Politics and society (social studies)

General remarks

The subject Politics and Society can no longer be studied as an in-depth subject in the subject combination with German or English at the University of Regensburg.

Since the winter semester 2010/11, however, it can once again be chosen as a third subject (extension subject) for all authorised two-subject combinations (e.g. D-G).

Why expand with Politics and Society?

The main reasons are as follows:

• better application possibilities: In the sixth form of the Gymnasium (years 11 and 12), teachers with history or politics and society should only be employed if they can prove that they are qualified to teach both subjects.
• better employment opportunities: According to the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs, the employment opportunities for teachers who have combined the subjects of history and politics and society will improve significantly in the coming years compared to those who can only prove that they have a teaching qualification for two subjects. Trainee teachers with the additional subject of politics and society already have significantly better employment opportunities ("overtaking bonus").
• thematically complementary content of the two subjects and
• broader perspectives (e.g. at public schools, in another federal state, in an extracurricular context, etc.)

Requirements

In the case of the extension, the normal examination for the 1st State Examination must be taken in the subject of Politics and Society.

When registering for the state examination for Politics and Society as an extension subject, no proof of performance (ECTs, certificates, etc.) or examinations during the course of study must be provided.

Students who are enrolled for the Politics and Society extension subject (new LPO) have the opportunity to acquire credit points for the general electives as part of the Politics and Society courses.

Module plan (recommended)

As a preparatory programme for the State Examination, students are recommended to take courses from the following module plan :

Recommendation for the area of contemporary history: Attendance of courses in modern history.

General notes

Since the winter semester 2013/14, Politics and Society can be chosen as a third subject (extension subject).

Why expand with Politics and Society?

The main reasons are as follows:

• more flexible application options
• better employment opportunities thanks to a grade bonus (with a basic extension)
• thematic supplementation in terms of content
• broader perspectives (e.g. at public schools, in another federal state, in an extracurricular context, etc.)

Requirements

In the case of the extension, the normal examination for the 1st State Examination must be taken in the subject of Politics and Society.

When registering for the state examination for Politics and Society as an extension subject, no proof of performance (ECTs, certificates, etc.) or examinations during the course of study must be provided.

Students enrolled in the Politics and Society extension subject (new LPO) have the opportunity to acquire credit points for the general electives as part of the Politics and Society courses.

Module plan (recommended)

As a preparatory programme for the State Examination, students are recommended to take courses from the following module plan :

Recommendation for the area of contemporary history: attendance of courses in modern history.

State examinations

From 2017, the State Examination will be compulsory according to the new LPO.

You can also find more information in the flyer (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) .

According to the new LPO, the First State Examination consists of ...

(A) a written examination (4 hours) in sociology

(Social Structure of the Federal Republic of Germany with Sociological Theory): Several topics from the field of social structure and sociological theory are available to choose from. It is not possible to decide on a subject area before the examination.

 

(B) a written examination (4 hours) in political science

(Political Theory/ Political Systems/ International Politics):

At least one topic on each area will be given to choose from. It is not possible to specify a topic area before the examination.

 

(C) a written examination (3 hours) in Didactics of Social Studies

a choice of three topics.

Oral examinations: NONE

These three examination parts result in the 1st state examination grade in the ratio
{{[(A + B) : 2] x 3} + C } : 4

Exam preparation

The literature lists for the teaching degree at grammar schools (see above) can be used for exam preparation . If you have any questions, please get in touch with the relevant contact person or examiner.

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'Old' examination papers

Overview of the examinations for the teaching degree Realschule in the subject Politics and Society (formerly Social Studies):

Please understand that it is not possible to provide a complete list of all topics.

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Consideration of the extension examination for recruitment to the civil service

You can find information on taking the extension examination into account when recruiting for the civil service in the information sheet (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible)

State examinations

From 2017, the State Examination will be compulsory according to the new LPO.

You can also find more information in the flyer (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) .

 

According to the new LPO, the First State Examination consists of ...

(A) a written examination (5 hours) in sociology

(Social Structure of the Federal Republic of Germany with Sociological Theory): Several topics from the field of social structure and sociological theory are available to choose from. It is not possible to decide on a topic area before the examination.

 

(B) a written examination (5 hours) in political science

(Political Theory/ Political Systems/ International Politics):

At least one topic on each area will be given to choose from. It is not possible to specify a topic area before the examination.

 

(C) a written examination (3 hours) in Didactics of Politics and Society:

Three topics will be given to choose from.

 

Oral examinations: NONE

These three examination parts result in the 1st state examination grade in the ratio
{{[(A + B) : 2] x 8} + C } : 9

 

Participation in the courses

The courses in sociology and didactics are aimed in particular at teaching degree students (grammar school and secondary school) specialising in politics and society.

All courses can be found in the course catalogues (external link, opens in a new window).

Some courses are also open to certain other degree programmes.

If places are available, students interested in other degree programmes can also attend on request.

Please refer to the current information on the courses at !

If you have any questions about the courses, please contact the member of the teaching staff of the respective course!

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Enrolment for the courses

Information on the registration deadline can be found in the following information on the current semester.

In preparation for the exam in sociology, it is recommended that students build up a basic knowledge of sociology and, in particular, a sound knowledge of the two central topics of the exam(social structure and sociological theory). The courses offered, which are specifically tailored to this, provide support here:

• As an introduction to sociology, we recommend attending the basic exercise Sociology 'to go' or Sociology 'compact'.
• The exercise on social structure from the basic module provides sound (basic) knowledge of the social structure of Germany. It forms the basis for (later) exam preparation. This should then be deepened by attending an exercise from the advanced module (with a thematic focus).
• Knowledge of sociological theory can be acquired in the theory exercises of the basic module.
• Finally, shortly before the exam, it is recommended that you attend the exam preparation workshops.

Acquisition of credit points

Students who are enrolled in the Politics and Society specialisation (new LPO) generally have the opportunity to acquire credit points for the general electives as part of the Politics and Society courses, unless otherwise stated. Requirements are an existing enrolment for the extension subject Politics and Society!

Information on the enrolment/deregistration period can be found in the following information on the current semester.

Academic Advising for the extension subject Politics and Society (Social Studies)

Please send your enquiries to the following e-mail address to ensure quick processing:

Your contact persons are:

• Ms Franziska Lambert, M.A.
• Mr Raphael Richter, M.A.

E-mail: social studies-beratung[at]ur.de (opens your email program)

• Dr Gabriele Griese-Heindl, Akad.Rin

E-mail: gabriele.griese-heindl​(at)​soziologie.uni-regensburg.de (opens your email program)

Counselling sessions take place in writing via e-mail or by telephone via Zoom.

Please contact one of the contact persons by e-mail to make an appointment.