Composition of the Study Programme
Composition of degree programme
The programme consists of
- the four education and social sciences: sociology, political science, psychology and pedagogy;
- special-needs subjects: two special-needs areas of focus as well as special-needs psychology, diagnostics, inclusive education and learning, remedial teaching German/Mathematics, medical foundations and skills for everyday life at school.
- one teaching subject
- a practical training semester (internships at schools including preparatory and follow-up classes)
Students of Special Needs Education (l5), who started their courses of study before the winter term 2014/15, need to complete an orientation- and a work placement, as well as a school based study (instead of the practical semester). More on this...
Education and social sciences
The study of education and social sciences in this degree programme covers such areas as locations of education and development (e.g. family upbringing, school upbringing); learning theory; the social coexistence of pupils, parents and teachers; and the basics of democracy. These disciplines are constituent parts of this degree programme because teachers are not only there to impart knowledge. It is also their duty to fulfil an important role in children's social development. In order to do this role justice, they must be able to understand and evaluate the structures and processes at play in school and in society as well as in a class and within the development of an individual pupil.
- Pedagogy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Political Science
More information on the contents of the foundation part of the programme can be found in the module plans and descriptions.
Special-needs subjects
Students in Giessen can choose their two areas of focus from the following special-needs subjects:
- learning impairment
- intellectual development
- impairment of emotional-social development (this area of focus can only be chosen as a second subject)
- impairment of speech and talk
Students of learning impairment will teach children and young people who have learning difficulties.
Students of intellectual development will teach children and young people the severity of whose mental handicaps prevent assisted-learning schools from being able to provide enough support, but who can be given practical training to manage their day-to-day lives.
Impairment of emotional-social development will see graduates teach children and young people who resist or close themselves off from socialisation at school to such an extent that they disrupt or endanger their own development and that of their fellow pupils.
Impairment of speech and talk is aimed at all those who suffer from the long-term disruption of their language learning or use of spoken and written language due to limits on their control and use of the mechanisms involved in speech (central nervous system, articulatory organs) and are therefore not only at a disadvantage in day-to-day life and their social and communicative environments but also have problems in their mental development or well-being as a result of the limitations to their participation in their community.
More information on the contents of these areas of focus can be found in the module plans and descriptions.