The course introduces students to the basic developments and special features of Germany and the system of social market economy in Germany. It provides students with a broader understanding of their respective internship institutions and the institutions’ work.
Prerequisites:
None
Learning outcomes:
During the course the students will learn to:
explain the basics of social market economy in Germany
understand the social structures and their history
identify organizations representing political and social interests
discuss necessary changes and reforms in the German educational, economic and social system
analyze the situations of women and minorities in Germany
find access to the differences between öffentlich-rechtlichen (public) and private media in Germany
understand values, socialization and mentality structures
draw consequences for their behavior in the German workplace and to understand the behavioral expectations and behavior models in the German workplace in a broader sense
All the desired outcomes, means and methods of assessment are linked. For example: the field studies and the required description of every internship institutions are used to apply the abstract theoretical issues discussed to a concrete setting, which allows students to develop a deeper understanding of the context in which they have been living and working.
Method of presentation:
Classes are based on the use of pre-class guided reading of a relevant text. The reading questions are used to focus the students’ attention on the key learning points.
The required readings are based on a reader with basic reading texts for the course.
Every participant of the course gives a short presentation in the middle of the course and at the end of the course.
There are two field studies, one is guided and one self guided.
Class discussions and debating the experience of the students in the work place.
Coaching students’ research projects in connection with their internship institutions.
Provide consultation time for each single student.
Required work and form of assessment:
Exams: midterm and final in form of presentations
One small discussion paper on topics related to the self-guided field study
A final paper on a topic chosen by the student, but related to the course and the internship institution
Continuous assessment of participation in the course
Informal discussions with the students throughout the course
Consultations
No special prerequisites are expected. In order to complete the course successfully an internship portfolio (including a seminar paper, description of internship institution, interviews, etc.) has to be completed. Final grades will be based on assessment of course participation (10%) midterm examination (15%); the internship portfolio (two short papers, 25%); presentation of the internship project (final 25%); the assessment of the internship institution (25%).
content:
1. German Society
Social structures and their history.
How do historical experiences form society in Germany today?
Criteria for making decisions about business/organization location.
2. Organizations Representing Political and Social Interests
Political parties, Unions, Associations and Foundations. Other Lobbyists.
3. The Educational System
Specifics and Structures. The role of public and private institutions.
The decisive role of education as a developmental resource for Germany.
Germany in international assessment (PISA).
4. The Media
Differences between öffentlich-rechtlichen (public) and private media in Germany.
5. The Social and Economic System
The link between social, economic and political questions in Germany.
Reality and the need for reform.
6. Women in Germany
The job market and the opportunities and chances for women. Terms and conditions.
Women in positions of power and leadership.
7. Foreigners in Germany
The integration of foreigners into German society.
Opportunities and issues especially in the job market.
8. Values
Changing values and the relationship of so-called Prussian virtues and current value-based behavior.
9. Socialization and Mentality Structures. How social is the Market?
East-West ancestry and its meaning for current opportunities and problems in the job market.
New developments since the 1990 German reunification.
Transformation from planned economy to free market economy in former East Germany.
10. Work and Behavior
Behavioral expectations and behavior models in the German workplace.
Required readings:
(assigned from):
A reader is made available with selected readings et al. with a particular focus on the following sources:
Bausinger, H. (2000), Typisch deutsch. Wie deutsch sind die Deutschen? München: Becksche Reihe.
Bolten, J. (Hrsg.) (1995), Cross Culture – Interkulturelles Handeln in der Wirtschaft. Sternenfels – Berlin: Verlag Wissenschaft und Praxis.
Hofstede, G. (1991), Cultures and Organisations. Harper Collins Business.
Sontheimer, K., W. Bleek, Grundzüge des politischen Systems der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Piper Verlag, München 1997.
Schäfers, B., W. Zapf, eds. Handwörterbuch zur Gesellschaft Deutschlands. Bonn 1998. Geißler, Rainer, Die Sozialstruktur Deutschlands. Zur gesellschaftlichen Entwicklung mit einer Zwischenbilanz zur Vereinigung. Bonn 1996.
Reader: Soziale Marktwirtschaft, 2008
Recommended readings:
Gabriel, O. W., O. Niedermayer, R. Stöss, eds. Parteiendemokratie in Deutschland. Bonn 1997.
Glaser, Hermann, Deutsche Kultur. Ein historischer Überblick von 1945 bis zur Gegenwart. Bonn 1997.
Helwig, G., H. M. Nickel, eds. Frauen in Deutschland 1945- 1992. Bonn 1993.
Weidenfeld, W., K.-R. Korte, eds. Handbuch zur deutschen Einheit. Bonn 1996.
The course introduces students to the basic developments and special features of Germany and the system of social market economy in Germany. It provides students with a broader understanding of their respective internship institutions and the institutions’ work.
None
During the course the students will learn to:
All the desired outcomes, means and methods of assessment are linked. For example: the field studies and the required description of every internship institutions are used to apply the abstract theoretical issues discussed to a concrete setting, which allows students to develop a deeper understanding of the context in which they have been living and working.
1. German Society
Social structures and their history.
How do historical experiences form society in Germany today?
Criteria for making decisions about business/organization location.
2. Organizations Representing Political and Social Interests
Political parties, Unions, Associations and Foundations. Other Lobbyists.
3. The Educational System
Specifics and Structures. The role of public and private institutions.
The decisive role of education as a developmental resource for Germany.
Germany in international assessment (PISA).
4. The Media
Differences between öffentlich-rechtlichen (public) and private media in Germany.
5. The Social and Economic System
The link between social, economic and political questions in Germany.
Reality and the need for reform.
6. Women in Germany
The job market and the opportunities and chances for women. Terms and conditions.
Women in positions of power and leadership.
7. Foreigners in Germany
The integration of foreigners into German society.
Opportunities and issues especially in the job market.
8. Values
Changing values and the relationship of so-called Prussian virtues and current value-based behavior.
9. Socialization and Mentality Structures. How social is the Market?
East-West ancestry and its meaning for current opportunities and problems in the job market.
New developments since the 1990 German reunification.
Transformation from planned economy to free market economy in former East Germany.
10. Work and Behavior
Behavioral expectations and behavior models in the German workplace.
(assigned from):
A reader is made available with selected readings et al. with a particular focus on the following sources: