Compulsory Modules Across Specializations
The module consists of the lecture "Heterodox Economics" and the seminar "Mainstream Economics."
The lecture covers various schools of thought within heterodox economics, including post-Keynesian theories, neo-Marxist theories, ecological economics, and feminist economics. Students receive an introduction to these schools of thought and learn to apply their perspectives to various economic policy issues in the areas of transformation and sustainability. In addition to lectures by the instructors, the course is supplemented by interactive methods such as small-group work and discussions. Relevant texts are provided for further reading.
The seminar focuses on a critical examination of mainstream economics. In this context, central economic theories from neoclassical and mainstream economics are analyzed and critically examined. The content is explored either through text readings or through student presentations.
Instructor: Dr. Steffen Lange
Frequency: Winter semester
The module consists of the lecture “Theoretical Foundations of Economics” and the methods seminar “Quantitative and Qualitative Methods in Pluralist Economics.”
In the lecture, fundamental concepts of the philosophy of science are taught and examined in relation to the practice of economic research. Students learn about fundamental epistemological and methodological approaches and their strengths and weaknesses (e.g., Popper, Friedman, Kuhn, Lakatos). In addition, selected topics of particular relevance to economic research are critically introduced, such as the use of models, evidence-based research, and replication, as well as neutrality, objectivity, and subjective value judgments. Furthermore, the role of economics within the social sciences is examined. Finally, the course introduces and examines approaches to pluralist economics grounded in the philosophy of science (e.g., interested pluralism).
The methods seminar teaches mathematical, statistical, and qualitative skills. The respective approaches are introduced as a “pragmatic toolbox” using practical examples and current economic issues. In addition to their possibilities, the limitations of applied empirical methods are also examined.
Instructor: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Svenja Flechtner
Frequency: Winter semester and summer semester
The module consists of the lecture "Theories of Change and Persistence" and the seminar "Theories of Transformation and Transition."
The lecture provides an overview and a broad introduction to theories of economic, political, and social change. It demonstrates how various theories from economics, the social sciences, and history explain, analyze, and predict transformation, change, and persistence. Particular emphasis is placed on the limitations and possibilities of operationalization and forecasting.
The seminar “Theories of Transformation and Transition” examines, from a social science perspective, key theoretical approaches to socio-ecological transformation, focusing in particular on explanations of how economic and social change can occur. To this end, the seminar covers various theories of transformation and transition, such as the “Great Transformation” (e.g., Polanyi) and historical perspectives on profound social change, the multi-level perspective on socio-technical change (e.g., Geels), or theoretical approaches to crises and upheavals in capitalism (e.g., Brand). In the seminar, these theoretical approaches will be critically examined and applied to and discussed in the context of current transformation processes (e.g., the energy transition, the mobility transition, sustainable agriculture). A key focus is on the conditions, dynamics, and conflicts that influence transformations, as well as on the role of the state, the economy, and civil society in these processes.
Instructor: PD Dr. Christian Franke
Frequency: Summer semester
The module consists of the lecture "Sustainable Business" and the seminar "Sustainability Strategies." It offers an introduction to sustainable business and examines various definitions and interpretations of the term. In addition to a historical overview, the module covers key concepts of social and environmental sustainability. A key focus is on the sustainability strategies of efficiency, consistency, and sufficiency, as well as their application at the individual, corporate, collective, and governmental levels. In addition, sustainability transformations in various sectors—such as energy, mobility, industry, and agriculture—are analyzed. Students thus gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities of sustainable economic practices, as well as possible paths to transformation.
Instructor: Associate Professor Dr. Niko Paech
Frequency: Summer semester
Modules in the Social-Ecological Transformation Track
Modules in the "Pluralistic Economics" Track
The module consists of the lecture "Economic and Environmental History" and the seminar "History of Economic Thought."
The lecture “Economic and Environmental History” introduces students to historical methods (e.g., hermeneutics, interviews with contemporary witnesses) and theories (e.g., the time model, path dependencies). Using examples from general economic and environmental history—such as the interdependencies between industrial development and environmental consumption—it explores the historically conditioned complexity of (economic and environmental policy) developments and decision-making situations. It demonstrates that developments in economic and environmental history (including in current decision-making situations) are embedded in social, political, technological, and environmental historical contexts.
The seminar “History of Economic Thought” offers a broad introduction to the development of the economy and its theoretical reflection (economic thought) within its economic, political, technological, legal, and sociocultural contexts. Using selected texts, the seminar presents the key eras and concepts in the history of economic theory and its most influential thinkers (e.g., Smith, Marx, Keynes, Hayek). The theoretical framework is also examined in light of the thinkers’ respective biographies and placed within its historical context. In this way, theoretical debates and the significance of economic policy advice—both historically and in the present—are discussed.
Instructor: PD Dr. Christian Franke
Frequency: Winter semester
The module consists of the lecture “Theory of Money and Financial Markets” and the reading course “Key Texts on the Theory of Money and Financial Markets.” It examines the role of money and financial markets in the socio-ecological transformation. The lecture covers the fundamental workings of the monetary and financial system and engages in a critical examination of mainstream theories such as monetarism and the efficient market hypothesis. The goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the actual mechanisms and institutional structures of the monetary and financial system. Alternative approaches and reform proposals are also discussed. In addition to traditional teaching methods, interactive elements such as group work and case studies are used.
The seminar focuses on the connection between the monetary and financial system and the socio-ecological transformation. Students analyze current challenges and concepts, such as sustainable finance, green bonds, and impact investing. The course content is explored through the reading of academic texts, student presentations, and practical case studies and discussions.
Instructors: Prof. Dr. Ekkehard Köhler and Elsa Egerer
Frequency: Winter semester
The project module offers students the opportunity to collaborate with organizations (NGOs, foundations, etc.) or companies in a practical setting and to address real-world problems in the areas of sustainability, business, and society. Working in small teams, students collaborate with an organization for one semester to address specific challenges posed by that organization. Interaction with partner organizations is a central component of the module and enables a close integration of theory and practice.
The module is broadly divided into the following phases:
- Kick-off: Problem statements and project objectives are discussed together with the organization(s).
- Theoretical Framework: Introduction to scientific methods for addressing and analyzing specific projects or companies.
- Project work: Students analyze problems and develop potential solutions, supported by reflection and feedback sessions with the organizations.
- Presentation & Conclusion: Presentation of the results, e.g., at a joint conference or in a final report.
Instructor: Dr. Steffen Lange
Frequency: Winter semester
The module consists of the lecture "Distribution and Transformation" and the case study seminar "Distribution and Transformation." It examines the relationship between economic distribution, sustainability, and processes of social transformation. Distribution in this context encompasses income, wealth, and, where applicable, other socioeconomic resources. Students learn about fundamental connections between socioeconomic and ecological sustainability goals and processes. Potential conflicts of interest and synergies at the local, regional, national, and global levels are examined. Normative and political-economic considerations (e.g., climate justice, just transition, redistribution, acceptance) are also introduced. The lecture, accompanied by a seminar, provides an overview, while the case study seminar explores selected issues in greater depth. In the case study seminar, either a cross-semester focus topic is selected, or students examine a wide range of selected cases and issues.
Instructor: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Svenja Flechtner
Frequency: Summer semester
The module consists of the lecture “Political Economy” and the seminar “Power and Transformation.” It examines the role of political economy and power relations in processes of social transformation. The lecture covers key theories of political economy. Students examine political decision-making processes, power structures, and the interplay between politics and economics that shape social change. The course explores how economic and political institutions influence transformations and which actors play a key role in them. The lecture combines traditional teaching methods with interactive elements such as case studies, group work, and discussions.
The seminar delves deeper into the connections between political economy and power structures in specific transformation processes. Students analyze current case studies from areas such as climate policy and social justice. Both academic texts and practical studies are drawn upon. The course content is covered through activities such as reading assignments, student presentations, and discussions.
Instructor: various
Frequency: irregular
The module consists of the lecture "The Productive Sphere from the Perspective of Pluralistic Macroeconomic Theories" and the seminar "Economic Policy." It focuses on the productive sphere of the economy (i.e., activities that are remunerated in monetary terms). The module covers heterodox macroeconomic theories, such as post-Keynesian or Neo-Marxian theories. Using these theories, the module examines macroeconomic issues such as economic growth, digitalization, income distribution, inflation, sectoral change, employment, and/or international trade. In particular, it analyzes the role of the state in influencing and steering these aspects. Building on this, various economic systems and economic policy concepts are discussed, for example from the fields of the digital economy, post-growth economics, sustainable public finance, or the coordination of monetary, labor, and exchange rate policies.
Instructor: Dr. Steffen Lange
Frequency: Summer semester
The module consists of the lecture “The Reproductive Sphere” and the seminar “Economic Policy Implications of the Reproductive Sphere.” It focuses on the reproductive sphere of the economy—that is, the activities that create the fundamental prerequisites for economic activity but often remain unpaid or undervalued. These include, in particular, care work and ecological processes. The module covers heterodox economic theories, including feminist economics, ecological economics, and institutional economic approaches. Using these theories, the course addresses macroeconomic issues such as the unequal distribution of care work, the interactions between the economy and nature, social reproduction, and the dependence of economic processes on ecological resources.
Particular emphasis is placed on the role of state and societal institutions in the recognition, regulation, and financing of the reproductive sphere. Building on this, economic policy concepts are discussed, such as the care economy, the equitable distribution of reproductive labor, and the integration of ecological limits into economic policy decision-making processes.
Instructor: Dr. Friederike Habermann
Frequency: Winter semester
The module consists of the lecture "International Economic Relations, Development, and Sustainability" and the case study seminar "International Economic Relations, Development, and Sustainability." It examines the economics of global economic relations and human development from a critical and pluralistic perspective—while also exploring how these can be shaped within planetary boundaries. Students learn both to critically reflect on the concept of “development” and to gain a deep understanding of the structural dimensions of international economic relations. Particular attention is paid to issues of global institutions, power asymmetries, and historically entrenched dependencies—such as the colonial origins of economic inequality, mechanisms of structural exploitation, or the role of international economic orders. Added to this is the ecological dimension: global economic structures are also examined in terms of how they contribute to the overstepping of planetary boundaries and what distributional conflicts arise as a result between countries and actors. Specific fields such as trade, financial systems, taxation, supply chains, and geoeconomics serve as examples to illustrate overarching interconnections. The perspectives represented in the module—ranging from institutional economics to dependency and imperialism theories to ecological-economic approaches—are deliberately positioned in a productive tension with one another. Against this backdrop, strategies for shaping global economic relations and improving living standards are examined not only for their effectiveness but also for their normative foundations, political prerequisites, and ecological implications.
Instructor: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Svenja Flechtner
Frequency: Summer semester
This module offers students the opportunity to acquire knowledge on specific topics and skills in the field of plural macroeconomics outside the regular curriculum. The content is based on the courses available for this module outside the regular curriculum. The available courses are published online in the course catalog each semester before classes begin.
Instructor: various
Frequency: irregular
Modules in the "Sustainable Businesses and Organizations" track
The project module offers students the opportunity to collaborate with organizations (NGOs, foundations, etc.) or companies in a practical setting and to address real-world problems in the areas of sustainability, business, and society. Working in small teams, students collaborate with an organization for one semester to address specific challenges posed by that organization. Interaction with partner organizations is a central component of the module and enables a close integration of theory and practice.
The module is broadly divided into the following phases:
- Kick-off: Problem statements and project objectives are discussed together with the organization(s).
- Theoretical Framework: Introduction to scientific methods for addressing and analyzing specific projects or companies.
- Project work: Students analyze problems and develop potential solutions, supported by reflection and feedback sessions with the organizations.
- Presentation & Conclusion: Presentation of the results, e.g., at a joint conference or in a final report.
Instructor: Dr. Steffen Lange
Frequency: Winter semester
The module consists of the lecture "Advanced Organizational Development" and the seminar "Accompanying Research in Organizations."
In a practical seminar, students will work in groups of up to 12 to address specific questions. The goal of this seminar will be to seek answers to three central questions:
1. What corporate culture is inherent in a company, and how can it be analyzed?
2. Which models help in describing it, and how can these theories be applied practically in the analysis?
3. What options exist for shaping a corporate culture?
A local company serves as a practice partner and allows the students to conduct research on it. Over the course of a semester, students will examine the partner company in greater detail. The “exploration” of the company takes place on various levels, such as through site visits, interviews with employees, and the analysis of existing materials—including promotional materials and the company’s online presence across various channels. The results of these empirical analyses can then be compared with theoretical models, allowing students to draw conclusions about the company’s current corporate culture. The insights gained from the company will be analyzed through teamwork.
To accomplish this, the seminar covers topics such as organizational development and analysis, leadership, motivation, and the concept of human nature, as well as the design and conduct of qualitative interviews.
Students will work on different topics but will combine their work into a single group project. In addition to a written report, they will also create a presentation, which will be presented to the industry partner at the end of the course.
Instructor: Dr. Robert Kebbekus
Frequency: Winter semester
The module consists of the lecture "Business and Corporate Ethics" and the seminar "Case Studies in Business and Corporate Ethics."
Key topics covered in the "Business and Corporate Ethics" lecture include: fundamental ethical concepts, ethics of responsibility, procedural ethics, ethics of dialogue, integrative business ethics, corporate social responsibility, sustainability and vital systems, fair business practices on a global scale, utility and legitimacy, as well as specific case studies.
In the seminar, students analyze case studies on business and corporate ethics.
Instructor: Prof. Dr. Christoph Schank
Frequency: Summer semester
The module consists of the lecture "Sustainability and Transformation Processes in Social Systems" and the seminar "Application of the Methods Learned in the Context of Researching a Company/Organization."
The module covers the following learning objectives:
- Fundamental theoretical and practical knowledge of relevant transformation theories and their application in counseling psychology
- Assessment of different corporate cultures with regard to transformation processes
- Differences in leadership and motivational cultures, as well as in internal and external communication
- Theoretical and practical knowledge of forms of intervention and their application in change processes
- Defining and assessing one’s own role in transformation processes
- Cultural analyses based on qualitative interviews within the processes and systems affected by change
- Skills in justifying and presenting process results for use in change consulting
- Application of the acquired theoretical and methodological knowledge in collaboration with a practice partner
Instructor: T.B.A.
Frequency: Summer semester
The module consists of the lecture “Fundamentals of Innovation and Transformation Theory” and the seminar “Shaping Processes of Organizational and Social Change.”
The lecture provides an overview that uses historical and current case studies to distinguish between different forms of change processes initiated by civil society. The respective contextual conditions, triggers, constellations of actors, patterns of action, and facilitating and inhibiting factors are examined. Both successful and failed transformation processes are analyzed theoretically and conceptually. A normative and democracy-theoretical framework is provided to identify criteria for discussing the legitimacy of decentralized, often “bottom-up” changes or those initiated by NGOs. The course also addresses external options for political and financial support for actors focused on transformation. The competencies, resources, management tools, facilitation techniques, and concepts required within organizations—including employee training (including empowerment), the development of communication and networking strategies, and the planning and design of concrete innovation and transformation processes—are also explored in depth and addressed from a theoretical perspective.
In the seminar, students acquire practical skills related to civil society transformation. This includes aspects of association law, the establishment of organizations, grant law, and nonprofit status. The course also addresses the acquisition of financial and other resources, particularly funding opportunities and other financing models. Finally, the seminar explores opportunities for the self-organization of civil society actors and structures, including the recruitment and empowerment of volunteers. The creation of a sense of ownership is also explored in depth.
Instructor: T.B.A.
Frequency: irregular
The module consists of the lecture “Transformative Entrepreneurship” and the seminar “Needs-Oriented Economic Activity Beyond Profit Maximization.”
Lecture: The history of entrepreneurship is traced using various theoretical approaches from the social and economic sciences. This yields ideal-typical characteristics, patterns of action, and systems of goals for dominant forms of enterprise, which extend, for example, to the following levels: Technological advancement and the industrial division of labor, the market as an allocation system, private property (capital and goods), profit orientation, reciprocal exchange, hierarchical decision-making and organizational structures, monetization of all forms of performance, competition orientation, and the externalization of social and environmental costs. Transformative economic and corporate forms are described and classified based on their respective deviations from this traditional reference model. Finally, the seminar discusses the conditions under which such deviant economic structures can be stabilized in the long term.
Seminar: Participants analyze various case studies of the forms of business and public services presented in the lecture.
Instructor: T.B.A.
Frequency: Summer semester
The module consists of the lecture “Stages of Development in Goods Production” and the seminar “Value Creation from a Market-Economic and Social Perspective.”
Lecture: The origins of the modern production economy are explored. Building on microeconomic production theory—particularly the underlying systems of objectives—the transition to newer management methods, especially global supply chain management, is examined and critically analyzed. In particular, the limits of the optimization approach are critically explored and examined against the backdrop of a changing reality. Supply chains are analyzed in their current forms based on the transaction cost approach. In contrast to—and in parallel with—market-based value creation systems, the third sector has developed. To justify its existence and stability, a comprehensive analysis of the limitations of market-based, competition-driven systems is required. This is analyzed on the basis of institutional economics. Specifically, this relationship is explored using welfare organizations as providers of social services.
Seminar: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the limitations and design possibilities of the various value creation systems.
Instructor: T.B.A.
Frequency: Summer semester
The module consists of the lecture "Economics and Business Journalism" and the seminar "Seminar on Business Journalism." The lecture focuses on the analysis of business journalism, critically examining both its underlying assumptions regarding content and its linguistic conventions.
- The seminar analyzes how the production and reproduction of a mainstream economic narrative are represented in selected media. In doing so, it identifies key terms from the vocabulary of mainstream-oriented business journalism.
- Imbalances in reporting are examined for their possible causes in the organizational structure of media outlets and in common notions of “objective journalism.”
- Alternative media and forms of presentation are discussed using examples and explored by participants through the writing of their own texts.
The seminar focuses on the practical creation of journalistic texts.
- Issues related to sound journalistic craftsmanship, ethics, and press law are explored, analyzed, and discussed.
- To this end, the focus is on journalistic practice. News stories, commentaries, and features are researched and written, and interviews are conducted and transcribed.
Students also engage intensively with the selection and prioritization of topics, path dependencies in research, and (their own) language and its impact.