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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 Topics in Comparative Politics: Formal Models in CP (and some in IR) (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Recommended requirement:
Literature:
Various chapters of Scott Gehlbach's Formal Models of Domestic Politics (CUP) and journal articles from different fields
Examination achievement:
Term paper
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Thomas Bräuninger
Date(s):
Monday  (weekly) 01.09.2025 – 01.12.2025 15:30 – 17:00 B 317 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
This course is a continuation of the intro into Game Theory and surveys key applications of game theory with a particular emphasis on the link of theories, methods and empirics. Emphasis will be placed on prominent applications of those concepts in political science, in both comparative and international politics. Topics covered include electoral competition, delegation, political agency, governmental veto players, authoritarian politics, manipulation, war and crisis bargaining. While the focus is on understanding applied work, previous training in game theory is required. Students will build upon their previous game theory training to become informed consumers of scholarship utilizing the methodology and begin to learn how to apply game-theoretic logic to their own work. The course is partly taught from lecture notes, at other times students present a research paper and stimulate discussion in class.
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: Free Speech and Censorship (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. Richard Traunmüller
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 02.09.2025 – 02.12.2025 13:45 – 15:15 B 143 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
This seminar starts from the premise that the current epistemic political crisis is not rooted in a denial of scientific facts, but in the ubiquitous tendency to evaluate scientific findings selectively and according to one's own political ideas. Researchers, too, are ordinary people and therefore politically motivated information processors. They seek information that supports their political ideas and avoid information that contradicts their ideas. They also seem to consider study results more plausible when they are consistent with their political ideas and to doubt study results that contradict their political beliefs. If this tendency, known as myside bias, meets the possibility of flexible presentation of results and a politically unbalanced disciplinary environment, politically biased findings are a very real danger and epistemic distrust an obvious, if not indicated, consequence. In this seminar we will discuss what political biases in science exist, where they come from, what consequences they have and what we can do about them.
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: Political Behavior in Context (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 (ca. 8.000 words)
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Harald Schoen
Date(s):
Monday  (weekly) 01.09.2025 – 01.12.2025 13:45 – 15:15 B 318 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
Political behavior takes place in context. This statement is a truism and implies several challenges at the same time. Context is a multidimensional concept comprising – inter alia – social, political, and institutional features. At the theoretical level, the diversity of dimensions requires careful consideration of how to integrate contextual features into individual-level models of political behavior. Moreover, combining data from different levels of aggregation to examine the role of contexts in individual-level behavior raises several methodological issues. In this seminar, we will address the conceptual, theoretical, and methodological issues in the analysis of contextual effects on individual-level political behavior. Students will review the latest empirical studies in the field and prepare research papers in which they analyze specific questions using available data sets.
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: The Sociology of 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
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Richard Traunmüller, Dr. Piotr Koc
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 10:15 – 11:45 D 007 Seminarraum 2; B 6, 27–29 Bauteil D
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: Quantitative Analysis of Political Speech: The Case of the European Parliament (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. Thomas König
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 15:30 – 17:00 C 216 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
This seminar introduces students to cutting-edge methods for analyzing political speech quantitatively, with a special focus on the European Parliament (EP). The course covers techniques in computational text analysis (e.g., topic modeling, sentiment analysis, scaling models), data preprocessing, and causal inference using speech data. Students will engage with theoretical debates about representation, agenda-setting, and rhetorical strategy, and will complete a research project using a large corpus of EP speeches. Participants should have skills in quantitative methods (regression, causal inference), familiarity with R or Python, and prior coursework or reading in text-as-data or NLP is recommended but not required. Grimmer, Justin & Brandon M. Stewart. Text as Data: A New Framework for Machine Learning and the Social Sciences, Slapin, Jonathan B. & Sven-Oliver Proksch. The Politics of Parliamentary Debate, selected journal articles (APSR, AJPS, EUP, JOP, CPS).
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: The Politics of Human Rights (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Learning target:
The goals of this course are
  •  to provide you with systematic knowledge and understanding about key debates on human rights violations and state repression
  •  to enable you to critically assess and evaluate academic research, its theoretical and empirical contributions
  • to familiarize yourself with key datasets in human rights research
  • to engage in and contribute to analytical discussions about published research
  • to foster constructive discussions and effective reading
  • to improve your writing and presentation skills
Examination achievement:
Schriftliche Hausarbeit / Research paper
Instructor(s):
Prof. Ph. D. Sabine Carey
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 02.09.2025 – 02.12.2025 10:15 – 11:45 B 318 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
Why do governments engage in repression of citizens? This seminar introduces students to foundational and recent research on human rights violations and repression around the world. We start by defining human rights and how they can be observed and measured. We discuss conditions that facilitate repression with particular focus on the role of democratic institutions and international human rights norms. The seminar sheds light on how governments organize repression, and we investigate different perpetrators of repression and how actors aim to justify or obfuscate state violence. We will also consider the role of the international community on influencing domestic processes of human rights protection and violation. Over the course of the seminar, you will develop your own research question on one of the topics discussed in the seminar and carrying out your 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.
International Political Economy (Lecture)
EN
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Valentin Lang
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 03.09.2025 – 03.12.2025 10:15 – 11:45 B 244 Hörsaal; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
International Political Economy:
This lecture offers an introduction to current research topics in the field of International Political Economy (IPE). After introducing what it means to study IPE in the age of globalization, the course addresses four major themes of current IPE research.
1) In the first part on international trade, we will learn about the opportunities and challenges that come with the intensifying exchange of goods across the globe.
2) In the second part on international finance, we will focus on how global financial flows interact with political and economic stability, instability, and crises.
3) In the third part on international development, we will learn about global economic inequality and understand its links to development cooperation and migration.
4) In the fourth part on international institutions, we will focus on the role that international institutions and organizations play in the globalized economy.
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 Game Theory (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
2.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
David Avagian
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 03.09.2025 – 03.12.2025 13:45 – 15:15 B 244 Hörsaal; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
This tutorial accompanies the graduate-level introductory lecture on game theory. Its main objective is to practice solution concepts for static and dynamic games of complete and incomplete information. The contents are centered around the material covered in the lecture. Thus, the following key areas will be discussed: normal-form games, dominance, Nash equilibria, mixed strategies, continuous strategies, sequential games with perfect and incomplete information, subgames and subgame perfection, Bayesian equilibria, signaling and cheap talk games, expected utility and decision theory, bargaining theory, and social choice. At the substantial level, we will use these concepts to study, as examples, candidate competition, political lobbying, and war and deterrence.
S Quantitative Methods (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
2.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Domantas Undzenas
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 08:30 – 10:00 A 102 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Description:
  This tutorial accompanies the course “Quantitative Methods” in the M.A. program in Political Science. The lab sessions will focus on the practical issues associated with quantitative methods, including obtaining and preparing data sets, how to use statistical software, which tests to use for different kinds of problems, how to graph data effectively for presentation and analysis, and how to interpret results. The seminar will also serve as a software tutorial. No prior knowledge of statistical programming is expected.
S Quantitative Methods (Tutorial) (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
2.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Muhammad Muhammad
Date(s):
Friday  (weekly) 05.09.2025 – 05.12.2025 10:15 – 11:45 B 318 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
  This tutorial accompanies the course “Quantitative Methods” in the M.A. program in Political Science. The lab sessions will focus on the practical issues associated with quantitative methods, including obtaining and preparing data sets, how to use statistical software, which tests to use for different kinds of problems, how to graph data effectively for presentation and analysis, and how to interpret results. The seminar will also serve as a software tutorial. No prior knowledge of statistical programming is expected.
VL Game Theory (Lecture)
EN
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Recommended requirement:
Examination achievement:
Exam
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Thomas Bräuninger
Date(s):
Monday  (weekly) 01.09.2025 – 01.12.2025 10:15 – 11:45 C 012 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
The objective of this course is to provide students with the basics of formal modeling in political science. The course has some breadth in coverage in the sense that it provides a graduate-level introduction and overview to different areas in game theory. It is also narrow in the sense that the emphasis is not on application and model testing but getting trained in reading and writing down formal models. At the conceptual level the course will cover the following topics: normal form games, Nash equilibria, extensive form games, subgame perfect equilibria, repeated games, bargaining, games with incomplete and imperfect information, Bayesian perfect equilibria, signaling games, preferences and individual choices, basics of decision theory and social choice. At the substantial level, we will use these concepts to study, as examples, candidate competition, political lobbying, and war and deterrence.
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 Quantitative Methods (Lecture)
EN
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
On-campus and online, live
Examination achievement:
data essay approx. 2000 words
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Thomas Gschwend
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 03.09.2025 – 03.12.2025 08:30 – 10:00 B 244 Hörsaal; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
The course introduces students to quantitative methods in political science. During the first half of the course, we will focus on linear regression models. The topics covered include discussions of the mathematical bases for such models, their estimation and interpretation, model assumptions and techniques for addressing violations of those assumptions, and topics related to model specification and functional forms. During the second half of the course, students will be introduced to likelihood as a theory of inference, including models for binary and count data.

The main goals of this course are to develop sound critical judgment about quantitative studies of political problems, to understand the logic of statistical inference, to recognize and understand the basics of the linear regression model, to develop the skills necessary to work with datasets to perform basic quantitative analyses, and to provide a basis of knowledge for more advanced statistical methods.

In the accompanying course “Tutorial Multivariate Analyses” students will develop the necessary expertise in using statistical software to conduct quantitative research 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 Research Design (Lecture)
EN
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
8.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Literature:
King, Gary; Keohane, Robert Owen; Verba, Sidney. 1994. Designing Social Inquiry : Scientific Inference in Qualitative Research. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press
Henry E. Brady and David Collier (Hrsg). 2004: Rethinking social inquiry: diverse tolls, shared standards. Lanham [u. a.]: Rowman & Littlefield
Thomas Gschwend, Frank Schimmelfennig (Hrsg). 2007: Research Design in Political Science: How to practice what they preach? Houndmills: Palgrave MacMillan.
Kellstedt, Paul and Guy Whitten. 2009: The Fundamentals of Political Research, Cambridge: Cambridge University
Examination achievement:
Final paper proposal (circa 10 pages)
Instructor(s):
Sean Damien Carey Ph.D.
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 03.09.2025 – 03.12.2025 10:15 – 11:45 B 318 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
All researchers face similar challenges posed by core issues of research design. A research design is a plan that specifies how you plan to carry out a research project and, particularly, how you expect to use your evidence to answer your research question. This course aims to provide an overview of potential research designs for establishing causal inference and their advantages and disadvantages. Students should also understand the trade-offs involved in choosing a particular research design. Students are expected to have their own ideas about potential research questions to be able to actively participate in seminar-style meetings that are organised within this lecture course
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.
Cross Sectional Data Analysis (Lecture) (Lecture)
EN
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Recommended requirement:
Literature:
Literature: Books are available in the library. The slides can be downloaded from ILIAS.
Examination achievement:
Written exam (90 minutes)
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Thomas Gautschi
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 02.09.2025 – 02.12.2025 13:45 – 15:15 B 244 Hörsaal; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
The main focus of this course lies on the introduction to statistical models and estimators beyond linear regression useful to social and economic scientists. Although very useful, the general linear model (linear regression) is not appropriate if the range of the dependent variable Y is restricted (e.g., binary, ordinal, count) and/or the variance of Y depends on the mean of Y . Generalized linear models extend the general linear model to address both of these shortcomings. The course provides an overview of generalized linear models (GLM) that encompass non-normal response distributions to model functions of the mean of Y . GLMs thus relate the expected mean E(Y ) of the dependent variable to the predictor variables via a specific link function. This link function is chosen such that it matches the data generating process of the dependent variable Y, therefore permitting the expected mean E(Y ) to be non-linearly related to the predictor variables. Examples for GLMs are the logistic regression, regressions for ordinal data, or regression models for count data. GLMs are generally estimated by use of maximum likelihood estimation. The course thus not only introduces GLMs but also offers an introduction to the principle of maximum likelihood estimation. We will, however, start with discussing violations of the asymptotic properties of the linear regression model and ways to address these violations (heteroscedasticity, endogeneity, proxy variables, IV-estimator). A good understanding of the classical linear regression model is a prerequisite and required for the course.

Tutorials: Classes will be accompanied by two tutorials to repeat and practice the topics from the lectures. We will use the statistical packages R and Stata.

Credits and Exam: Credits (6+3 ECTS points) are awarded on a passed written exam. Participation in the final exam is subject to having passed all requirements (Studienleistungen) in the tutorial.

Requirements tutorial (Studienleistungen): Presentations of weekly exercises; you must hand in the slides of the presentation, the Stata or R syntax file and output of the respective exercise, and a short output interpretation.

Contact: Fon (0621) 181–2049 or mail gautschi@sowi.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.
Cross Sectional Data Analysis (Tutorial) (Scientific exercise)
EN
Course type:
Scientific exercise
ECTS:
3
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Instructor(s):
Danielle Martin Ph.D.
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 10:15 – 11:45 B 318 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Cross Sectional Data Analysis (Tutorial) (Scientific exercise)
EN
Course type:
Scientific exercise
ECTS:
3
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Instructor(s):
Dr. Sandra Morgenstern
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 13:45 – 15:15 B 243 Hörsaal; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Foundations of Sociological Theory (Lecture) (Lecture)
EN
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
6.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Learning target:
Basic understanding of the methodology of sociological explanations; knowledge of key sociological theories and theoretical tools; skills to evaulate the quality, especially the information content, of theoretical statements; awareness of the challanges of the theory-data link; critical assement of the theory-guidance of empirical research.
Literature:
Introductory readings are :

Della Porta, D., and Keating, M. (eds.) (2008). Approaches and Methodologies in the Social Sicenes. A Pluralist Perspective. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Hedström, Peter (2005). Dissecting the social: On the principles of analytical sociology. Cambridge University Press.

Little, Daniel, Varieties of Social Explanation. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Social Science, Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1991.

A more detailed reading list will be provided in the first session.
Examination achievement:
Klausur (90 Minuten)
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Frank Kalter
Date(s):
Monday  (weekly) 01.09.2025 – 01.12.2025 12:00 – 13:30 C 015 Hörsaal; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
This lecture introduces incoming students to the fundamental principles of (social) science, different theoretical paradigms in sociology, and empirical-analytical sociological research on social mechanisms. First, as an introduction into the epistemological foundations of social sciences, we will address key insights of the philosophy of sciences, sociological theory and analytic sociology on social mechanism. What is a reasonable (causal) explanation of social phenomena and how can it be verified? Furthermore, we will study the different paradigms in the social sciences and in particular important variants of sociological theory ranging from interpretative approaches to rational choice theory. In how far are these complementary or do these represent disparate perspectives? Finally, actual sociological applications of analytical sociology studying particular social mechanisms will be discussed.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Foundations of Sociological Theory (Tutorial) (Scientific exercise)
EN
Course type:
Scientific exercise
ECTS:
3.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Learning target:
Learning goals
The main aim of the course is to sharpen students’ ability to evaluate theoretical sociological explanations. At the end of the course, students’ should be better prepared to develop sociological explanations themselves in order to address research problems of their own choice.
Recommended requirement:
Literature:
will be announced
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Frank Kalter
Date(s):
Monday  (weekly) 01.09.2025 – 01.12.2025 13:45 – 15:15 C 015 Hörsaal; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
Course description
The methodological toolbox that is available to social scientists has considerably increased in recent years. Unfortunately, however, this increased methodological precision is not always accompanied by theoretical precision. In this course, we aim to shift attention from identifying causal mechanisms empirically to theorizing about them.
For this purpose, we discuss how selected exemplary studies tackle the key questions of applied sociological theorizing. Roughly speaking, we proceed in three steps. In a first step, we ask what, exactly, the scientific or social problem under study and the related research question is. This question may sound almost trivial, but it is not, given that everything else depends on a clear understanding of the underlying problem. After establishing the explanandum, our second step is to examine the theoretical explanation that the authors offers to explain the observed phenomena or pattern. In order to do so, we discuss the (sometimes hidden) assumptions and scope conditions of respective theories. We also discuss how convincing these theoretical explanations are, what observable implications they have, and how the authors test these implications empirically. In the final step, we assess whether the study has succeeded in advancing our (theoretical) understanding of the problem it sought to address.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
FS Research Project (Research seminar)
EN
Course type:
Research seminar
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
A term paper with ~15–20 pages, double spaced, 12 font.
Instructor(s):
Prof. Ph. D. Henning Hillmann
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 02.09.2025 – 02.12.2025 12:00 – 13:30 D 002 Seminarraum 1; B 6, 27–29 Bauteil D
Description:
The main idea of this research seminar is to turn students from consumers of research into producers of research. Its purpose is to help students in developing and fine-tuning an empirical research paper that will provide the foundation of their master thesis in the following semester. Hence, ideally, each student will have produced a first version of their paper manuscript by the end of this semester.

To this end, we will spend the first few weeks on developing ideas, framing arguments, and avoiding common pitfalls when drafting research papers. For the remainder of the course, I expect every student
  • to write a first draft of her/his paper and give a short (15 minutes) conference-style presentation.
  • at least one other student (ideally two) and I will review and comment on the paper draft in writing.
  • all other students are expected to contribute to the discussion of this first presentation.
  • to address the suggestions, concerns, and critiques received in a revision of your first draft. In other words, you will write a second, revised draft.
  • We will then repeat the same process of comment and critique in this second round.
  • Finally, each student will address once more all comments and critiques received in the second round to produce the final paper for this research seminar.

By the end of the semester, you should have (1) a clear idea about the research question, data requirements, and design of your M.A. thesis, and (2) a solid draft of a research paper that will serve as the foundation for your thesis, i.e. you won’t start your thesis with a blank page in the next semester.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
FS Research Project (Research seminar)
EN
Course type:
Research seminar
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
A term paper with ~15–20 pages, double spaced, 12 font.
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Sebastian Stier
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 03.09.2025 – 03.12.2025 10:15 – 11:45 209 Seminarraum; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Description:
The main idea of this research seminar is to turn students from consumers of research into producers of research. Its purpose is to help students in developing and fine-tuning an empirical research paper that will provide the foundation of their master thesis in the following semester. Hence, ideally, each student will have produced a first version of their paper manuscript by the end of this semester.

To this end, we will spend the first few weeks on developing ideas, framing arguments, and avoiding common pitfalls when drafting research papers. For the remainder of the course, I expect every student
  • to write a first draft of her/his paper and give a short (15 minutes) conference-style presentation.
  • at least one other student (ideally two) and I will review and comment on the paper draft in writing.
  • all other students are expected to contribute to the discussion of this first presentation.
  • to address the suggestions, concerns, and critiques received in a revision of your first draft. In other words, you will write a second, revised draft.
  • We will then repeat the same process of comment and critique in this second round.
  • Finally, each student will address once more all comments and critiques received in the second round to produce the final paper for this research seminar.

By the end of the semester, you should have (1) a clear idea about the research question, data requirements, and design of your M.A. thesis, and (2) a solid draft of a research paper that will serve as the foundation for your thesis, i.e. you won’t start your thesis with a blank page in the next semester.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Research Design (Lecture)
EN
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
4
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
written exam (90 min.)
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Joseph Sakshaug
Date(s):
Monday  (weekly) 01.09.2025 – 01.12.2025 13:45 – 15:15 C 012 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
How do we know which research design fits best our research question? What requirements must be in place for good descriptive, causal and predictive inference? How do we estimate causal effects? How do we design and analyze experiments? Can we make causal claims from observational data? Researchers in the social sciences must be able to answer all of these questions.
This course teaches the fundamental concepts behind the estimation of causal effects, including potential obstacles to causal inference. Real-world examples will be discussed in detail and students will apply the techniques learned with real datasets in R. Students will come away with an understanding of how to estimate causal effects in both randomized and observational settings, with a particular focus on the careful design of both types of studies.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Research Design (Tutorial) (Scientific exercise)
EN
Course type:
Scientific exercise
ECTS:
3.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Dr. Ruben Bach
Date(s):
Wednesday  (fortnightly) 03.09.2025 – 26.11.2025 12:00 – 15:30 A 301 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Description:
  In the practice sessions, students will learn how to implement causal inference methods in R. Students should bring their own laptop for the all practice sessions. Previous knowledge in R is not necessary although advantageous. Please make also sure to install R and R studio before the first practice session.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
Research Design (Tutorial) (Scientific exercise)
EN
Course type:
Scientific exercise
ECTS:
3.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Max Otto
Date(s):
Thursday  (fortnightly) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 15:30 – 18:45 A 102 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Description:
  In the practice sessions, students will learn how to implement causal inference methods in R. Students should bring their own laptop for the all practice sessions. Previous knowledge in R is not necessary although advantageous. Please make also sure to install R and R studio before the first practice session.
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: Capital 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
Instructor(s):
Anna Sokolova
Date(s):
Monday  (weekly) 01.09.2025 – 01.12.2025 10:15 – 11:45 C 216 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
This course explores how various forms of capital – economic, social, cultural, human – contribute to the emergence and reproduction of social inequalities (such as economic, educational, gender, etc.), with a focus on intersectionality. We will read a mix of classic and contemporary texts, including works by Marx, Bourdieu, Coleman, Piketty, as well as recently published research. The curriculum explores key concepts and theories and how these ideas are studied and measured in practice. While there is no hands-on data analysis, students will develop and analyse research designs which combine state-of-the art theoretical frameworks and advanced methodological strategies. This course is reading-intensive, and students are encouraged to apply the concepts to their own research questions and develop ideas for future projects.
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: Comparing welfare states with cross-national and process tracing analyses (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:
Written term paper (5000 words) by mid-January 2026
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Bernhard Ebbinghaus
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 02.09.2025 – 02.12.2025 10:15 – 11:45 C 112 Unterrichtsraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
Comparing welfare states has become a major sociological field, using a variety of methods to study institutional differences, historical path dependencies, and societal changes. This elective seminar provides an introduction to comparative strategies and methods, particular those used in cross‐national comparison of modern welfare states, using examples of empirical studies from this filed. In the seminar, the different quantitative and qualitative methods and strategies to compare internationally and to analyse processes over time will be discussed. It begins with an overview of the main approaches to historical and comparative sociology (Durkheim, Weber) and the differences in current research practice between variable‐and case‐oriented sociological analysis. Comparative welfare state analysis and the varieties of capitalism perspective use macro‐comparative typologies to explain cross‐ national differences, using both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore cross‐national differences. Qualitative comparative methods (QCA, fuzzy set), comparative or time‐related quantitative methods (cluster analysis, pooled time series) will be discussed. In addition, the method of within‐case analysis, in particular process tracing, that seeks to establish tests for evaluating evidence about causal mechanism over time will be discussed. The application of these methods and approaches will be illustrated by examples from comparative studies of welfare states and market economies. Finally, recent debates on the pro/cons of using comparative methods will be discussed.
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 Wahlmodul B: Migration and Integration (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:
Students will be evaluated based on a term paper (6 ECTS).

Term Paper: 
  • Length: Approximately 5,000 words (±500), including references but excluding appendices.
  • Content Requirements:
  1. Research Question: A clearly defined and original question.
  2. Literature Review: A critical review demonstrating the relevance of the research question and existing scholarship.
  3. Argument: A well-reasoned and evidence-based thesis.
  4. Empirical Evidence: Empirical examples that substantiate the argument.
  • Deadline: January 15, 2026.
Instructor(s):
Dr. Keonhi Son
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 03.09.2025 – 03.12.2025 12:00 – 13:30 C 216 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
A gender perspective challenges key assumptions in comparative welfare research. Traditionally, the unit of comparative welfare analysis has been the average male worker in the manufacturing industry with dependents. This operationalization implicitly excludes women from empirical analysis, particularly in historical contexts, as significant female labor market participation only emerged after the 1970s. For example, while male workers' political struggles were instrumental in shaping welfare states by securing social rights, it remains unclear whether women exerted similar influence, given their historically limited access to political resources such as voting rights in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Moreover, although traditional social policies have faced retrenchment in times of austerity, work-family policies have expanded over the past two decades, coinciding with rising female labor force participation and increased female representation in parliaments.
This seminar provides students with the opportunity to critically examine theoretical frameworks in comparative welfare research from a gender perspective and to test these theoretical propositions empirically. The course explores the impact of welfare policies on gender relations and assesses women's political influence on the formation of welfare policies within historical continuities. The seminar is structured in two parts. First, it introduces feminist critiques of welfare states and empirical studies that analyze the historical development of social policies for women and the role of women as political actors in these processes. After engaging with the relevant literature, the second part of the seminar culminates in a student-led conference, where participants will present empirical research testing whether conventional welfare research determinants apply to social policies for women. Each presentation will be 20 minutes long and will integrate key course themes and insights.
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 Vertiefungsmodul/Wahlmodul A: Bereich Familie, Bildung & Arbeitsmarkt: Empirical Family Research (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Dr. Tamara Gutfleisch
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 03.09.2025 – 03.12.2025 13:45 – 15:15 C 112 Unterrichtsraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
S Elective Seminar: Introduction to Political Sociology (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Benjamin Rohr Ph.D.
Date(s):
Monday  (weekly) 01.09.2025 – 01.12.2025 10:15 – 11:45 D 002 Seminarraum 1; B 6, 27–29 Bauteil D
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: Structuralist Theory (Seminar)
EN
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
6
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Prof. Ph. D. Henning Hillmann
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 01.10.2025 – 12.11.2025 08:30 – 11:45 D 002 Seminarraum 1; B 6, 27–29 Bauteil D
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 unequal distribution of health and illness (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:
Students are required to attend all classes (one absence will be excused). Credits will be granted for active participation, an oral presentation and a paper on one of the themes of the seminar.
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Christof Wolf
Date(s):
Friday  (block date) 12.09.2025 10:15 – 13:30 A 102 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Friday  (block date) 26.09.2025 10:15 – 13:30 A 102 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Friday  (block date) 10.10.2025 10:15 – 13:30 A 102 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Friday  (block date) 17.10.2025 10:15 – 13:30 A 102 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Friday  (block date) 07.11.2025 10:15 – 13:30 A 102 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Friday  (block date) 21.11.2025 10:15 – 13:30 A 102 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Friday  (block date) 28.11.2025 10:15 – 13:30 A 102 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Description:
This course aims at introducing students to selected research questions from the field of health sociology. We begin by giving a short introduction to the sociology of health and illness and some key findings regarding the role of societal factors in the historical development of population health. Additionally, we will discuss methodological questions arising when defining, measuring and studying health and illness. After these introductory sessions we will focus on two central topics: first, the relationship between social inequality and health and second, the effect of social cohesion on health. Both topics will be discussed from a micro and macro perspective, respectively. The course ends with a discussion of policy implications following from a sociological perspective on health and illness.
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 (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.

AA1/BA1/CB1: Multivariate evaluation methods (Lecture)
DE
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Learning target:
Nach Abschluss des Moduls können Studierende:
  • eigenständige Auswahl multivariater Auswertungsverfahren für komplexe Erhebungs- und Datensituationen zur Beantwortung psychologischer Forschungsfragen, einschließlich der Evaluierung von Interventionseffekten
  • Prüfung und Sicherstellung der Datenqualität, Verteilungsvoraussetzung und Messeigenschaften für aussagekräftige multivariate Analysen
  • Selbständige Interpretation multivariater Ergebnisse und kritische Reflektion von Forschungsbefunden aus der Literatur anhand methodischer Standards und Kriterien
  • Auswahl und kritische Bewertung von Handlungsempfehlungen aus Interventions- und Verlaufsstudien zu anwendungsorientierten und psychotherapeutischen Fragestellungen unter Berücksichtigung des vorliegenden Versuchsdesigns und der Auswertungsmethode
Recommended requirement:
Literature:
  • Cohen, J., Cohen, P., West, S. G., & Aiken, L. S. (2003). Applied multiple regression/correlation analysis for the behavioral sciences. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
  • Johnson, R. A., & Wichern, D. W. (2007). Applied multivariate statistical analysis. Upper Saddle River, NJPearson.
  • Kline, R. B. (2016), Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (4th edition). New York: Guilford
  • Raykov, T., & Marcoulides, G. A. (2008). An introduction to applied multivariate analysis. New York: Routledge.
  • Snijders, T. A. B., & Bosker, R. J. (2012). Multilevel analysis ( 2nd edition). Los Angeles: Sage
  • Zelterman, D. (2022). Regression for health and social science. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 
Examination achievement:
Klausur (90 Min.) (PL)
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Thorsten Meiser
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 02.09.2025 – 02.12.2025 08:30 – 10:00 SN 169 Röchling Hörsaal; Schloss Schneckenhof Nord
Tuesday  (single date) 21.10.2025 08:30 – 10:00 SN 163 Manfred Lautenschläger Hörsaal; Schloss Schneckenhof Nord
Description:

In dieser Vorlesung werden die formalen Grundlagen, zentralen Verfahren und Anwendungsgebiete der multivariaten Statistik vorgestellt und empirisch illustriert. Dazu werden zunächst relevante Teile der Matrix- und Vektoralgebra sowie Verfahren zur Prüfung der Datenqualität und Verteilungsvoraussetzungen eingeführt. Darauf aufbauend wird die multiple Regression vertieft und auf weiterführende Versuchsdesigns, diskrete Variablen, Interaktionshypothesen und Mehrebenenstrukturen erweitert. Als weitere Verfahren werden multivariate Mittelwertsvergleiche, Hauptkomponentenanayse und exploratorische Faktorenanalyse behandelt. Anschließend werden Strukturgleichungsmodelle und konfirmatorische Faktorenmodelle zur Prüfung der Messeigenschaften psychologischer Variablen und zur Verlaufsanalyse über die Zeit vorgestellt. Zu den einzelnen Verfahren werden die formalen Grundlagen dargelegt und Einsatzmöglichkeiten in der psychologischen und psychotherapeutischen Forschung demonstriert.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AB1/BB1: Test and decide / CF1: Psychodiagnostic testing and decision making (Lecture)
DE
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Learning target:
Nach Abschluss des Moduls können Studierende:
  • Strategien der diagnostischen Entscheidung und Klassifikation in verschiedenen Anwendungsfeldern wählen und bewerten
  • die aktuellen Entwicklungen der testtheoretischen Modellbildung und Testkonstruktion darlegen
  • nach wissenschaftlichen Kriterien diagnostische Testverfahren für eine gegebene Fragestellung auswählen, einsetzen und interpretieren unter Berücksichtigung der individuellen Merkmale der Person, Situation und des sozialen Umfeldes
  • diagnostische Urteile für konkrete psychologische Fragestellungen selbsständig vornehmen
Recommended requirement:
Examination achievement:
Für AB1/BB1: Klausur (90 Min)
Instructor(s):
Dr. Dietrich Wagener
Date(s):
Friday  (weekly) 05.09.2025 – 05.12.2025 13:45 – 15:15 EO 145 Hörsaal (Bürgerhörsaal); Schloss Ehrenhof Ost
Description:
Das Modul vermittelt Kenntnisse über diagnostische Testverfahren und ihren Einsatz für fundierte Entscheidungen und Beratungen in unterschiedlichen Anwendungsbereichen der psychologischen und psychotherapeutischen Diagnostik. Damit erlangen die Studierenden eine zentrale Schlüsselqualifikation für ihre berufliche Tätigkeit im Anschluss an das Studium. Darüber hinaus werden aktuelle Entwicklungen der testtheoretischen Modellbildung und der Testkonstruktion behandelt.
Spezifische Inhalte: Übersicht über Testverfahren, Strategien, mögliche Fehlerarten, rechtliche und gesellschaftliche Rahmenbedingungen sowie Kosten-Nutzen-Analysen der diagnostischen Entscheidung und Klassifikation in unterschiedlichen Problemfeldern, wie etwa der beruflichen Eignungsdiagnostik, der pädagogisch-psychologischen Diagnostik oder der neuropsychologischen Diagnostik.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AC2/BC3: Colloquium I: Social Psychology/Differential Psychology (Colloquium)
DE
Course type:
Colloquium
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Literature:
Wird in der Veranstaltung bekannt gegeben
Examination achievement:
keine
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Jochen Gebauer
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 03.09.2025 – 03.12.2025 12:00 – 13:30 B 317 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.Gebauer@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.
AC2/BC3: Colloquium I: Educational 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. Stefan Münzer
Description:
Das Kolloquium findet gemeinsam mit Prof. Dickhäuser statt.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AC2/BC3: Colloquium I: 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) 03.09.2025 – 03.12.2025 17:15 – 18:45 B 318 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
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 TeilnehmerInnen betreut wird. Die Betreuung der Masterarbeit ist unabhängig individuell mit den BetreuerInnen zu vereinbaren.
Die Veranstaltungen von Prof. Dr. Wänke, Prof. Dr. Stavrova und Prof. Dr. Gebauer finden in der Regel am selben Termin statt (Beginn: 12:00 Uhr). Die Veranstaltung findet nur an Tagen statt, an denen auch Vorträge gehalten werden (nicht zwingend wöchentlich). Bei Gastvorträgen kann sich die Uhrzeit verschieben. Die aktuellen Daten werden per Rundmail an alle angemeldeten TeilnehmerInnen verschickt.

Inhalt: 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 Sozialpsychologie entwickeln und präsentieren (z. B. das Konzept der eigenen Abschlussarbeit). Andererseits können Vorträge von MitarbeiterInnen der Abteilung sowie von auswärtigen Gästen stattfinden.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AC2/BC3: Colloquium I: Educational 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. Oliver Dickhäuser
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 03.09.2025 – 03.12.2025 10:15 – 11:45 D 007 Seminarraum 2; B 6, 27–29 Bauteil D
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AC2/BC3: Kolloquium I: Sonnentag (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) 03.09.2025 – 03.12.2025 12:00 – 13:30 C 116 Seminarraum; 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.
AC2/BC3: Kolloquium I: Sozialpsychologie (Colloquium)
DE
Course type:
Colloquium
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 03.09.2025 – 03.12.2025 12:00 – 13:30
Description:
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 TeilnehmerInnen betreut wird. Die Betreuung der Masterarbeit ist unabhängig individuell mit den BetreuerInnen zu vereinbaren.
Die Veranstaltungen von Prof. Dr. Wänke, Prof. Dr. Stavrova und Prof. Dr. Gebauer finden in der Regel am selben Termin statt (Beginn: 12:00 Uhr). Die Veranstaltung findet nur an Tagen statt, an denen auch Vorträge gehalten werden (nicht zwingend wöchentlich). Bei Gastvorträgen kann sich die Uhrzeit verschieben. Die aktuellen Daten werden per Rundmail an alle angemeldeten TeilnehmerInnen verschickt.

Inhalt: 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 Sozialpsychologie entwickeln und präsentieren (z. B. das Konzept der eigenen Abschlussarbeit). Andererseits können Vorträge von MitarbeiterInnen der Abteilung sowie von auswärtigen Gästen stattfinden.
AC2/BC3: Colloquium I/CJ2 Master Colloquium: Cognitive and Developmental 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:
wird im Kolloquium bekannt gegeben
Instructor(s):
Dr. Martin Brandt, Prof. Dr. Beatrice Kuhlmann, Prof. Dr. Arndt Bröder
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 12:00 – 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.

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
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AC2/BC3: Colloquium I/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) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 12:00 – 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.
AC2/BC3: Colloquium I/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):
Thursday  (weekly) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 12:00 – 13:30
AC2/BC3: Colloquium I/CJ2 Master Colloquium: Clinial and Biological Psychology and Psychotherapy (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. Georg Alpers
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 17:15 – 18:45 016–017 Seminarraum; L 13, 15–17
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
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) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 12:00 – 13:30
Description:
Dieses Kolloquium richtet sich in erster Linie an Studierende der psychologischen Masterstudiengänge, die eine Masterarbeit oder Doktorarbeit im Bereich der Allgemeinen oder Differentiellen Kognitionspsychologie 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 Psychologie III und an der Juniorprofessur für Urteils- und Entscheidungsforschung vorgestellt und diskutiert. Außerdem werden aktuelle und zukünftig geplante Forschungsarbeiten beider Lehrstühle behandelt. Zu ausgewählten Themen werden externe Kolloquiumsgäste eingeladen, die über ihre Forschungsergebnisse berichten.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AC2/BC3: Colloquium I: Psychological Methodology and Diagnostics/CJ2: Master Colloquium: Meiser (Colloquium)
DE
Course type:
Colloquium
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Registration procedure:
ACHTUNG: Sollte die Pandemielage es zulassen, so behalten wir uns vor, im Laufe des HWS 21 wieder in den Präsenzbetrieb zu wechseln. Die digitale Alternative bleibt bestehen.
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Thorsten Meiser
Date(s):
Friday  (weekly) 05.09.2025 – 05.12.2025 13:45 – 15:15 519 Besprechungsraum; L 13, 15–17
Description:
Die Veranstaltungstermine und Themen finden Sie auf unserer homepage:
http://methods.uni-mannheim.de/

Inhalt:
In dem Kolloquium werden laufende Forschungsprojekte und Qualifikationsarbeiten der Arbeitsgruppe vorgestellt und diskutiert. Darüber hinaus finden in jedem Semester Forschungsvorträge eingeladener Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler 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.

Sprechstunde:
Freitag, 11:00–12:00 in L13, 15, Raum 520
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AD1/BD6: Advanced Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology (Lecture)
DE
Course type:
Lecture
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, Prof. Dr. Georg Alpers, Prof. Dr. Tina In-Albon
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 02.09.2025 – 02.12.2025 10:15 – 11:45 SN 163 Manfred Lautenschläger Hörsaal; Schloss Schneckenhof Nord
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AE1/BD5/CA1: Advanced Topics in Cognitive Psychology (Lecture)
EN
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
On-campus and online, live & recorded
Learning target:
Knowledge of the main research strategies and theoretical developments in the study of memory; ability to discuss empirical studes critically
Recommended requirement:
Literature:
  • Farrell, S. & Lewandowsky, S. (2018). Computational modeling of cognition and behavior. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. (Chapters 1–5, 10, 12)
  • Quinlan, P. & Dyson, B. (2008). Cognitive psychology. Harlow, UK: Pearson.(Chapters 1 & 2)
Examination achievement:
Final written exam (90 minutes)
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Arndt Bröder
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 15:30 – 17:00 B 144 Hörsaal; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
This Lecture provides an advanced treatment of research methods in cognitive psychology as well as an overview of research topics of Cognitive Psychology in Mannheim.

Exemplary Topics:
  •     Basic methodology of Cognitive Psychology
  •     Stochastic Modeling of Cognitive Processes
  •     Model selection
  •     Information Search in Decision Making
  •     Visual short-term memory
  •     Investigating cognitive processes using mouse-tracking
  •     Strategy Contributions to Cognitive Aging
  •     The Truth Effect
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AF2: Health behavior and mental disorders/CD2: In-depth topics on mental and somatic health (Seminar)
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
2.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Dario Leanza
Date(s):
Monday  (block date) 29.09.2025 09:00 – 17:15 008.1 Seminarraum; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Wednesday  (block date) 01.10.2025 09:00 – 18:15 A 001 Besprechungsraum; L 15, 1–6 (Hochhaus)
Thursday  (block date) 02.10.2025 08:30 – 11:45 008.1 Seminarraum; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AF2: Health behavior and mental disorders/CD2: In-depth topics on mental and somatic health (Seminar)
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
2.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Dario Leanza
Date(s):
Monday  (block date) 10.11.2025 09:00 – 17:15 008.1 Seminarraum; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Wednesday  (block date) 12.11.2025 09:00 – 18:15 A 001 Besprechungsraum; L 15, 1–6 (Hochhaus)
Thursday  (block date) 13.11.2025 08:30 – 11:45 008.1 Seminarraum; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AG1/BD1: Advanced Work and Organizational Psychology (Lecture)
EN
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Literature:
Journal papers; reading assignments will be given at the beginning of the semester.
Examination achievement:
schriftliche Hausarbeit
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Sabine Sonnentag
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 17:15 – 18:45 B 244 Hörsaal; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
Diese Vorlesung bietet eine Einführung in das Fach Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie und stellt dabei wesentliche Themen vor, unter anderem Arbeitsmotivation, Stress, Arbeitsgruppen, Führung, Arbeitsanalyse, Leistungsbeurteilung, Personalauswahl, Training. Es wird ein erster Überblick über wichtige forschungs- und praxisbezogene Fragestellungen vermittelt, wobei insbesondere die empirische Basis des Faches betont wird. Diese Veranstaltung empfiehlt sich für alle Studierenden als Einstieg in das Fach „Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie”.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AG2/BD2: Advanced Consumer and Economic Psychology (Lecture)
DE
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
bei einer Benotung ist eine Hausarbeit abzugeben (Gruppenarbeit)
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Michaela Wänke
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 15:30 – 17:00 C 217 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
Die Veranstaltung gibt einen Einblick in einige ausgewählte theoretische Konzepte, die in der aktuellen konsumentenpsychologischen Forschung eine Rolle spielen (z. B. Fluency, Construal Level Theory, regulatorischer Fokus/fit, u. a.). Die Teilnehmer lesen in Kleingruppen aktuelle Forschungsarbeiten, diskutieren diese in Bezug auf ein vorgegebenes Problem (Forschungsfrage, Anwendungsproblem) und fixieren ihre Ergebnisse in schriftlicher Form. In der Veranstaltung werden die Arbeiten der Kleingruppen zusammengetragen, diskutiert und ergänzt.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AG3/BD3: Advanced Pedagogical psychology (Lecture)
DE
Course type:
Lecture
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Oliver Dickhäuser, Prof. Dr. Stefan Münzer
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 02.09.2025 – 02.12.2025 13:45 – 15:15 B 243 Hörsaal; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AG4/BD4: Advanced Social Psychology (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 in der Veranstaltung bekannt gegeben
Examination achievement:
Klausur benotet oder Klausur unbenotet
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Jochen Gebauer
Date(s):
Monday  (weekly) 01.09.2025 – 01.12.2025 13:45 – 15:15 B 243 Hörsaal; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Monday  (single date) 20.10.2025 12:00 – 13:30
Monday  (single date) 20.10.2025 15:30 – 18:45
Tuesday  (single date) 21.10.2025 17:15 – 18:45
Tuesday  (single date) 28.10.2025 17:15 – 18:45
Tuesday  (single date) 11.11.2025 17:15 – 18:45
Description:
AG4/BD4: Vertiefung Sozialpsychologie

In der Veranstaltung sollen aufbauend auf dem im Bachelorstudiengang erworbenen Wissen ausgewählte Forschungsgebiete vertiefend behandelt werden. Im Einzelnen können Themen behandelt werden wie Umfrageforschung/ Kontexteffekte in Fragebogen, subjektives Wohlbefinden (Glück und Zufriedenheit), Kultur als sozialer Kontext und evolutionäre Erklärungen für Sozialverhalten.


Sprechstunde:
Prof. Dr. Jochen Gebauer:  Nach Vereinbarung per E-Mail (Jochen.Gebauer@uni-mannheim.de)
Prof. Dr. Olga Stavrova: 
 
   
   
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AI2 / CE 1: Selected intervention techniques (Seminar)
DE
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
apl. Prof. Dr. Antje Gerdes
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 03.09.2025 – 03.12.2025 12:00 – 13:30 014–015 Seminarraum; L 13, 15–17
Description:
In diesem Seminar sollen theoretische Grundlagen und empirische Evidenz aktueller Richtungen der Psychotherapie (z. B. Verhaltenstherapeutische, tiefenpsychologische, systemische Verfahren, Gesprächspsychotherapie, Klinische Neuropsychologie) erarbeitet sowie praktische Einblicke in unterschiedliche Verfahren gegeben werden. Auch Rahmenbedingungen und Kernmerkmale der ambulanten Psychotherapie bei unterschiedlichen Personengruppen (z. B. Kinder, Erwachsene, älteren Menschen) werden vermittelt. Dabei sollen auch Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede der Verfahren identifiziert und diskutiert werden.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
AI2: Selected intervention techniques/CE1: Applied psychotherapy: Selected intervention techniques (Seminar)
DE
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Verena Kathmann
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 03.09.2025 – 03.12.2025 12:00 – 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.
AI2: Selected intervention techniques/CE1: Applied psychotherapy: Selected intervention techniques (Seminar)
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Corina Aguilar-Raab
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 02.09.2025 – 02.12.2025 12:00 – 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.
BC2 (auch AC1): Forschungs- und Anwendungstechniken 2 (Mata) (Seminar)
DE
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Literature:
Literatur wird zu Beginn des Seminars auf ILIAS hochgeladen.
Examination achievement:
Hausarbeit / Term paper
Instructor(s):
Vanessa Knobl
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 10:15 – 11:45 A 001 Besprechungsraum; L 15, 1–6 (Hochhaus)
Description:
Forschungs- und Anwendungstechniken in der Gesundheitspsychologie: “Methoden der Prozessforschung – Arbeiten mit Video- und Sensordaten”
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BC2 (also AC1): Research and application techniques 2: Creating experiments with lab.js (Intensive seminar)
EN
Course type:
Intensive seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
English
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Registration procedure:
If exchange students require a grade, the course will be graded.

PSYCHOLOGY EXCHANGE STUDENTS will be contacted by the international affairs coordinator for Psychology (int-psy@uni-mannheim.de) via mail to indicate their course preferences.

NON-PSYCHOLOGY EXCHANGE STUDENTS may solely attend if (a) places are left (b) students posses basic knowledge in Psychology and statistics (c) the docent approves participation. For applications please contact the international affairs coordinator for Psychology (int-psy@uni-mannheim.de).
Literature:
Software:
OpenSesame can be downloaded for free under http://osdoc.cogsci.nl/index.html, where you can also find an extensive documentation.

Literature:
Mathôt, S., Schreij, D., & Theeuwes, J. (2012). OpenSesame: An open-source, graphical experiment builder for the social sciences. Behavior Research Methods, 44(2), 314–324. http://dx.doi.org/10.3758/s13428-011-0168-7 (Open Access)
Examination achievement:
Creating an experiment (specific requirements discussed in course)
Instructor(s):
Dr. Sophie Scharf
Date(s):
Friday  (single date) 10.10.2025 10:15 – 17:00 108 CIP-Pool; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Saturday  (single date) 11.10.2025 10:15 – 15:15 108 CIP-Pool; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Friday  (single date) 24.10.2025 10:15 – 17:00 108 CIP-Pool; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Saturday  (single date) 25.10.2025 10:15 – 15:15 108 CIP-Pool; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Description:
lab.js is a simple, graphical tool to help you build studies for the web and the laboratory – in addition, it is free and open-source. Many standard tasks can be implemented in lab.js using its graphical user interface. Further, more complex tasks can be realized through the underlying programming language JavaScript.

The goal of the workshop is to provide an introduction to both approaches. In doing so, the workshop involves both structured input from the instructor as well as a number of practical exercises so that participants can directly explore the features of lab.js.

No prior knowledge of the software or JavaScript is required. As an assignment, participants will create their own experiment based on the requirements discussed in the workshop.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BC2 (also AC1): Research and application techniques 2 (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:
  • Dunn, P. K., & Smyth, G. K. (2018). Generalized linear models with examples in R. New York: Springer.
  • Hoffman, L. (2015). Longitudinal analysis: Modeling within-person fluctuation and change. New York: Routledge.
  • James, G., Witten, D., Hastie, T., & Tibshirani, R. (2013). An intro¬duction to statistical learning with applications in R. New York: Springer.
  • Kline, R. B. (2023). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling. New York: Guilford.
  • Snijders, T. A. B., & Bosker, R. J. (2012). Multilevel analysis: An introduction to basic and advanced multilevel modeling. London: Sage.
Examination achievement:
Master students (BC2): Marked written exam (90 minutes)
Doctoral researchers (CDSS): Individual course criteria (e.g., short presentation, exercises, etc.)
Doctoral researchers from other institutions: Criteria depending on local regulations and requirements
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Thorsten Meiser
Date(s):
Friday  (single date) 12.09.2025 09:00 – 12:30 108 CIP-Pool; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Friday  (single date) 17.10.2025 09:00 – 12:30 108 CIP-Pool; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Friday  (single date) 21.11.2025 09:00 – 12:30 108 CIP-Pool; B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F
Description:
Mathematical and Statistical Foundations of Psychology
This course gives an introduction to the basic elements of linear algebra and mathematical calculus that are relevant for statistical modeling and hypothesis testing in psychological research and in related areas of the social sciences. We will go through essential concepts and operations of matrix and vector algebra, differential equations and integral calculus, and we will discuss implications for parameter estimation and measures of statistical uncertainty in multivariate models. Beyond these formal foundations, an advanced overview of applied statistical models will be provided, including linear and generalized linear models, machine learning-based regularization procedures, structural equation models, and multilevel analysis with a particular focus on modeling longitudinal data. The statistical models and procedures will be illustrated with simulated and empirical data. In addition, model specification, parameter estimation and hypothesis testing will be demonstrated and practiced in R. The combination of mathematical foundations and applied statistical analysis enhances the understanding of key concepts of statistical modeling, and it enables students and young researchers to tailor statistical models and tests according to their specific research questions.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BE2: Project Seminar 2: Social 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
Recommended requirement:
Literature:
Literatur: Wird in der Veranstaltung bekannt gegeben.
Examination achievement:
Projektarbeit
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Jochen Gebauer
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 15:30 – 17:00 A 442 Konferenzraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil A
Description:
Das Projektseminar setzt die vorausgehende Veranstaltung aus dem FSS fort. Die Gruppe setzt ihre Arbeit an den ausgewählten Themen fort, führt ggf. eine anschließende empirische Studie durch und bereitet die Ergebnisse ihrer Arbeit in geeigneter Form auf (Poster, Bericht).

Sprechstunde: Nach Vereinbarung per E-Mail (Jochen.Gebauer@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.
BE2: Project Seminar 2: Health Psychology (Project seminar)
DE
Course type:
Project seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Recommended requirement:
Literature:
Literatur wird zu Anfang des Seminars auf ILIAS hochgeladen.
Examination achievement:
Erstellen eines wissenschaftlichen Posters zum Forschungsthema.
Instructor(s):
Vanessa Knobl
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 15:30 – 17:00 C 116 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
In diesem Projektseminar wird ein aktuelles Forschungsthema aus der Gesundheitspsychologie aufgegriffen und empirisch bearbeitet.
BE2: Project Seminar 2: Cognitive 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:
Bericht (benotet)
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Arndt Bröder
Date(s):
Monday  (weekly) 01.09.2025 – 01.12.2025 17:15 – 18:45 519 Besprechungsraum; L 13, 15–17
Description:
Durchführung, Auswertung und Berichtlegung des im FSS 2025 geplanten empirischen Forschungsprojekts
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BE2: Project Seminar 2: Sonnentag (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:
Projektarbeit
Instructor(s):
Prof. Dr. Sabine Sonnentag
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 15:30 – 17:00 C 112 Unterrichtsraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
Fortsetzung des Projektseminars 1 vom FSS
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BF1/BG1: Selected Topics in Organizational- and Work Psychology I/II – Work and Health (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) 01.09.2025 – 01.12.2025 10:15 – 11:45 C 116 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
Unternehmen kümmern sich zunehmend mehr um die Gesundheit ihrer Mitarbeiter/innen. Dies schlägt sich in entsprechenden Führungskonzepten sowie konkreten gesundheitsfördernden Maßnahmen nieder. Das Seminar beschäftigt sich somit mit der Frage, wie Unternehmen handeln können, um die Gesundheit der Mitarbeiter/innen langfristig zu erhalten. Dabei soll auch das individuelle gesundheitsbezogene Handeln der Mitarbeiter/innen thematisiert werden.
 
Das Seminar besteht aus zwei Teilen. Im ersten Teil erarbeiten wir gemeinsam anhand aktueller Forschungsliteratur den Forschungsstand zum Thema. In dieser Zeit haben die Studierenden Gelegenheit, sich für ein Thema zu entscheiden, das sie im Rahmen ihrer Hausarbeit sowie im zweiten Teil des Seminars in Projektgruppen vertieft bearbeiten.
 
Im Rahmen von Projektgruppen werden die Studierenden im zweiten Teil des Seminars die gelernten und selbst erarbeiteten Inhalte in Form von Broschüren, Postern etc. praxisnah umsetzen.
Am Ende des Seminars erfolgt eine Präsentation der Projektgruppenergebnisse.
 
Neben einer inhaltlichen Diskussion legt das Seminar auch besonderes Gewicht auf die arbeits- und organisationspsychologischen Methoden, mit denen Gesundheit bei der Arbeit untersucht wird.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BF1/BG1: Selected Topics in Organizational- and Workpsychology I/II: Social Relations in the workplace (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. Julia Iser-Potempa
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 02.09.2025 – 02.12.2025 10:15 – 11:45 C 116 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
Description:
Unternehmen kümmern sich zunehmend mehr um die Gesundheit ihrer Mitarbeiter/innen. Dies schlägt sich in entsprechenden Führungskonzepten sowie konkreten gesundheitsfördernden Maßnahmen nieder. Das Seminar beschäftigt sich somit mit der Frage, wie Unternehmen handeln können, um die Gesundheit der Mitarbeiter/innen langfristig zu erhalten. Dabei soll auch das individuelle gesundheitsbezogene Handeln der Mitarbeiter/innen thematisiert werden.
 
Das Seminar besteht aus zwei Teilen. Im ersten Teil erarbeiten wir gemeinsam anhand aktueller Forschungsliteratur den Forschungsstand zum Thema. In dieser Zeit haben die Studierenden Gelegenheit, sich für ein Thema zu entscheiden, das sie im Rahmen ihrer Hausarbeit sowie im zweiten Teil des Seminars in Projektgruppen vertieft bearbeiten.
 
Im Rahmen von Projektgruppen werden die Studierenden im zweiten Teil des Seminars die gelernten und selbst erarbeiteten Inhalte in Form von Broschüren, Postern etc. praxisnah umsetzen.
Am Ende des Seminars erfolgt eine Präsentation der Projektgruppenergebnisse.
 
Neben einer inhaltlichen Diskussion legt das Seminar auch besonderes Gewicht auf die arbeits- und organisationspsychologischen Methoden, mit denen Gesundheit bei der Arbeit untersucht wird.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BH1/BI1/BC2: Spezielle Themen der Pädagogischen PsychologieI/II (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):
Dr. Stefan Janke
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 02.09.2025 – 02.12.2025 15:30 – 17:00 C 217 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BK1/BL1: Selected Topics in Consumer Psychology I/II (Seminar)
DE
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
(Gruppen-)Hausarbeit
Instructor(s):
Vanessa Rettkowski
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 02.09.2025 – 02.12.2025 12:00 – 13:30 B 143 Seminarraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil B
Description:
In diesem Seminar erhaltet ihr Einblicke in die Nutzung von Online Data (z. B., Profilbeschreibungen, Kundenbewertungen) und wie Online Data die Einstellungen und das Verhalten von Konsumenten beeinflussen kann. Es werden dabei thematisch die folgenden Bereiche abgedeckt; (1) Die Vorhersage von Persönlichkeitseigenschaften durch das Konsumverhalten, (2) Der Einfluss von Verbraucherbewertungen und (3) Das menschlich irrationale Verhalten in Bezug auf Interventionen im Online-Kontext.
Die praktische Aufgabe umfasst die Formulierung einer Forschungsfrage und die Beantwortung dieser in einem kurzen Pitch-Video als auch in einer anschließenden Hausarbeit. Für alle Aufgaben wird in Kleingruppen gearbeitet.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
BM1/BN1: Selected Topics in Social Psychology I/II: Psychology of Creativity and Innovation (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 creativity. 
(2) Academic journal articles (either data-based papers or review articles).
Examination achievement:
active participation, in-class presentation, slide deck submission
Instructor(s):
Dr. Camilla Cenni
Date(s):
Tuesday  (weekly) 02.09.2025 – 02.12.2025 13:45 – 15:15 C 112 Unterrichtsraum; A 5, 6 Bauteil C
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.
BM1/BN1: Selected Topics in Social Psychology I/II (Seminar)
DE
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
4.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Credit hours 1:
2
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Examination achievement:
Hausarbeit
Date(s):
Wednesday  (weekly) 03.09.2025 – 03.12.2025 08:30 – 10:00 A 301 Seminarraum; B 6, 23–25 Bauteil A
Description:
Durchgeführt von: Prof. Dr. Olga Stavrova

Inhalt: In diesem Seminar setzen sich die Teilnehmenden mit neuesten Forschungsergebnissen zur Rolle digitaler Technologien im menschlichen Verhalten sowie in (sozial)-psychologischer Forschung auseinander. Dabei wird auf folgende Fragen eingegangen:
 
  1. Wie beeinflussen moderne digitale Technologien menschliche Kognition, Emotionen, Verhalten und Beziehungen? Insbesondere: Wie wirken sich soziale Online-Netzwerke auf Wohlbefinden, soziales, politisches und wirtschaftliches Verhalten aus? Hat Tinder modernes Dating verändert? Inwiefern kann ChatGPT menschliche Beziehungen ersetzen und gegen Einsamkeit helfen? Sind large language models überzeugender als Menschen – und wofür sind ihre Überzeugungsfähigkeiten gut oder schlecht? Wie gehen Menschen mit Privatsphäre und ethischen Fragen der KI-Nutzung um?
  2. Wie haben moderne digitale Technologien die Methoden, mit denen Sozialpsychologen menschliche Kognition, Emotionen, Verhalten und Beziehungen erforschen, in neuster Zeit geprägt? Studierende lernen die Unterschiede zwischen Erklärung und Vorhersage kennen, verstehen die Grundprinzipien der computational social science und erfahren, wie gut „machine learning“ individuelle Lebensverläufe vorhersagen und psychologische Merkmale aus beobachtbaren Verhaltensspuren wie Finanztransaktionsdaten, Online-Verhalten oder Textdaten ableiten kann.
More information
1 Credit hours indicate the duration of a course which is offered weekly during one semester. One credit hour equals 45 minutes.
CC2: Specific Topics of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (Seminar)
DE
Course type:
Seminar
ECTS:
3.0
Course suitable for:
Master
Language of instruction:
German
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Dr. Sarah Danböck
Date(s):
Thursday  (weekly) 04.09.2025 – 04.12.2025 10:15 – 11:45 016–017 Seminarraum; L 13, 15–17
Description:
In diesem Seminar werden verschiedene methodische Ansätze (z. B. Script-Driven-Imagery) und ausgewählte aktuelle empirische Befunde (z. B. zur Neurobiologie von posttraumatischer Dissoziation) aus der Grundlagenforschung zur Posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung vermittelt und diskutiert. Durch das Seminar sollen Studierende sowohl einen Überblick über „Hot-Topics“ im Bereich der PTBS-Forschung und den aktuellen Stand der empirischen Evidenz bekommen als auch lernen, diese kritisch zu diskutieren, Forschungslücken zu identifizieren und Ideen für neue Forschungsprojekte zu generieren.
Practice-oriented course for psychology students (Special event)
DE
Course type:
Special event
ECTS:
Course suitable for:
Bachelor, Master
Language of instruction:
German
Attendance:
Live & on-campus
Instructor(s):
Joschi Kratzer
Date(s):
Tuesday  (single date) 23.09.2025 17:15 – 18:45
Description:
Blockseminar:
Kommunikation – Moderation – Reflexion in Gruppen
Praxisrelevante Zusatzveranstaltung (HWS 2025)
10.10.
11.10.
17.10.

Verantwortlich: Dipl.-Psych. Joschi Kratzer, Schülerreferat Mannheim²

Die Räumlichkeiten werden per E-Mail bekannt gegeben.

Die Studierenden erhalten im Rahmen des Seminars „Kommunikation – Moderation – Reflexion in Gruppen” eine intensive Einführung in die Gruppenmoderation und –reflexion.

Neben entsprechenden Grundlagen der Kommunikation geht es vor allem um Methoden und Techniken von Moderation und Reflexion, wie sie bei verschiedenen Veranstaltungen des Schülerreferats Mannheim² z. B. in der Klassenentwicklung und bei Trainings eingesetzt werden.

Dabei lernen sie grundlegende Konzepte kennen, erhalten Einblick in zentrale Gesprächsregeln, erlernen Techniken der Gesprächsführung und erleben Methoden für Gesprächseinstiege und Reflexionen.

Das Seminar umfasst sowohl theoretische als auch praktische Inhalte.

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


Die Vorbesprechung findet am 23.09. um 17:15 h statt.
Practice-oriented course for psychology students: Theory and Practice in Design Thinking (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:
Amabile, T.M. (1996). Creativity in context. New York: Westview Press.
Amabile, T.M., Conti, R., Coon, H., Lazenby, J. & Herron, M. (1996). Assessing the work environment for creativity. Academy of Management Journal, 39(5), 1154-1184.
Brown, T. (2008). Design thinking. Harvard Business Review, 86(6), 84–92.
Grots, A. & Creuznacher, I. (2012). Design Thinking – Prozess oder Kultur? OrganisationsEntwicklung, 31(2), 14–21.
Leifer, L. (2012). ''Show me, don't tell me''. OrganisationsEntwicklung, 31(2), 8–12.
Plattner, H., Meinel, C. & Weinberg, U. (2009). Design Thinking. München: mi-Wirtschaftsbuch.
Schuler, H. & Görlich, Y. (2007). Kreativität. Göttingen: Hogrefe.
Instructor(s):
PD Dr. Oliver Kohnke
Date(s):
Friday  (block date) 26.09.2025 10:00 – 14:00
Friday  (block date) 10.10.2025 10:00 – 18:00
Saturday  (block date + sat) 11.10.2025 10:00 – 17:00
Description:
Design Thinking ist ein moderner Innovationsansatz, der in den letzten Jahren eine zunehmende Verbreitung in Organisationen gefunden hat. Design Thinking wird v.a. zur Generierung von Produkt- und Serviceinnovationen eingesetzt.
Das Seminar vermittelt grundlegende Konzepte und Methoden des Design Thinkings. Hierbei wird am ersten Tag der Innovationsansatz eingeführt sowie eine konkrete und praxisrelevante Fragestellung („Design Challenge“) festgelegt. Ausgehend von dieser Fragestellung durchlaufen die Teilnehmer am zweiten und dritten Tag den gesamten Innovationsprozess und haben dadurch die Gelegenheit, den Design Thinking-Ansatz selbst zu erleben. Der letzte Termin findet in der SAP Zentrale in Walldorf statt. Dort wird auf Basis psychologischer Theorien und Erkenntnisse (z. B. Amabiles Komponentenmodell der Kreativität) der Ansatz mit erfahrenen Design Thinking Coaches der SAP kritisch diskutiert.
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

Dr. Gledis Londo

Dr. Gledis Londo (she/her)

Departmental Exchange Coordinator Political Science
M.A. and B.Ed./M.Ed., Exchange Students Political Science
University of Mannheim
School of Social Sciences
A 5, 6
Building A – Room A 418
68159 Mannheim
Consultation hour(s):
Please book an appointment:
https://www.sowi.uni-mannheim.de/online-beratung/gledis-londo/

Incomings Psychology and Sociology

Janina Heker, M.A.

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

Departmental Exchange Coordinator for Sociology and Psychology
University of Mannheim
School of Social Sciences
A 5, 6
Building A – Room A 414
68159 Mannheim
Consultation hour(s):
Online consultation: https://www.sowi.uni-mannheim.de/en/consultation/janina-heker/