Liberal Studies

Classical Disciplines & Intellectual Formation

At the core of Liberal Studies lies the idea of Bildung: a form of education that is not limited to the acquisition of knowledge, but concerns the formation of the individual as a thinking, reflective, and responsible participant in society. Rooted in the intellectual traditions of early modern and nineteenth-century Europe, Bildung denotes a process in which learning becomes a means of orientation in the world rather than a mere accumulation of facts.

Within this framework, education is understood as a dialogue between disciplines, perspectives, and historical experiences. Philosophy, history, and the study of culture and society are not treated as isolated fields, but as interconnected ways of approaching fundamental questions about truth, meaning, and human coexistence. The aim is not specialization in a narrow sense, but the development of intellectual clarity, critical judgment, and the ability to engage constructively with complex issues.

The courses offered within Liberal Studies are designed as semester-based modules, typically extending over one or two semesters. Each course combines structured reading, guided discussion, and written or oral assignments. Participants are introduced to primary texts and selected secondary literature, and are encouraged to develop their own analytical perspectives through close engagement with the material.

Taken together, the programme provides a coherent yet flexible pathway into the humanities and social sciences. It is intended both for those seeking a structured introduction to academic study and for those wishing to deepen an existing interest within a broader intellectual horizon.

Courses

LS · 101

Philosophy

Course Format: Two semesters

The Philosophy course offers a systematic introduction to central questions in Western philosophy, from antiquity to the present. It addresses fundamental issues in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and political philosophy, while situating philosophical arguments within their historical contexts. The course is structured around key texts and themes, allowing participants to engage directly with major thinkers and to explore how philosophical problems evolve over time.

Particular emphasis is placed on the development of conceptual clarity and argumentative precision. Rather than presenting philosophy as a closed body of doctrines, the course approaches it as an ongoing practice of inquiry in which questions remain open and subject to critical examination.

Course Materials

Participants will work with a curated selection of primary texts, including excerpts from classical and modern philosophers, supplemented by introductory and interpretive secondary literature. Texts are provided in English translation where necessary. The material is organized thematically and chronologically to support both close reading and broader orientation.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify and explain central philosophical concepts and arguments
  • Analyse and interpret primary philosophical texts
  • Formulate and evaluate arguments with clarity and precision
  • Relate philosophical questions to broader historical and contemporary contexts

Assessment

The course concludes with a written assignment (approx. 3,000–4,000 words) in which participants engage with a selected philosophical problem or text. Alternatively, participants may choose to complete an oral examination based on a prepared topic. In both cases, emphasis is placed on independent analysis, clarity of argument, and engagement with the course material.

LS · 102

Intellectual History

Course Format: One semester

The Intellectual History course explores the development of ideas and their role in shaping societies across time. Rather than treating ideas as isolated abstractions, the course situates them within their historical, social, and political contexts. It examines how concepts such as reason, freedom, progress, and authority have been articulated, contested, and transformed from the early modern period to the twentieth century.

The course focuses on key moments of intellectual change, including the Enlightenment, the rise of modern political ideologies, and the emergence of critical traditions. Attention is given both to canonical thinkers and to the broader intellectual environments in which they operated.

Course Materials

Participants will engage with selected primary texts alongside contextual and interpretive secondary literature. Materials include philosophical writings, political essays, and historical documents. The selection is designed to provide both close textual engagement and a broader understanding of intellectual developments.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand key intellectual movements and their historical significance
  • Analyse the relationship between ideas and their contexts
  • Compare different intellectual traditions and perspectives
  • Reflect on the continuing relevance of historical ideas

Assessment

Assessment is based on a written assignment (approx. 2,500–3,000 words) analysing a selected thinker, concept, or intellectual movement. An oral examination may be chosen as an alternative format.

LS · 103

World History

Course Format: Two semesters

The World History course offers a broad introduction to global historical developments from antiquity to the modern era. It moves beyond a narrowly Eurocentric perspective by examining interactions between regions, cultures, and civilizations. Themes include empire, trade, migration, religion, and technological exchange.

The course emphasizes connections and comparisons, highlighting how global processes have shaped local histories and vice versa. Particular attention is given to moments of contact, conflict, and transformation.

Course Materials

Materials include historical overviews, selected primary sources, and thematic readings drawn from different regions of the world. Maps, timelines, and supplementary resources are used to support orientation and contextual understanding.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe major developments in global history
  • Identify connections between different regions and cultures
  • Analyse historical change across time and space
  • Situate local and regional histories within a global framework

Assessment

The course concludes with a written assignment (approx. 3,000–4,000 words) focusing on a comparative or thematic topic. An oral examination may be offered as an alternative.

LS · 104

Political History

Course Format: One semester

The Political History course examines the development of political systems, institutions, and ideas from the early modern period to the twentieth century. It focuses on the formation of states, the evolution of governance, and the dynamics of power and conflict.

Key topics include revolutions, state-building processes, the rise of nationalism, and the challenges of democracy. The course combines narrative history with analytical perspectives, allowing participants to understand both events and their underlying structures.

Course Materials

Participants will work with a combination of historical accounts, primary documents, and selected analytical texts. Sources include political writings, treaties, speeches, and contemporary reflections.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand key political developments and transformations
  • Analyse the formation and function of political institutions
  • Interpret historical events in light of broader political dynamics
  • Engage critically with sources and interpretations

Assessment

Assessment consists of a written assignment (approx. 2,500–3,000 words) on a defined political-historical topic. An oral examination may be chosen as an alternative.

LS · 105

Cultural & Technological History

Course Format: One semester

This course explores the interplay between cultural developments and technological change from the early modern period to the present. It examines how innovations in science and technology have shaped cultural practices, social structures, and ways of thinking, and how cultural contexts in turn influence technological development.

Topics include the printing revolution, industrialization, media transformations, and the digital age. The course highlights both continuity and disruption, focusing on how technological change reshapes everyday life and broader cultural patterns.

Course Materials

Materials include historical studies, selected primary sources, and interdisciplinary readings. Visual and material sources are incorporated where relevant to support understanding of technological and cultural contexts.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand key interactions between culture and technology
  • Analyse the societal impact of technological change
  • Interpret historical developments across disciplinary boundaries
  • Reflect on the cultural dimensions of modern technology

Assessment

The course concludes with a written assignment (approx. 2,500–3,000 words) analysing a selected case or theme. An oral examination may be offered as an alternative.

LS · 200

Public Lectures

Format: Ongoing lecture series (non-semester bound)

The Public Lectures series offers open-access lectures on a wide range of topics within philosophy, history, and the sciences. The lectures are designed to present academic insights in a format accessible to a broader audience, while maintaining a high level of intellectual rigour.

Speakers include faculty members, guest lecturers, and invited scholars. Topics vary from semester to semester and are often connected to current debates or ongoing research.

Materials

Participants are not required to engage with a fixed curriculum. Suggested readings may be provided in connection with individual lectures for those wishing to explore topics in greater depth.

Learning Objectives

The lecture series aims to:

  • Provide accessible entry points into academic topics
  • Stimulate intellectual curiosity and public engagement
  • Encourage reflection across disciplinary boundaries

Assessment

There is no formal assessment associated with the Public Lectures series. Participants may attend individual lectures or follow the series as a whole.

Enrolment

Liberal studies courses are open to all interested students. No previous academic qualifications are required. Courses are offered in English. Please contact us to enquire about the current term's schedule.

Academic Credit

Liberal studies courses do not carry ECTS credits. Students seeking formal academic credit should consider our Academic Programmes.