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Sprachkurs English Social Sciences

Law, Society and Politics in Comparative Perspective

Language Course

Freie Universität Berlin, E-Medien Berlin · Berlin

About the Program

Please visit our website (www.fubis.org) for an overview of all courses offered and for possible updates to the course programme. About this course This course explores theoretical and historical perspectives concerning the intersection of law, society, and politics. It aims to foster discussions regarding contemporary issues among students from different cultures and disciplines. Alongside an introduction to comparative law and legal culture, we will read some classical social theorists (Durkheim, Weber, and Marx) and consider their relevance to contemporary debates about morality, (dis)obedience, conflict, and property. Next, we will investigate the role and operation of law in totalitarian settings such as Nazi Germany and Communist Germany. These historical experiences pose challenges for the periods following World War II (1945) and the collapse of the Communist state system in Central and Eastern Europe after 1989, as these societies and their states changed in response to altered conditions. What challenges do these historical legacies pose for states transitioning away from totalitarian and socialist systems towards a Western model that emphasises democracy, the rule of law, and a market economy? What are the roles of "transitional justice" and "memory laws"? How have these societies changed, and how do these changes affect the development and operation of the legal system? What challenges are posed by freedom of speech and freedom of association? How has political life changed since 1945 and since 1989? How does Germany fit within Europe? Overall, the course aims to develop skills in using theory and history to engage in discussions on contemporary challenges, such as multiculturalism, punishment, squatting, (illegal) downloading / streaming / file sharing, protest, and economic development. Students will gain substantive expertise in various socio- and politico-legal fields and develop their communicative competence through participatory exercises. Additionally, they will develop intercultural competence through discussions with other students.
▶ Show the original English text
Please visit our website (www.fubis.org) for an overview of all courses offered and for possible updates to the course programme. About this course This course explores theoretical and historical perspectives concerning the intersection of law, society, and politics. It aims to foster discussions regarding contemporary issues among students from different cultures and disciplines. Alongside an introduction to comparative law and legal culture, we will read some classical social theorists (Durkheim, Weber, and Marx) and consider their relevance to contemporary debates about morality, (dis)obedience, conflict, and property. Next, we will investigate the role and operation of law in totalitarian settings such as Nazi Germany and Communist Germany. These historical experiences pose challenges for the periods following World War II (1945) and the collapse of the Communist state system in Central and Eastern Europe after 1989, as these societies and their states changed in response to altered conditions. What challenges do these historical legacies pose for states transitioning away from totalitarian and socialist systems towards a Western model that emphasises democracy, the rule of law, and a market economy? What are the roles of "transitional justice" and "memory laws"? How have these societies changed, and how do these changes affect the development and operation of the legal system? What challenges are posed by freedom of speech and freedom of association? How has political life changed since 1945 and since 1989? How does Germany fit within Europe? Overall, the course aims to develop skills in using theory and history to engage in discussions on contemporary challenges, such as multiculturalism, punishment, squatting, (illegal) downloading / streaming / file sharing, protest, and economic development. Students will gain substantive expertise in various socio- and politico-legal fields and develop their communicative competence through participatory exercises. Additionally, they will develop intercultural competence through discussions with other students.

General Requirements

Specific requirements for this program are not in our database yet. The following are typical for this degree and language in Germany — always verify the exact requirements on the program's official page.

Academic qualification

A recognised higher-education entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent). International applicants may need recognition via Anabin and, if not directly eligible, a Studienkolleg + assessment exam (Feststellungsprüfung).

Language

English proficiency (typically IELTS ~6.5 or TOEFL iBT ~90). Basic German is helpful for daily life.

Typical documents

  • Recognised diploma and transcript (certified translations)
  • Language certificate
  • Passport and passport photo
  • Tabular CV (Lebenslauf)
  • Letter of motivation (for many programs)
  • Application via uni-assist / VPD (for most international applicants)

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:

See Social Sciences professions "Political Science"
Explore all professions →

Subjects / Topic Areas

Political Science

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How do I apply to Law, Society and Politics in Comparative Perspective at Freie Universität Berlin, E-Medien?

Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.

  1. Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
  2. Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
  3. Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
  4. Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
  5. Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Law, Society and Politics in Comparative Perspective at Freie Universität Berlin, E-Medien

Is Law, Society and Politics in Comparative Perspective at Freie Universität Berlin, E-Medien taught in German or English? ▼

This Sprachkurs programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Law, Society and Politics in Comparative Perspective programme cost? ▼

1.300 EUR / semester. International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Law, Society and Politics in Comparative Perspective at Freie Universität Berlin, E-Medien? ▼

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline? ▼

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Law, Society and Politics in Comparative Perspective? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Freie Universität Berlin, E-Medien — directly or via uni-assist? ▼

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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