Universität Fribourg Université de Fribourg Suisse | Universität Freiburg Schweiz Course offerings

History of Modern Times

Abstract

In the History of Modern Times Bachelor programme, students deal with the time period from the 16th to the 20th century. Special consideration is thereby given to the development of social norms, the transformation of social networks and the new possibilities of self-expression during this era. The changing images of social order (or disorder) and the functionality of social systems are compared and related to each other.
A special characteristic of the study programme in Fribourg is the early specialisation and in-depth study of the developments of this time. This allows for a depth of focus in the studies that has not been reached in this way before.
The study of modern and contemporary societies is characterised by an intensity of support that cannot be guaranteed by any other German-language university. It is possible to absolve a bilingual course of study.

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Profile of the study programme

The search for the roots of societal institutions, cultural sign systems, economic rules and political conflicts constitute a core interest of historical sciences; another one is the analysis of the otherness of past societies and how they saw themselves and others. As is the case for other study programmes of historical sciences, the study of modern and contemporary societies is intended to give the graduates knowledge and techniques that enable them to become scientifically active in these fields of research.

This goal is attained in a way that is only offered in this form in Fribourg. Instead of a late focusing on an era and a wide offer of methods, this study programme focuses on early specialisation and an in-depth study of the developments between the 16th and 20th century. It combines looking at history up until today with an analysis of those early modern structures that were a precondition for it. Special consideration is thereby given to the development of social norms, the transformation of social networks and the new possibilities of self-expression. The changing image of social order (or disorder) and the functionality of social systems are compared and related to each other. This allows for a depth of focus in the studies that has not been reached in this way before. From the very start, students are given the opportunity to relate the issues of the 20th and the 21st centuries to those from the emerging modern era. They gain the ability to view current and historical problems based on their historical background and methodically get to the heart of them. They learn to weigh different opinions of research against each other, illuminate sources in a critical way, arrange facts, formulate problems and defend theses.

The study of modern and contemporary societies is characterised by an intensity of support that cannot be guaranteed by any other German-language university. Here, lecturers can deal with questions and suggestions from students quickly and extensively. Another special feature is the possibility of absolving a bilingual course of study.

On gaining a Bachelor degree, graduates are free to pursue further specialisation and produce their first scientific work.

Apart from the academic options, the competences that have been acquired are well suited for a wide spectrum of professional activities. Particularly worth mentioning are the fields of journalism, publishing, management consulting and administration.

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

120 ECTS credits + 60 ECTS credits in a minor study programme freely chosen, 6 semesters

Curriculum

http://studies.unifr.ch/go/QgyUs (French)
http://studies.unifr.ch/go/l7ufr (German)

Comments

It is not possible to choose both this study programme and a programme in the fields of History and Contemporary History.

Admission

The following Swiss school-leaving certificates grant admission to Bachelor programmes at the University of Fribourg:

  • Swiss academic Maturity Certificate
  • Swiss vocational or specialised Baccalaureate in conjunction with the supplementary exam certificate from the Swiss Maturity Commission
  • Bachelor Degree from a Swiss university, from an accredited Swiss university of applied sciences (HES/FH) or from a Swiss university of teacher education (HEP/PH)

A complete list of all further recognized Swiss school-leaving certificates is to be found on the webpages of swissuniversities (in French and German only): http://studies.unifr.ch/go/en-admission-swiss-certificates

Foreign upper secondary school-leaving certificates are recognised only if they correspond substantially to the Swiss Maturity Certificate. They must qualify as general education. Foreign school-leaving certificates are considered to be general education if the last three years of schooling include at least six general education subjects, independent from each other, in accordance with the following list:

  1. First language (native language)
  2. Second language
  3. Mathematics
  4. Natural sciences (biology, chemistry or physics)
  5. Humanities and social sciences (geography, history or economics/law)
  6. Elective (an additional language or an additional subject from category 4 or 5)

The general admission requirements to the Bachelor programmes at the University of Fribourg for holders of foreign school-leaving certificates as well as the admission requirements for individual countries are to be found on the webpages of swissuniversities: http://studies.unifr.ch/go/en-admission-countrylist
In addition, foreign candidates must present proof of sufficient language skills in French or German.

The assessment of foreign school-leaving certificates is based on the «CRUS Recommendations for the Assessment of Foreign Upper Secondary School-Leaving Certificates, 7 September 2007» (http://studies.unifr.ch/go/crus07en). The admission requirements are valid for the respective academic year. The Rectorat of the University of Fribourg reserves the right to change these requirements at any time.

Minor study programmes to be chosen

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This study programme is taught partly in French and partly in German. Students must take modules in both languages, which will vary from course to course, but they can prepare their presentation, coursework and exams in the language of their choice (in either French or German).
The programme is composed of core modules and more specialised modules. The core modules, compulsory for all students, provide basic knowledge on all periods of Art History. The more specific modules enable students to broaden their education in three of the four periods of Art History and they can choose an «Archaeology» option with a specific set of classes and internships, which gives them the opportunity of later pursuing a Master's in Archaeology.

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Biochemistry

The Bachelor's programme in biochemistry is devoted to the study of fundamental chemical and physical processes in living organisms. It comprises molecular studies with a specific focus on enzymes and their role as catalysts in chemical reactions. A main interest is the study of cellular functions including the mechanisms involved in cell proliferation and development. Students also learn techniques for analyzing DNA and genetic information as an integral part of the study program. The biochemistry course thus gives students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with practical laboratory methods that are applied in several disciplines. It requires knowledge of the research tools used in chemistry and biology (microscopy, spectrometry, DNA sequencing, etc.). A command of bioinformatics tools is also essential to be able to store, manage and interpret the overwhelming volume of data provided by current analytical techniques.

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Biology

The study of biology imparts knowledge of the fundamental processes on which life – from the simplest bacteria to the human being – is based. This includes development and behaviour of organisms, as well as their interaction with the environment. During the first academic year, students acquire the necessary basic knowledge (general biology, organism biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics). During the second and third years, a choice of specialisation is made, depending on the interest of the student («Biology of Organisms, Evolution and Ecology» or «Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics and Cell Biology»). The two orientations are, however not necessarily separated: They can in part be combined with each other and many lectures and much practical training are common to both. In addition to lectures, the study programme contains exercises, practical training and seminars, as well as writing a Bachelor's thesis in a research unit.

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Business Communication

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The programme comprises a communication module and a specialisation module, chosen by the student, in management, economics or information systems. It then leads to a full Master's level programme in the same topics.
This study programme in Business Communication at the University of Fribourg is unique in its category and offers targeted and highly sought-after academic and professional prospects.

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Chemistry

In this study programme, students deal with the questions of why and how atoms combine to form molecules; they gain basic knowledge of the nature and diversity of chemical bonds and elements and how these are related to the external properties of the materials. But chemistry is not only knowledge; it is also a craft: the future chemists therefore spend much time in laboratories and learn to determine the structure of a material (analysis), synthesise a new material (preparative chemistry), measure the properties of materials with the help of instruments (physical chemistry) or understand and predict these properties with the help of theoretical methods (computational chemistry).
Chemistry is not an isolated science: It uses mathematical tools and has synergies with biology and physics that are becoming increasingly close. For this reason, during the first academic year, courses are also held in these subjects.

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Communication and Media Research

The Bachelor programme in communication and media research teaches essential knowledge about media in modern societies. Our dedicated team offers an excellent scientific education, insights into the daily media business and optimal supervision in small groups. A Bachelor's degree from the University of Fribourg opens up various career options in the media and communication sector.

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Computer Science

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Our approach to informatics is oriented towards problem analysis and solution; teaching takes place in a friendly atmosphere. Students carry out several one-semester projects in which they learn to apply their acquired knowledge successfully in a variety of contexts. Examples of current projects are programming of robots, controlling processes, working with various programming models, and developing multimodal applications for the Internet.
The major study programme in informatics is complemented by minors which can be freely chosen. It is also possible to choose programmes from other university fields of study.
This Bachelor's degree can give access to the Swiss Joint Master in Computer Science offered by the universities of Bern, Neuchâtel and Fribourg.

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Earth Sciences

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This programme provides intensive student care and support.

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Economics

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This course is geared towards teaching and the emphasis is placed first and foremost on the historical and theoretical aspects of these two disciplines. You are advised to choose another subject in addition to this.

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Educational Sciences

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At the Bachelor level, the students acquire all-round theoretical knowledge of academic and social education, socialisation theory and educational psychology. They also learn quantitative and qualitative research methods and, through practical research and workshops as well as seminars geared to the professional context, how to apply the theoretical bases.
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The study programme covers all major fields of Anglophone literature from England and the States, English linguistics, and the historical forms of the English language from Beowulf to the English we use today. Close attention is paid to writing skills and an interdisciplinary approach is a key aspect of the work. Students have an opportunity to learn about medieval women, act in plays, do linguistic field work in sociolinguistics, study English detective fiction, discover the rich intellectual world of the English and European Renaissance, and investigate the American Western or meet contemporary American poets. Students in Linguistics may work with the nationally recognized Research Centre on Multilingualism. Students in Literature are invited to cross-enroll in classes offered by the Institute of Comparative Literature. Scholars of international acclaim are regularly invited to give talks. There are also exchange partnerships with universities in Nebraska, Mississippi, and Arizona.

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Environmental Sciences

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Two study programmes that go beyond the basic course enable the future environmental scientists to specialise either in environmental law or in management of the environment. For the other study programmes, the following focal points are possible: sustainability, ecology, environmental ethics, environmental economy and resources.

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French

The Bachelor in French course offers students a broad foundation, in terms of French and French-language literature, linguistics and the history of the French language. This course opens the way to other disciplines, such as History, Philosophy or Art History.
The course begins with a series of introductory lectures enabling students to become familiar with literary analysis and the history of literature. Emphasis is then placed on acquiring solid methodological foundations including an introduction to critical writing. The course then covers medieval through to classical, modern and contemporary literature.
The course in linguistics is very thorough, ranging from enunciation and the contrastive study of the spoken/written language to lexicon description and text linguistics, including of course the history of language from its origins to modern time.
This programme is open to students for whom French is not their mother tongue, but who have sufficient command of spoken and written French.

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French as a Foreign Language

The Bachelor programme French as a foreign language (FLE) provides theoretical and practical training for teaching FLE to a range of target groups, including children and adults.
The course is delivered through lessons and seminars to consolidate various aspects of students' knowledge of French – linguistics, language acquisition, didactics, culture and interculturality – in relation to teaching and learning.
The Fribourg University's FLE Bachelor programme is based on a multilingual approach in more than one way: the multilingual environment that is a feature of the city of Fribourg, the placing of FLE studies in the «Multilingualism and Foreign Language Education» Domain, and the links with the research conducted at the Institute of Multilingualism.

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Geography

The study of geography provides students with a deeper understanding of processes in nature and society and their increasingly complex interrelationships. Geography is a discipline of great social relevance. For this reason, students are required to address current issues concerning the environment, such as climate change, urbanisation or scarcity of resources.
Students acquire knowledge in the three main branches of geography: human geography, physical geography and geographical information systems. In addition to this they have to write their own research paper.
The geography course at the University of Fribourg pays particular attention to the relevance and concrete applications of the knowledge students have acquired. The study programme provides them with scientifically-grounded, practice-oriented qualifications which open the door to appropriate career opportunities.

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German

At the University of Fribourg, students of German language and literature have access to the entire scope of the field of study, from the historical stages of the German language to today's standard language and dialects, from German-language literature during the Middle Ages to that of the present, from literary theory to literary media studies and its relevant educational theory.
In the Bachelor programme, students acquire knowledge in three fields of study: German Linguistics, which deals with the structure of the German language; German Medieval Studies, which focuses on all types of German texts during the Middle Ages; and German Literary Studies, which deals with German literature from the 16th century to the present day.
In Fribourg, special attention is paid to dialectology and research on language acquisition. Students also have access to interdisciplinary research in medieval studies as well as comparative literary studies.

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German as a Foreign Language

This study programme teaches the student, in theory and practice, how German as a foreign language is taught and learned. The basics of the description, planning, designing, analysis and evaluation of the language learning processes are thereby deepened. This programme also provides insights into intercultural communication, cultural studies and the use of literature in teaching foreign languages.
The Bachelor's programme for German as a Foreign Language at the University of Fribourg is unique in Switzerland. Students, who are enrolled in a main programme at another Swiss university, can therefore apply to enrol in the study programme as guest students.
This study programme is also characterised by the close contact with the Institute of Multilingualism and with the Language Centre and profits from an ideal environment due to the multilingualism in Fribourg.

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German Literary Studies

The modern German literature study programme, called German Literary Studies, is ideal for students who enjoy reading and writing, and dealing analytically with language, texts and other media in particular. As a branch of German Studies, «German Literary Studies» is dedicated to German-language texts from the times of humanism and the Reformation to the present day. The programme is for those who have an interest in the historical and cultural interconnections of language. In this Bachelor programme, students acquire the skills needed to stylistically analyse texts of various genres and media and to place them in their historical context. Special features of literary studies at Fribourg are the opportunities available for comparative literature study engendered by our proximity to the language boundary, and the focus on the relationship between media and literature, and the debates on questions of poetics and literary theory.

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Greek Studies

This Bachelor's programme covers the study of Greek antiquity from Homer to the Byzantine period. It focuses on the acquisition and consolidation of Greek language skills, as well as the interpretation of literary texts in the broader context of Greek culture.
Special emphasis is placed on the reception of Greek classical antiquity during the imperial period, and on Greek culture and literature of Late Antiquity. In partnership with the Institute of General and Comparative Literature (Institut de littérature générale et comparée/Institut für Allgemeine und Vergleichende Literaturwissenschaft), students also study the influence of literary forms and classical mythology on modern literature.
This field of study enables students to acquire a command of the Greek language, as well as in-depth knowledge of Greek literature and culture. The programme concentrates essentially on the teaching of the Greek language and literature, with lectures, exercises and proseminars aimed at enabling students to hone their language skills, their knowledge of philological techniques and literary analysis skills.

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Information Systems

Information Systems deals with the use of information and communication technologies in companies and public organisations. Its main task is to design new IT solutions, improve existing processes and assist in their implementation. It thereby plays a central role in mediation between such corporate departments as marketing, sales, production and logistics.
In the Bachelor's programme, students get a demanding basic course of studies in informatics, with a focus on the topics of information systems, project management, IT security, programming and quantitative methods on the one hand. On the other they also learn about such subjects as business administration and economics.
Practical relevance is highly valued in Fribourg, both when teaching and in independent work. In addition, the students acquire valuable language skills by absolving the study programme multilingually.

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Interreligious Studies

«Interreligious Studies» approaches theology from the viewpoint of the study of religions. In Europe, the history of non-Christian religions is closely bound up with Christianity. Taking this as the starting point, the central questions are, for example, those arising from interreligious dialogue or dealing with current concepts of Islamic theology or religious law. Special attention is focused on Christianity, interreligious and intercultural dialogues, and self-reflection in other religions, particularly Islam.
The main programme is currently being offered in German or as part of the bilingual course (German and French), in which case the resulting degree will carry the distinction «Bilingual curriculum, French/German».

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Italian

If you are interested in the Italian language and literature, the acquisition of methods and competences to analyse poetry and prose will help you to appreciate literary masterpieces of Italian tradition, from Dante and Petrarca, to Leopardi and Montale, right through to contemporary literature. This Bachelor's programme provides also an introduction to Italian philology and to the history of the Italian language, while specific lectures on literary history focus on the key moments of the all tradition, from Middle Ages to 20th century. Armed with this knowledge, you will be able to critically analyse all Italian literary texts.
This course mainly features seminars, which encourage active participation and learning. All lectures, seminars, exercises and exams are delivered in Italian.
At the University of Fribourg, this course follows the principles of the school of analysis founded by eminent researchers, such as Gianfranco Contini, Giuseppe Billanovich and Giovanni Pozzi.

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Latin Studies

This Bachelor's programme covers the study of Roman antiquity from the beginnings of the Republic to the humanist period. It focuses on the acquisition and consolidation of Latin language skills, as well as the interpretation of literary texts set in the broader context of Roman culture. Special emphasis is placed on Latin culture and literature of Late Antiquity, the Latin Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Students also study the influence of literary forms and classical mythology on modern literature.
On completing their course, students will have acquired a command of Latin and in-depth knowledge of Roman literature and culture. This programme concentrates essentially on the teaching of the Latin language and literature, with lectures, exercises and proseminars aimed at enabling students to hone their language skills, their knowledge of philological techniques and literary analysis skills.

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Law

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Teaching comprises lectures as well as numerous tutorials in which students receive guidance on the analysis, solution and criticism of concrete legal issues, interactively and in small groups.
In Fribourg virtually all the teaching sessions are offered in German and in French. The choice is yours: you can follow all the lectures and tutorials in German or in French, but you also have the possibility of upgrading your diploma with the distinction «Bilingual curriculum, French/German». Further important benefits are the small size of the Faculty and the personal mentoring you receive during your studies.

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Management

This Bachelor programme provides the essential basis for understanding business management tools for companies and nonprofit organisations such as hospitals, associations and international organisations but also for public administration. Students are equipped with methodological, professional and social skills. Future graduates are trained in making decisions in a changing and complex economic environment, and acquire specific methods for analysing and understanding socioeconomic phenomena. A wide range of courses provides a solid knowledge and allows students to develop their skills in the different areas of management. In synergy with other subjects in the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, courses are also provided in economics and information management.

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Mathematics

This study programme is the first step in the training of professional mathematicians. The methods, ways of thinking and content that, according to international standards, all mathematicians should be proficient in are imparted in an intense and demanding programme. During the third academic year, students can attend advanced lectures that correspond to their interests and preferences. Thanks to close cooperation with the Universities of Bern and Neuchâtel, these courses are also open to students in Fribourg.
The major study programme in Mathematics is supplemented by minors that students can choose freely from other university fields of study.

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Musicology and History of Opera

This Bachelor's programme will have you studying the forms, functions and significances of musical expression in a variety of cultures, focusing primarily on European music from the Middle Ages to the present day. In coming to Fribourg to study Musicology and History of Opera, you will profit from the tradition of the oldest musicology teaching programme in Switzerland and one of the very first set up in Europe. We also serve as a highly active research centre in this field of study, both on a national and European scale.
This programme promotes studying music as a language, including its connection to codes used in other forms of expression and its role in complex systems such as opera, religious rites, cinema, and audio-visual broadcasting in contemporary societies.
While the courses and seminars are taught partly in French and partly in German, students are allowed to write their coursework and pass their exams in the language of their choice (French, German or Italian).

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Philosophy

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The courses taught in History of Philosophy includes antique, medieval, modern and contemporary philosophy and introduces students to the main authors, texts and currents of Western philosophy. The courses taught in Systematic Philosophy comprises complementary disciplines, such as philosophy of language, of mind and of human sciences, epistemology and metaphysics, ethics and political philosophy, aesthetics and philosophy of art, and introduces students to the central themes and questions discussed in the ongoing philosophical debates at an international level.
Another particular feature of studying philosophy at the University of Fribourg is the possibility to develop a specific profile thanks to a high number of optional courses around a common core.

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Physics

This programme of study teaches general physics and physics' methodology and provides a broad vision of the discipline. By studying complex natural phenomena, their interactions and the laws which govern them, students of this subject are able to develop critical discernment, creativity and sound reasoning.
The study plan encompasses basic subject knowledge and more advanced learning in several fields, such as mathematical methods, quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, modern optics and thermodynamics. Students also have the possibility of joining top-level research groups from their third year onward.
The physics course at the University of Fribourg offer great freedom in the choice of foundation courses and minor study programmes.

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Politics and Society

The Bachelor's programme «Politics and Society», which is worth 60 ECTS credits, has both a politological and a sociological orientation. It focuses primarily on subjects related to the political system of society. This includes analysis of systems of government and their states as well as discussion about the central actors of the political system. It further addresses questions of political sociology: what are the social prerequisites of political power? How autonomous are the political system and its state? How should the problem resolution and governance capacity of the state be evaluated, particularly in times of political crises?
To this end, various developments in Western and Eastern Europe are analysed from comparative perspective. Apart from autocratic «temptations» which can be observed in many places, increasing doubt has been cast on established democracy and the question of whether, and to what extent established elites are capable of solving major political problems, if at all. The programme is embedded in the discussion of specific sociological topics which complement the politologically oriented programme.

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Psychology

Students who are interested in the human experience and behaviour are on the right track with a course of study in psychology. Here, we study how feelings, experiences, education and motivational factors affect us and what role the cultural and social environment plays. At Bachelor level, particular emphasis is placed on always letting the students confront their theories of everyday life with the insights of scientific psychology.
During the three-year study programme, they become acquainted with the fundamental professional knowledge, the working methods used in research, the various areas of application of psychology and the basic competencies of psychological diagnostics and counselling. Two months of internship and a written thesis crown the bachelor studies.
In addition, the bilingualism of the course of studies is a unique feature of the studies in psychology at the University of Fribourg: Here, graduate school programmes are offered in German, French or in a combination of both languages.

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Religious studies

If you are interested in the specifics of religions in their historical, social and cultural contexts, this Bachelor's programme will introduce you to religions outside of Europe and to the main historical religions. You will study the central role they play in past and present societies, how they affect individuals, interactions between social groups and relationships between men and women. This programme focuses on issues specific to sociology in fields such as religion, politics, law and education, as well as societal phenomena, such as Islam in Switzerland.
In addition to learning scientific research and presentation techniques, you will become familiar with historical and empirical research methods in social sciences, such as survey methods (interviews, observation) and methods of analysis. In addition, you will be given opportunities to visit religious communities and attend certain religious festivals.

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Rhaeto-Romance

The Rhaeto-Romance course is devoted to the varied linguistic forms in the Romansh-speaking area of the canton of Grisons. Who uses Rhaeto-Romance in today's society, and how and when? What is the position of Romansh people in the trilingual canton of Grisons and in quadrilingual Switzerland? What are the subjects and traditions which shape Rhaeto-Romance literature? These and other questions are covered by Rhaeto-Romance students. At the University of Fribourg, the emphasis is on linguistics, but literature is an integral part of the course.
Students acquire the broad basic knowledge required to pursue a career in Rhaeto-Romance institutions, the media or teaching and/or to continue their studies to Master level.
The Bachelor programme requires thorough knowledge of at least one variant of Rhaeto-Romance (idiom or Rumantsch Grischun). Some classes are taught in German.

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Slavic Studies

The Slavic Department of the University of Fribourg places a particular emphasis on Russian and Polish culture. At Switzerland's oldest academic chair for Slavic studies, students get to know the literary and cultural history of these two countries in the context of philosophy, religious thought, visual arts, film and popular culture. They learn at least one Slavic language: Russian, Polish or Bosnian/Croatian/Montenegrin/Serbian. Fribourg offers optimum student care and support, as course groups are small and students benefit from the accessibility of their teachers.
Apart from close cooperation with the Institute of Slavic Languages and Literatures in Bern, where students have free access to linguistic programmes and language courses in particular, well-established partnerships exist with universities in Russia and Poland. This makes it easy to organise semesters abroad. There is also the opportunity of attending Russian summer courses in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Seminars and lectures in Slavic studies are held in German and French, language courses in Russian or Polish.

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Social Anthropology

Social anthropology analyses social and cultural phenomena in today's world in order to understand and explain them in all their diversity and complexity. This discipline examines socio-cultural practices, beliefs and institutions, which are intertwined in different ways at the local, national, regional and global levels. Concerning the methodology, social anthropology is characterised by long-term ethnographical research. This kind of research typically involves acquiring the local language, observing and participating in the daily life of the group being studied.

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Social Work and Social Policy (DE)

This Bachelor programme is unique in Switzerland. As an academic programme this combination is offered only at the University of Fribourg. Social work and social policy are fields of action and research, in which social problems are identified and efforts take place to tackle them.
The topics studied focus on people, their objectives, organisational structures and methods of communication when dealing with their social environment. Students learn to recognise and understand the numerous local, national and transnational dimensions of social problems. Social problems do not have one single cause; they are always embedded in a complex fabric of milieu-specific, socio-cultural, political or economic structures.
Empirical social research forms an integral part of the programme. In the second and third years, the students apply what they have learned in an empirical research project.

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Social Work and Social Policy (FR)

This Bachelor's programme will equip you with the necessary skills and critical perspective to assess socially problematic situations, institutional environments in which you will take action and the particular types of actions you will be expected to roll out. As the programme is based on the analysis of social issues and the consideration of possible solutions, you will gain an understanding of the far-reaching changes that affect social policy and will master the conditions of social work. You will also gain knowledge of existing social policy measures in Switzerland and abroad, and their role in society and the economy.
The methodological and method training provided is based on three key pillars: the analysis of social issues (e.g. poverty, exclusion, drug abuse), the study of social policies (e.g. family and health policies, and social insurance) and the situational practice of the research methods studied, in relation to the analysis of social issues and/or social policies.

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Sociology (DE)

The Bachelor programme gives students an overall view of sociological theories, methods and analysis and teaches them the relevant analytical, research and decision-making skills. Besides general sociology and social research, the themes treated also include diverse, specific branches of sociology (e.g. political sociology, family or development sociology, or criminal, business or occupational sociology).
Students are taught the basic theoretical and methodological knowledge (concepts, theories, classic authors, philosophy of science) while receiving broad training in quantitative and qualitative methods. At the same time, this is placed in the context of current social problems and the ensuing debates. In the second and third years, the students apply what they have learned in an empirical research project. The study programme can be taken in German or as a bilingual programme in German and French.

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Sociology (FR)

Are you interested in the functioning of contemporary societies and current events affecting them? Do you want to follow a scientific training which answers your questions, develops your critical appraisal of the world and equips you for your future career?
The objective of the Bachelor programme in Sociology is to train students to analyse social, economic and political processes in contemporary societies across a range of themes. It examines the consequences of structural changes on individuals' daily lives by familiarising students with sociological theories and by training students to use scientific analytical tools. In a stimulating study environment, students gain professional skills to observe specific social processes and competences to elaborate projects and social intervention in public and private institutions. Professors, teaching staff and researchers are on hand to promote the quality of exchanges and the pursuit of ambitious goals.
The programme includes sessions from other fields of the social sciences.

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Spanish

This Bachelor's programme covers the diversity of styles of literature from Latin America (and America) and the Iberian Peninsula, not only in terms of their own evolution but also in terms of their mutual relationships. At the University of Fribourg, particular attention is granted to the relationship between literature and human sciences, and to the contribution of interdisciplinary studies.
This methodology places emphasis on teaching codicological description and textual history, with Fribourg being the only university in the BENEFRI network to offer this speciality. Subjects cover the study of the language, literature and culture of medieval Spain, on the one hand, and the study of the manuscript tradition of works and their position in the history of the language on the other.

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Special Education

If you want to familiarise yourself with special education without making it your main discipline at Bachelor level, this secondary studies programme will enable you to enrich, expand and diversify the knowledge acquired in your main studies programme.
This programme consists of two parts: an introduction to the theoretical foundations of special education, with courses in general special education and differential special education; and an introduction to the theories of development, with courses introducing you to factors, mechanisms and conditions that influence individual typical and atypical development.
This programme does not lead to a professional diploma in special education and social pedagogy, which requires opting for studies in special education and social pedagogy as a single discipline. However, it may be of value later in your training, for example in order to join the Master's programme in special education.

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Sport Sciences and Motor Control

This Bachelor's programme enables students to acquire practical know-how and scientific knowledge about the impact of motor activity on the development and maintenance of the individual's physical, mental and social life. It not only looks at subjects such as anatomy, the principles of training and sports psychology, but also the technical aspects of practice in a variety of fields, notably games, corporal expression, and water and snow sports. The teaching concept, which places the emphasis on the relationship between theory and practice, is based on a «lecture-seminar/workshop» structure and fosters the practical application of theoretical knowledge.
Students also have the possibility of specialising in teaching physical education and sports at secondary school level.

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Theology

In contrast to other university fields of study, theology has a guiding perspective of its own: it is fundamentally concerned with God and doctrine and thereby reflects its own position and that of the church in society. The critical work of theology is aimed at contributing to keeping the issues of value and truth alive in public discourse.
A many-faceted discipline, Theology is taught across five departments. The objective of the first three years is to gain the Bachelor (180 ECTS credits) degree and to familiarise the students with theology by introducing them to its different fields

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