STUDY Guide Master Program Politics, Economics and Philosophy (M.Sc.) School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences Gateway to the world of Science MSc PEP Studienfuehrer 4.indd 1 07.07.10 13:36:57 Uhr
2 Subject to errors and changes. The information is as of June 2010. Design: klutegrafikdesign www.klute.se Picture: istockphoto (cover) MSc PEP Studienfuehrer 4.indd 2 07.07.10 13:36:57 Uhr
CONTENTS 3 Contents Welcome........................................................................ 4 1. Master Program Politics, Economics and Philosophy........................................... 4 1.1 Objectives and Structure of the Master Program............................................... 4 1.2 Curriculum....................................................................... 5 1.3 Compulsory Modules................................................................ 5 1.4 Registration for Courses.............................................................. 8 1.5 Assessment...................................................................... 8 1.6 Master Thesis..................................................................... 8 1.7 Master Degree.................................................................... 8 1.8 Part-Time Study.................................................................... 9 2. General Information and Advice for Students................................................. 9 2.1 STiNE.......................................................................... 9 2.2 Welcome Day..................................................................... 9 2.3 Office of Student Affairs (Studienbüro)..................................................... 9 2.4 Student Center Zentrum für Studierende................................................. 10 2.5. Central Academic Advising and Psychological Counselling Services (ZSPB).............................. 10 2.6 Libraries of the School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences................................... 10 2.7 Further Information on the M.Sc. Program PEP............................................... 10 MSc PEP Studienfuehrer 4.indd 3 07.07.10 13:36:57 Uhr
4 welcome Dear students, We welcome you to the master program Politics, Economics and Philosophy (PEP) at the University of Hamburg and wish you a successful start into your course of study. You have selected a challenging interdisciplinary program that will at the same time deepen and complement the knowledge you have acquired with your bachelor degree. This study guide will provide you with some essential information about PEP (the curriculum, assessments etc.) and it is meant to support you in the successful completion of the program. If you have questions that are not answered in this study guide, please do not hesitate to contact the staff at the Office of Student Affairs (Studienbüro), the PEP program director and the professors and research associates teaching in PEP. We are looking forward to a fruitful collaboration with you! Anke Gerber Program Director Yamina Ehrt Program Coordinator 1. Master Program Politics, Economics and Philosophy 1.1 Objectives and Structure of the Master Program The major theme of the program Politics, Economics and Philosophy (PEP) is the analysis of individual and collective decisions which will be studied from the perspective of the three disciplines involved. Students will learn how to combine insights from political science, economics and philosophy in order to solve decision problems arising in such diverse areas as politics, corporate governance, international relations and others. PEP is a research-oriented master program and it aims to provide a thorough and rigorous training in modern theories and methods in political science, economics and philosophy. On the one hand PEP is designed for students who subsequently intend to enter a Ph.D. program in one of the three disciplines and who want to pursue an interdisciplinary approach in their research. On the other hand PEP addresses students who want to pursue a career in the public sector, a private enterprise or in national and international organizations. The program duration is two years (four semesters). In each of the first three semesters the students attend disciplinary courses in political science, economics and philosophy as well as interdisciplinary seminars in economics and political science or philosophy. The fourth semester is devoted to the master thesis. MSc PEP Studienfuehrer 4.indd 4 07.07.10 13:36:57 Uhr
Master Program Politics, Economics and Philosophy (M.Sc.) 5 1.2 Curriculum The PEP curriculum consists of electives, six compulsory modules and a master thesis. The electives and compulsory modules have to be completed within the first three semesters while the master thesis is written in the fourth semester. In addition there is a non-compulsory preparatory course in Intermediate Microeconomics which takes place as a block course before the start of the regular courses in the first semester. This course is particularly recommended to those students who do not have a bachelor degree in economics. The electives can be chosen from a list of courses offered by the School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences as well as from the School of Humanities. In each semester the list of courses that are eligible for the PEP electives is published in STiNE. Students have to acquire a total of 120 credit points (CP) for the successful completion of the PEP program. These 120 CP are distributed across the electives, compulsory modules and the master thesis as follows: Compulsory Modules: Module 1: Module 2: Module 3: Module 4: Module 5: Module 6: Electives: Master Thesis: Methodology and History of Ideas Philosophy and Economics of Individual and Social Choice Individual and Collective Decisions Institutions in Economic and Political Perspective Interdisciplinary Seminar in Philosophy and Economics Interdisciplinary Seminar in Politics and Economics 78 CP 12 CP 12 CP 12 CP 18 CP 12 CP 12 CP 12 CP 30 CP 1.3 Compulsory Modules In the following we provide a brief description of the compulsory modules. For more details please have a look at the Fachspezifische Bestimmungen für den Masterstudiengang Politics, Economics and Philosophy (in German only). Module 1: Methodology and History of Ideas This module gives an overview of modern epistemology and the philosophy of science. Students learn to deliberate over the methodological background of the disciplines, they acquire deep knowledge of the history of economic thought and they learn how to interpret scientific papers on economic theory in view of the history of economic thought and the history of ideas. Courses in Module 1 Epistemology/Methodology of Social Sciences Semester 1. SWS (hours/week) 2 History of Economic Thought Semester 1. SWS (hours/week) 3 Module 2: Philosophy and Economics of Individual and Social Choice This module is devoted to the analysis of distributive justice and social welfare. Students learn how to analyze decision processes in national, international and supranational institutions in a positive as well as in a normative way. Courses in Module 2 Social Choice and Welfare Semester 1. SWS (hours/week) 3 Students are required to be present during class time in all courses except for the preparatory course in Intermediate Microeconomics. You must not miss more than 15% of the classes in a module in order to complete it. Ethics Semester 1. SWS (hours/week) 2 MSc PEP Studienfuehrer 4.indd 5 07.07.10 13:36:57 Uhr
6 Master Program Politics, Economics and Philosophy (M.Sc.) Module 3: Individual and Collective Decisions In this module students acquire basic knowledge in the normative and descriptive theory of individual and collective decisions. They learn how to analyze the functioning of modern states and their institutions and to apply the theories to specific political problems. Courses in Module 3 Public Choice Semester 2. SWS (hours/week) 3 Behavioral Economics Semester 3. SWS (hours/week) 3 Courses in Module 4 International Political Economy Semester 2. SWS (hours/week) 3 Economics and Politics of Institutions Semester 3. SWS (hours/week) 3 Political Philosophy/Political Theory Semester 3. SWS (hours/week) 2 Module 5: Interdisciplinary Seminar in Philosophy and Economics Module 4: Institutions in Economic and Political Perspective In this module students develop the capacity to analyze the effect of institutions on individual and collective decisions against the background of economic and political theory. They learn how to analyze specific national and international organizations and the legal texts and contracts they are subject to. Moreover, students learn how to apply modern political theories to questions of welfare economics and individual and collective decision processes and they are trained in deriving and justifying normative positions based upon these theories. In this interdisciplinary seminar methods and results from philosophy and economics are applied, consolidated and contrasted in view of specific individual and collective decision problems. Interdisciplinary Seminar in Philosophy and Economics Semester 2. SWS (hours/week) 2 CP (Credit Points) 12 Module 6: Interdisciplinary Seminar in Politics and Economics In this interdisciplinary seminar methods and results from politics and economics are applied, consolidated and contrasted in view of specific individual and collective decision problems. Interdisciplinary Seminar in Politics and Economics Semester 3. SWS (hours/week) 2 CP (Credit Points) 12 MSc PEP Studienfuehrer 4.indd 6 07.07.10 13:36:58 Uhr
Master Program Politics, Economics and Philosophy (M.Sc.) 7 The following figure gives an overview of the modules taught in PEP: Courses Modules CP 1 Intermediate Microeconomics (Preparatory Coursel) 2 Methodology and History of Ideas 12 2 Philosophy and Economics of 12 Individual and Social Choice 2 Individual and Collective Decisions 12 3 Institutions in Economic and Political 18 Perspective 1 Interdisciplinary Seminar in Philosophy 12 and Economics 1 Interdisciplinary Seminar in Politics 12 and Economics * Electives 12 2 Master Thesis 30 Sum 120 *The final number of electives to be completed depends on the credit points for each course. Overall, 12 credit points have to be obtained. Credit points for selected courses may vary. Preparatory Course Electives Elective (6CP) Elective (6CP) Disciplinary Modules Intermediate Microeconomics (bloc seminar) Overview of the program s curriculum 1. Semester 2. Semester 3. Semester 4. Semester History of Economic Thought (6CP) Epistemology/ Methodology of Social Sciences (6CP) Social Choice and Welfare (6CP) Ethics (6CP) Public Choice (6CP) International Political Economy (6CP) Interdisciplinary Seminar (12CP) Behavioural Economics (6CP) Economics and Politics of Institutions (6CP) Political Philosophy/ Political Theory (6CP) Interdisciplinary Seminar (12CP) Master Thesis (30CP) MSc PEP Studienfuehrer 4.indd 7 07.07.10 13:36:58 Uhr
8 Master Program Politics, Economics and Philosophy (M.Sc.) 1.4 Registration for Courses Students have to register for modules and courses in STiNE. Registration is possible within a specific period that is announced on www.info.stine.uni-hamburg.de. Observe that you first have to register for a module and only then you can register for specific courses in the module. PEP students are guaranteed to always get a place in the courses of the compulsory modules. However, there may be participation constraints in the elective courses and if there are more applications than places students are admitted according to some allocation rule like, for example, a random assignment. 1.5 Assessment At the beginning of each course the instructor will announce the form of the assessment in the course. In disciplinary courses there is usually a written exam at the end of the semester. In interdisciplinary seminars the assessment usually consists of a combination of an essay, an oral presentation and a final written exam. The instructor may also assign particular course work to the students (short essays, problem sets, oral presentations etc.) and approve only those students for the final exam who have completed the assigned tasks. The instructor can give a bonus for particular achievements in the course work. The bonus can improve the final grade for the course by up to 0.7 points. If the assessment is in form of a final written exam, there are two examination dates: one at the end of the lecture period of the given semester and one at the end of the break before the next semester starts. Students are required to take the first examination date and they are automatically registered for the first exam when they register for a course. The second examination date is reserved for those students who have not passed the exam at the first examination date. Please observe that an exam is always graded as failed if a student has registered for the exam but does not participate in the exam. In case of illness students immediately have to submit a doctor s certificate to the Studienbüro. The results of the exams are published in STiNE. German grading system is as follows: 1 = very good is granted for an excellent performance 2 = good is granted for a performance that is well above average 3 = satisfactory is granted for an average performance 4 = sufficient is granted for a performance that is just sufficient to pass despite some deficiencies 5 = insufficient means that the student has failed The For a more differentiated assessment interim grades are allowed, where the integer grades are increased or decreased by 0.3 points. Observe, however, that the grades 0.7, 4.3, 4.7 and 5.3 are not allowed. The final grade for a module is the weighted average of the grades for the single courses in the module, where the weight of a course is given by the number of credit points acquired with the course. 1.6 Master Thesis The fourth semester is devoted to the master thesis. Students are admitted to the master thesis if they have acquired at least 72 credit points, where 12 credit points have been obtained in inter-disciplinary seminars. Students must apply for admission to the master thesis not later than 6 weeks after passing all modules. The master thesis must be completed within 6 months after filing. It must be written in English. 30 credit points are granted for the successful completion of the master thesis. 1.7 Master Degree The degree Master of Science (M.Sc.) is awarded to those students who have acquired 120 credit points in the PEP program. The final grade is the weighted average of the grades for all modules (including electives) and the master thesis, where the weight for a module, resp. the master thesis, is given by the number of credit points acquired with the module, resp. the master thesis. MSc PEP Studienfuehrer 4.indd 8 07.07.10 13:36:58 Uhr
General Information and Advice for students 9 1.8 Part-Time Study Students who are working at least 15 but no more than 19 hours per week, who have children or who have to nurse family members that are in need of care, are well advised to study part-time. If you study part-time, your workload is reduced by one half and you can complete the courses in two semesters that normally have to be completed in only one semester. Part-time study is not possible during the final semester: The master thesis has to be completed within 6 months. 2. General Information and Advice for Students 2.1 STiNE STiNE (www.stine.uni-hamburg.de) is a campus-wide integrated software that administers studying and teaching at the University of Hamburg. STiNE allows students to register online for modules, courses and exams, to download course material and to receive messages from instructors and the Student Affairs Office. 2.2 Welcome Day Before the start of the winter term, the School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences organizes a Welcome Day for students of the M.Sc. Economics programme. During the Welcome Day, students receive comprehensive information on the master programme, the School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences and the University of Hamburg. For those students who attend the Welcome Day the obligation to consult the study advisory service is waived. 2.3 Office of Student Affairs (Studienbüro) The staff at the Office of Student Affairs (Studienbüro) Business and Economics provides students with information and advice on: administration of study assessments study and examination guidelines and regulations course registration advisory service for prospective students You may also consult the Office of Student Affairs for advice concerning your course of study. Contact: Studienbüro Wirtschaftswissenschaften Von-Melle-Park 5 Entrance C/ Ground Floor 20146 Hamburg MSc PEP Studienfuehrer 4.indd 9 07.07.10 13:36:58 Uhr
10 General Information and Advice for students 2.4 Student Center Zentrum für Studierende The Student Center is a service center for applicants and current students. It is responsible for registration and exmatriculation procedures as well as for applications to part-time study and application for leaves of absence. The center also administers your semester certificates, replacement certificates and many other things. Contact: Student Center/Team Student Affairs Alsterterasse 1 20354 Hamburg http://www.verwaltung.uni-hamburg.de/vp-1/3/33/332. html 2.5. Central Academic Advising and Psychological Counselling Services (ZSPB) The Central Academic Advising and Psychological Counselling Services offer a manifold range of services from information events to group counselling. On a regular basis, it organises seminars and workshops to develop students personal strengths and professional qualifications. For personal questions and problems affecting your studies, you can turn to the psychological counselling services. Contact: Central Academic Advising and Psychological Counselling Alsterterrasse 1 20354 Hamburg http://www.verwaltung.uni-hamburg.de/vp-1/3/34/ index_e.html 2.6 Libraries of the School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences The School s specialised library of Business Studies and Economics (Fachbibliothek Wirtschaftwissenschaften), the German National Library of Economics (ZBW) Leibniz Information Centre for Economics and many other libraries situated in Hamburg connect you to a great selection of academic literature in both print and digital version. For further information, please visit: http://www.wiso.uni-hamburg.de/fachbereiche/ sozialoekonomie/bibliotheken/ (overview of libraries in Hamburg) http://www.zbw.eu/index-e.html (Homepage of the German National Library of Economics (ZBW) Leibniz Information Centre for Economics) http://www.wiso.uni-hamburg.de/bibliotheken/ fachbibliotheken/wirtschaftswissenschaften/startseite/ (Homepage Fachbibliothek Wirtschaftswissenschaften) 2.7 Further Information on the M.Sc. Program PEP For further information, you may also visit our website: http://www.wiso.uni-hamburg.de/msc-pep MSc PEP Studienfuehrer 4.indd 10 07.07.10 13:36:59 Uhr
for your notes 11 MSc PEP Studienfuehrer 4.indd 11 07.07.10 13:36:59 Uhr
School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences School of BusinesS, Economics and Social Sciences Universität Hamburg Von-Melle-Park 5 D - 20146 Hamburg www.wiso.uni-hamburg.de Fachbereich Sozialwissenschaften (Department of Social Sciences) Allende Platz 1 AP 1 Hallerstraße HALLERSTR. U-Bahn Regionales Rechenzentrum (Computer Center) RRZ Schlüterstraße 10 Fachbereich Sozialökonomie (Department of Socio Economics) Von-Melle-Park 9 VMP 9 Rentzelstraße Metrobus 4 / 5 Grindelhof Grindelallee An der Verbindungsbahn Von- Melle- Park Schlüterstraße Rothenbaumchaussee Philosophenturm (Department of Philosophy) Von-Melle-Park 6 VMP 6 AudiMax Mensa Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Carl von Ossietzky (National and University Library) Stabi Fernsehturm Fachbereiche Volkswirtschaftslehre und Betriebswirtschaftslehre (Departments of Economics and Business Administration) Von-Melle-Park 5 VMP 5 Congress Centrum Edmund-Siemers-Allee DAMMTOR Fernbahn/S-Bahn Uni-Hauptgebäude (Main University Building) Edmund-Siemers-Allee 1 ESA 1 Uni-Hauptgebäude West-Flügel (Main University Building, West Wing) Edmund-Siemers-Allee 1 ESA 1 Gateway to the world of Science MSc PEP Studienfuehrer 4.indd 12 07.07.10 13:37:0 Uhr