Philosophy
Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - This course is not offered with a teacher training option. If you wish to enter the teaching profession, choose Philosophy/Ethics . Please refer to the ‘Bachelor’s and master’s courses at the HU’ FAQ.
Standard time for completing course
6 semesters
Start of study and Entry Restriction
Cf. course catalogue
Combinations
Philosophy can be studied as a:
Core subject: 120 CP*, with a second subject to be selected
Second subject: 60 CP, for a core subject (not possible with Biology, Deaf Studies)
* One credit point (CP) equals a workload of 25-30 hours for preparation, follow-up and attendance at classes.
Course objectives
The course aims to convey fundamental philosophical methods and to familiarise students with the key issues of philosophy using selected focuses. At the end of the course, students will not be expected to know all the answers, but rather, to know the most important questions of theoretical and practical philosophy. In addition, students will intensively hande philosophical problems by engaging with two selected focuses. In particular, the work techniques students learn during the course include interpreting philosophical texts, forming conclusive arguments, analysing problems, composing academic texts, and oral presentations of the knowledge acquired. Acquiring career-related key qualifications is another course objective. The bachelor’s course in Philosophy is not just oriented towards academic careers, but instead, is good preparation for activities in a number of occupations.
Content of studies
The best place to find information about course content is the annotated university calendar. It is online at www.philosophie.hu-berlin.de/kvv. Module descriptions and other details can be found in the course and examination regulations, available at www.amb.hu-berlin.de, no. 20/2014, first modification no. 27/2020, second modification no. 56/2021. The Counselling Services are also available to help you (see below).
Core subject Philosophy with 120 CP
Mandatory modules (80 CP)
Module 01: Introduction to Philosophy, 6 CP
Module 02: Introduction to Logic, 5 CP
Module 03: Logic in-depth, 5 CP
Module 04: Writing and Argumentation, 5 CP
Module 05: Theoretical Philosophy, 12 CP
Module 06: Practical Philosophy, 12 CP
Module 07: Elective module I, 10 CP
Module 08: Elective module II, 5 CP
Module 09: Project I, 10 CP
Bachelor’s thesis and its defence, 10 CP
Mandatory elective modules (20 CP)
Two of these modules must be selected.
Module 10a: Theoretical Philosophy, 10 CP
Module 10b: Practical Philosophy, 10 CP
Module 10c: History of Philosophy, 10 CP
Module 10d: Logic/Metaphysics, 10 CP
Module 10e: Theory of Cognition/Philosophy of Mind, 10 CP
Module 10f: Ethic/Meta-Ethic or Political Philosophy, 10 CP
Module 10g: Political Philosophy, Social Philosophy and Anthropology, 10 CP
General elective modules (20 CP)
In addition to specialised study, Students acquire subject-specific, non-specialist and interdisciplinary key qualifications of 20 CP. The general elective modules can be chosen from the module catalogues of other subjects or central institutions (see: http://agnes.hu-berlin.de/).
Second subject Philosophy with 60 CP
Module 01: Introduction to Philosophy, 6 CP
Module 02: Introduction to Logic, 5 CP
Module 05: Theoretical Philosophy, 12 CP
Module 06: Practical Philosophy, 12 CP
Module 07: Elective module I, 10 CP
Module 11: Elective module III, 10 CP
Module 12: Project II, 5 CP
General elective course offerings for students coming from other courses of studies:
Module 02: Introduction to Logic, 5 CP
Module 03: Logic in-depth, 5 CP
Module 13: Elective module I, 5 CP
Module 14: Elective module II, 10 CP
Master’s degree
You can apply for the Philosophy master’s course (www.amb.hu-berlin.de, no. 21/2014). You’ll find further information on master’s courses at HU in the ‘Course catalogue’.
Why study Philosophy at Humboldt-Universität?
Philosophy at Humboldt-Universität has a great tradition. For example, Fichte and Hegel taught here. Today, the department is one of the largest in Germany. It currently has 10 teaching professors and more than 20 academic staff and assistants. The department’s systematic focuses are Philosophy of Spirit, Philosophy of Science, Logic in Philosophy, Philosophy of Culture, Political Philosophy and Ethics. Its historic emphases are Philosophy of Classical Antiquity, the Middle Ages, Early Modern Times and German Idealism. The department is home to numerous researchers and students from across the world. Students are not simply ‘taught’ - they also have the opportunity to be involved in research and teaching activities at an early stage.
Important addresses
Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Department of Philosophy: Unter den Linden 6, www.philosophie.hu-berlin.de
Course Advisory Service: see website
Classification and recognition of studies and qualifications: Examination Board, anrechnung-philosophie@hu-berlin.de
Applications: www.hu-berlin.de/interessierte
Links to job market: Philosophy, Philosophy and Career study guides:www.philos.de/Institutionen/PhilosophieJobs.html, Die Philosophie-Seiten: www.philo.de/Philosophie-Seiten/stellen.htm
Version: May 2022
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Contact for questions or feedback regarding this page: studienberatung@uv.hu-berlin.de