300453 Introduction to the Social Studies of Science (MA: Politische Soziologie) (S) (WiSe 2026/2027)

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The sociology of science and the social studies of science is a dynamic field that explores the institutional, organizational, and cultural conditions under which scientific knowledge is produced. It is shaped by various intellectual traditions and draws on insights from disciplines such as ethnology, history, philosophy, and the economics of science.

The aim of this introductory seminar is to provide an overview of the most paradigmatic questions and key research directions in the field, as well as its most influential theoretical approaches. We will read, discuss, and compare several seminal works, relying heavily on examples to make abstract theoretical concepts more accessible.

By the end of the seminar, you should have a solid understanding of the main approaches and a theoretical ‘map’ illustrating how they relate to one another.

Teaching staff

Dates ( Calendar view )

Frequency Weekday Time Format / Place Period  
weekly Mo 10-12   12.10.2026-05.02.2027

Subject assignments

Module Course Requirements  
26-HEPS-EM Introductory Module Einführungsmodul Einführung in die sozialwissenschaftliche Wissenschaftsforschung (Introduction to Social Studies of Science) Study requirement
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- Graded examination Student information
30-M-PW-M2 Public Sphere, Media, and Political Communication Öffentlichkeit, Medien und Politische Kommunikation Öffentlichkeit, Medien und politische Kommunikation a Study requirement
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Öffentlichkeit, Medien und politische Kommunikation b Study requirement
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- Graded examination Student information
30-M-Soz-M5a Political Sociology a Politische Soziologie a Seminar 1 Study requirement
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Seminar 2 Study requirement
Student information
- Graded examination Student information
30-M-Soz-M5b Political Sociology b Politische Soziologie b Seminar 1 Study requirement
Student information
Seminar 2 Study requirement
Student information
- Graded examination Student information
30-M-Soz-M5c Political Sociology c Politische Soziologie c Seminar 1 Study requirement
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Seminar 2 Study requirement
Student information
- Graded examination Student information

The binding module descriptions contain further information, including specifications on the "types of assignments" students need to complete. In cases where a module description mentions more than one kind of assignment, the respective member of the teaching staff will decide which task(s) they assign the students.

Studienleistung
The aim of this seminar is to provide an overview of the different approaches in the social studies of science and to help participants relate them to one another. Additionally, participants should learn to identify the common ground on which these approaches developed, while discussing and balancing their strengths and weaknesses. The requirements for Studienleistung are designed to support this overall goal. In short, active participation is required, which includes:
• Reading and preparing the assigned texts for each session,
• Posting two questions for each reading in the seminar’s forum on eKVV,
• Participating in the discussions during seminar sessions.
Of course, life happens, and circumstances may occasionally prevent participants from attending the seminar. The lecturer will handle such situations in a generous and fair manner. However, it is simply polite to inform the lecturer in advance of any foreseeable absences.

Prüfungsleistung
The requirements for Prüfungsleistung are outlined in the examination regulations:
• For students in the ISoS master’s program, the details can be found here:
https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/einrichtungen/i2sos/heps/Term-papers-ISoS.pdf
• For students in the Sociology master’s program, term papers should be approximately 20-30 pages in length:
http://ekvv.uni-bielefeld.de/sinfo/publ/modul/31152466
Regardless of your master’s program, the length of your term paper neither correlates with nor determines its quality. However, the opposite holds true when it comes to choosing a topic. Therefore, I strongly encourage you to discuss your ideas for a term paper with me, based on a one-page outline that sketches your plan.

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WS2026_300453@ekvv.uni-bielefeld.de
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Last update basic details/teaching staff:
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 
Last update times:
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 
Last update rooms:
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 
Type(s) / SWS (hours per week per semester)
seminar (S) / 2
Department
Faculty of Sociology
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