evolutionary links that underlie cultural behaviors.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Practice-oriented course for psychology students (Special event)
DE
Course type:
Special event
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
German
Instructor(s):
Joschi Kratzer
Date(s):
Tuesday  (single date) 03.03.202617:15 – 18:45
Description:

Pädagogisch-Psychologische Intervention: Streitschlichtung und Gewaltprävention
Praxisrelevante Zusatzveranstaltung (FSS 2026)
Verantwortlich: Dipl.-Psych. Joschi Kratzer, Schülerreferat Mannheim²

„Eine interessante und effektive Form der Konfliktbearbeitung an Schulen und damit ein Beitrag zur Gewaltprävention stellt das Streitschlichtungskonzept dar, bei dem speziell ausgebildete Schülerinnen und Schüler Konflikte bearbeiten und lösen helfen. Ziel der Streitschlichtung ist es nicht, einen Schiedsspruch zu fällen oder eine Schuldfrage zu klären. Vielmehr ist es der Versuch, den Konfliktparteien Hilfestellung zur friedlichen Lösung des vorhandenen Konflikts anzubieten.”
Die Studierenden erhalten im Rahmen des Seminars „Streitschlichtung und Gewaltprävention” eine intensive Einführung in das Streitschlichtungskonzept, wie es an verschiedenen Schulen vom Schülerreferat Mannheim² vermittelt wird.
Dabei lernen sie in einem ersten Schritt selbst praktische Kenntnisse, Fähigkeiten und Haltungen der Streitschlichtung.
In einem zweiten Schritt erfahren sie, wie Schülerinnen und Schüler zu Streitschlichtern ausgebildet werden und wie eine Implementierung des Konzepts „Streitschlichtung” in das System Schule aussehen kann.
Schließlich lernen die Studierenden in einem dritten Schritt mögliche Weiterentwicklungen des Konzepts kennen.

Das Seminar umfasst sowohl theoretische als auch praktische Inhalte.

Abschließend gibt es ein Zertifikat über die Teilnahme.

Die Veranstaltung findet als Blockseminar an jeweils drei Tagen ganztägig von 9:00 – 16:00 Uhr statt. Die einzelnen Teile der Veranstaltung bauen inhaltlich aufeinander auf.

Termine:
20.03.
21.03.
27.03.

Die Vorbesprechung findet am 3.03.2026 um 17:15 h statt.

Die Räumlichkeiten werden per E-Mail bekannt gegeben.
 
 
  
More information
Practice-oriented course for psychology students: Psychological assessment of testimony (Special event)
DE
Course type:
Special event
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Literature:
Greuel, L., Offe, S., Fabian, A., Wetzels, P., Fabian, T., Offe, H. & Stadler, M. (1998). Glaubhaftigkeit der Zeugenaussage. Theorie und Praxis der forensisch-psychologischen Begutachtung. Weinheim: Beltz – PVU.
Greuel, L. (2001). Wirklichkeit – Erinnerung – Aussage. Weinheim: Beltz – PVU.
Volbert, R. (2004). Beurteilung von Aussagen über Traumata. Bern: Huber.
Volbert, R. & Steller, M. (2008). Handbuch der Rechtspsychologie. Göttingen: Hogrefe.

Weitere Literatur wird in der Veranstaltung bekannt gegeben.
Instructor(s):
Dr. Nicole Ufer
Date(s):
Friday  (single date) 06.03.202612:00 – 19:00211 Seminarraum; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Saturday  (single date) 07.03.202609:00 – 16:00211 Seminarraum; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Friday  (single date) 17.04.202612:00 – 19:00211 Seminarraum; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Saturday  (single date) 18.04.202609:00 – 16:00211 Seminarraum; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Description:
Die Veranstaltung soll in Form eines Blockseminars einen Einblick in die Erstellung aussagepsychologischer Gutachten („Glaubhaftigkeitsgutachten”) geben. Anhand realer Fallbeispiele erhalten die Studierenden die Möglichkeit, das Vorgehen bei einer aussagepsychologischen Begutachtung von der Aktenanalyse über die Hypothesengenerierung, die Datenerhebung und die Bewertung der erhobenen Befunde nachzuvollziehen und einzuüben.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Practice-oriented course for psychology students: Culture Reloaded – The rediscovery of organisational culture in the digital transformation (Special event)
DE
Course type:
Special event
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Literature:
By, R.T. (2005). Organizational change management: A critical review. Journal of Change Management, 5(4), 369–380.
Brynjolfsson, E., & McAfee, A. (2011). Race against the machine: How the digital evolution is accelerating innovation, driving productivity, and irreversibly transforming employment and the economy. Lexington, MA: Digital Frontier Press.
Burke, W. W. (2014). Organization Change: Theory and Practice (4th ed). Los Angeles: Sage.
Cameron, E., & Green, M. (2020). Making sense of change management (5th ed.). London: KoganPage.
Hayes, J. (2018). The theory and practice of change management (5th ed.). New York: Palgrave.
Kanitz, R., & Gonzales, K. (2021). Are we stuck in the predigital age? Embracing technology-mediated change management in organizational change research. Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 57(4), 447–458.
Kohnke, O. (2016). It’s not just about technology: The people side of digitization. In G. Oswald & M. Kleinemeier (Eds.). Shaping the digital enterprise: Trends and use cases in digital innovation and transformation (S. 69–91). Heidelberg: Springer.
Kotter, J. P. (2014). Accelerate – Building
Instructor(s):
PD Dr. Oliver Kohnke
Date(s):
Friday  (block date) 20.02.202610:00 – 14:00
Friday  (block date) 13.03.202610:00 – 17:00
Saturday  (block date + sat) 14.03.202609:00 – 16:00
Friday  (block date) 20.03.202610:00 – 17:00
Description:
Im Zuge der fortschreitenden Digitalisierung bekommen Veränderungsprozesse eine zusätzliche Dynamik: Die Veränderungsgeschwindigkeit steigt und die Konsolidierungsphasen zwischen Transformationsvorhaben werden immer kürzer – wenn sie überhaupt noch existieren. Dieser „Wandel des Wandels“ stellt große Herausforderungen an die Belegschaft und damit auch an eine professionelle Change Management-Begleitung. In diesem Seminar beschäftigen wir uns zum einen mit grundlegenden Konzepten und Methoden des Change Managements und reflektieren deren Anwendung in der Praxis. Dazu werden in Kleingruppen ausgewählte Schwerpunktthemen vertiefend bearbeitet. Zum anderen soll im letzten Veranstaltungstermin gemeinsam diskutiert werden, welche Implikationen und Herausforderungen das Thema „Artificial Intelligence” für das Change Management hat. Dieser Termin wird voraussichtlich bei der SAP in Walldorf stattfinden. Voraussetzung für die Teilnahme am Seminar ist die Bereitschaft zur Übernahme eines Kurzreferats (Themen und Literatur werden im ersten Termin verteilt) sowie die Anwesenheit an allen Terminen.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Psychology of Creativity and Innovation (Special event)
EN
Course type:
Special event
ECTS:
6.0
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Registration procedure:
This seminar will be held in English
Learning target:
  • Think critically about theoretical and empirical literature.
  • Communicate arguments effectively, evaluating academic assumptions or positions that are based on empirical evidence.
  • Work in small and large groups to discuss and communicate scientific positions to an audience.
Literature:
There is no textbook for this course. The lecture materials (available on ILIAS) will consist of:

(1) Slideshows (by the instructor and by the students), highlighting key theoretical concepts, methodological aspects, and providing data-based evidence of the individual and environmental underpinnings of creativity.
(2) Academic journal articles (either data-based papers or review articles).
Examination achievement:
term paper
Instructor(s):
Dr. Camilla Cenni
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 10.02.2026 – 26.05.202610:15 – 11:45B 317 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
***This seminar will be held in English***

As we admire the cryptic smile of the Mona Lisa, we cannot help but think that this painting is the product of a creative mind. However, is creativity really a feature limited to enlightened geniuses, or can innovative and creative behavior be found more widely in human (and nonhuman) animals?
Overall, the goal of this seminar is to understand how and why humans (and nonhuman animals) express creative and innovative behavior. The seminar will primarily delve into the fundamental factors driving individual (and group) creativity and innovation, exploring the psychological aspects (both cognitive and non-cognitive), the role of environmental and social influences, and the contextual and cultural differences that underlie creative behavior.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
The Psychology of Financial Decision Making (Special event)
EN
Course type:
Special event
ECTS:
6.0
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Registration procedure:
This seminar will be held in English.
Learning target:
  • Understand key psychological processes involved in financial decision making.
  • Critically evaluate empirical research on financial decisions.
  • Collaborate in small groups to present and discuss research findings.
  • Develop and propose research ideas based on existing literature.
Literature:
There is no textbook for this course. The lecture materials will be made available on ILIAS and consist of:
  • Academic journal articles.
  • Slideshows by the students and the instructor.
Examination achievement:
slide deck submission
Instructor(s):
Dr. Žiga Puklavec
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 12.02.2026 – 28.05.202615:30 – 17:00B 318 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
*** This seminar will be held in English ***

Why do people save, spend, and make financial decisions the way they do? Psychological factors shape nearly every financial decision, from everyday spending and saving to investing, charitable giving, taxpaying, and retirement planning. In this seminar, we explore how people perceive value, evaluate risks, and make trade-offs over time. We will discuss how emotions, motivation, and social context influence financial choices, and what this means for individual well-being and broader economic outcomes. Students will engage with research articles, present empirical findings, develop ideas for follow-up studies, and link psychological theory with real-world financial behavior.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.

Contact School of Social Sciences

Incomings Political Science

Incomings Psychology and Sociology

Portrait of Janina Heker. She is wearing a dark blazer and a white blouse.
Credit: Anna Logue

Janina Heker, M.A. (she/her)

Departmental Exchange Coordinator for Sociology and Psychology (incoming)
University of Mannheim
School of Social Sciences
A 5, 6
Building A – Room A 414
68159 Mannheim
Phone: +49 621 181-1981
E-mail: international.sowimail-uni-mannheim.de
Web: www.sowi.uni-mannheim.de/en/international/
Consultation hour(s):
Online consultation: https://www.sowi.uni-mannheim.de/en/consultation/janina-heker/

Tracking cookies are currently allowed.

Do not allow tracking cookies

Tracking cookies are currently not allowed.

Allow tracking cookies