Political Science Heidelberg University

Overview

To this extent, Political Science is the designation for scholarly analysis of the “striving for a share of power or for influence on the distribution of power” (Max Weber) and the binding settlement of societal conflicts over desired values and goods in domestic policy, foreign policy, and international relations. 

In Germany, Political Science was only established to any significant degree as a scholarly discipline after World War Two. However, its traditions are in part much older. Ultimately, philosophical engagement with policy and politics dates back to the theories of governance advanced by the Greek philosophers of antiquity, notably Plato and Aristoteles. But Political Science also has a younger component. As a social science, it is a modern empirical discipline initially established largely in the United States and Europe.

The Political Science programme from Heidelberg University consists of a variety of modules, typically made up of two courses and their associated examinations, for which students normally earn ten credits.

Career

Political scientists find employment in the following areas:  

• editorial departments of newspapers and publishing companies 

• radio and television broadcasting 

• public administration 

• political institutions like the Federal German Parliament and the regional parliaments 

• political parties, political foundations, labour unions and associations 

• institutions for adult education 

• market and opinion research institutes 

• public relations agencies 

• organisations for development cooperation 

• universities and research institutes