Social Innovation
Competence and Expertise
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM1KUERC |
| Type | RC |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 1.5 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
Participation in the Practice Day at the Department of Applied Social Sciences is an opportunity to meet and network with institutions, sponsors, and social innovators. In addition, the accompanying course offers the opportunity to get to know one's own professional, personal, and social-communicative skills and those of a communication partner on both personal and institutional levels. By means of a competency test, an assessment is carried out as an opportunity for reflection and included in the portfolio folder to illustrate development processes.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: In this course students will - Meet and network with social innovators from the regional social landscape - Get to know their own professional, personal, and social-communicative skills and those of a communication partner - Position themselves within their portfolio in the form of a USP
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Democracy and Innovation
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM1DUIVO |
| Type | VO |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
The course "Democracy and Innovation" aims to provide a well-founded overview of the emergence, current situation, and possible futures of democracy. A particular focus is on examining the connection to social and democratic innovations. Based on the historical conditions of its emergence, the basic philosophical assumptions, the economic context, and the legal concretizations, democracy is discussed in this course both as a form of government and a way of life. The focus is on the connection between the quality of democracy at national and EU levels and its impact on everyday organizations such as the educational sector or the workplace. New challenges for democracy in the 21st century, such as demographic change and digitization, are critically examined. The dimension of individual democratic competencies and democratic education are also addressed with the aim of strengthening students' democratic competencies.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Knowledge of the foundations of democracy: Emergence, democracy as a form of government, quality of democracy - Democracy as a life form of participation and involvement - Democratic innovations - Strengthened democratic competencies
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Ethics and Sustainability (Symposium)
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM1EUNIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 1.5 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
In the interdisciplinary course "Ethics and Sustainability," the focus is on the socioethical context of practical ethics. Key topics are questions about the individual and social conditions of a good life, the relationship between the individual and society, and values such as freedom, justice, sustainability and tolerance. These questions lead to discussions about the "right" structures for social institutions, such as work and the economy (fair wages, poverty), business ethics, family, migration, culture or the healthcare system, and their respective implementation in society. In terms of organization, the course is framed by the cross-disciplinary symposium "Ethics and Sustainability," in which ethical issues are discussed in regard to changing current topics and perspectives. The symposium ensures that the theory-based debate is embedded in pertinent and interdisciplinary discourses. The goal of the course is to discuss and evaluate the basic types of ethical argumentation and theory. Drawing on practical transfer knowledge, students will be able to make judgments about the practical value of ethics in the social sector. They will be trained to understand ethical problems related to socially relevant fields of action while taking into account personal and practical professional experience.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to - Analyze and reflect on ethical and moral dilemmas - Evaluate opinions from a lecture in the context of their own fields of action - Argue on social issues with a view to their own professional environment - Articulate and justify their own opinion in group discussions
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Fundamentals of Socioecological Transformation
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM1GSTVO |
| Type | VO |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
Students are introduced to the central concepts, theories and approaches of socioecological transformation. This includes an understanding of sustainability science, systems thinking, and resilience. Students learn to understand and analyze complex systems and recognize the importance of systemic thinking for managing socioecological challenges. Overall, the course aims to provide students with a sound understanding of the fundamentals of socioecological transformation and enable them to analyze and manage complex challenges in this area.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Students have the ability to understand and analyze complex socioecological systems - They recognize the importance of systemic thinking for managing the associated challenges - Preparation for complex tasks: The course enables students to identify and analyze complex challenges in the field of socioecological transformation - Overall, students are enabled to develop a sound understanding of the basics of socioecological transformation and actively apply that knowledge to complex problems and issues
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Futurology and Social Innovation
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM1ZUSIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
Society is changing, and with this change comes new challenges and problems. But how can societal transformation processes and their consequences for social issues be anticipated? How can we scientifically anticipate what is not yet the case today, but is possible, probable, and desirable in the future? Is there any ¿knowledge¿ at all about future developments? What quality does this knowledge have? This course traces previous attempts to research the future scientifically and looks at the connection between social visions of the future and innovation-related activities. The course deals with the possibilities and limitations of scientific foresight and demonstrates them using various methodological procedures, including trend analysis, scenarios, Delphi surveys, and ¿future workshops.¿ The course also aims to examine the application of methods that have been developed or are used in the context of futurology for their suitability for processes of organizational strategy and purpose development.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will - Be familiar with the epistemological foundations of forward-looking social research and have the ability to assess the scientific validity of forward-looking statements - Be familiar with the history of futurology in broad strokes and have the ability to draw conclusions for their professional approach to uncertainty and the future based on comparisons with earlier forms of foresight - Have gained an overview of the most important methods used in futurology and will be able assess their suitability for their own professional activities
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Governance in the Social Sector I
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM1GISIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | final |
Lecture content:
Services in the social sector are provided by organizations that are subject to multiple legal, financial, professional and cultural structures in their work and development. Overall, the social sector is considered to be overregulated and underfunded, and the structural patterns are considered to be hostile to innovation. To initiate, test, accompany and, if necessary, scale innovations under these conditions, precise knowledge of the governance of the social sector is required. The courses Governance in the Social Sector I and II address the legal, economic, ethical and professional structures in the social sector. In a second step, this course discusses whether and to what extent social planning, responses to new developments and innovations are possible under the given conditions. The course Governance in the Social Sector I focuses on the fundamental structural patterns of developed welfare states. The situation in Austria is discussed in comparison with other welfare state models, looking at the economic principles of welfare and participation as well as the fundamental aspects of Austrian social benefits, insurance, and provision systems. This general course content is illustrated and deepened using examples of selected social law provisions.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Knowledge of the principles of Austrian social law - Knowledge of selected social law provisions - Legal aspects of social benefits, insurance, and provision systems
Superior module:
Governance
Module description:
-
Healthcare system in transition
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM1GIWVO |
| Type | VO |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
This course aims to give students an overview of the structures and special characteristics of the Austrian healthcare system and place it in the context of social developments: What functions does the healthcare system fulfill? Who are the key players and what are the competence structures in the healthcare sector? Which controlling bodies and areas of service provision are subdivided? How is the state of health of the population related to characteristics of the Austrian healthcare system? Austria's healthcare system, which is based on the social insurance model, is compared with selected healthcare systems in other countries, in particular national health systems, and their respective strengths and weaknesses are discussed. The course deals with both the individual perspective and the population perspective (public health) of health interventions. Against the background of previous developments and the latest reform projects, current issues and future challenges in the Austrian healthcare sector will be identified and the potential for the social sector will be discussed.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will - Have a fundamental knowledge of healthcare systems - Understand the structures and special characteristics of the Austrian healthcare system - Know the main agents in the Austrian healthcare system - Have a basic knowledge and understanding of health policy principles in the context of social developments (in an international comparison) - Be able to critically reflect on current challenges and potential of health policy - Know innovative concepts regarding interfaces in the Austrian health and social system - Have worked out the fundamental principles of international healthcare systems and understand their characteristics.
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Inequality: Issues Surrounding Disregarded Recognition
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM1UFAVO |
| Type | VO |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
The course ¿Inequality: Issues Surrounding Disregarded Recognition" gives students an insight into social inequality issues. Categories of inequality such as race, class, gender, and more recently discussed topics such as (dis)ability or age and their intersectional interconnectedness will be discussed using selected literature. One component of the course is the Austrian Equal Treatment Act (¿Gleichbehandlungsgesetz¿), which is placed in an international context. (Disparaging) attributions cause social and legal inequalities that are reproduced by social discourses. One way out of such entrenched stigmatization is for those affected to fight for recognition. Finally, different perspectives are brought together: On the one hand, there is the structural level on which inequalities can be made visible. On the other hand, individual perspectives ¿ including especially the views of marginalized people ¿ enable alternative views of social conditions. The distinction between the structural and individual level is also a segue into the subsequent courses.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will - Know categories of inequality and their intersectional interconnectedness - Be able to contextualize these in relation to discrimination using the Equal Treatment Act and compare them in an international context - Be aware of attributions and their discursive power in reinforcing inequalities - Be able to describe approaches to recognition theory and analyze cases of inequality (constructions) from a recognition theory perspective
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Qualitative Methods as an Aid to Innovation
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM1QMIUE |
| Type | UB |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 2 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
This course builds on the principles from the previous bachelor's studies and summarizes methods of qualitative empirical social research in the context of social innovation processes. Using examples, students deepen their knowledge of qualitative study methods (such as different types of interview settings, focus groups), observations, and examine participatory research. The strengths and limitations of different methods and effective combinations (mixed methods) are discussed, and the informative value and innovative potential of results are reflected upon. The theoretical principles are put into practice in the form of a (small) project, and the findings are presented and discussed.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to - Apply and evaluate selected qualitative methods, taking into account quality criteria and aspects of research ethics - Assess and discuss empirical results in terms of their quality and limitations
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Qualitative Methods as an Aid to Innovation
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM1QMIVO |
| Type | VO |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 1 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
This course builds on the principles from the previous bachelor's studies and summarizes methods of qualitative empirical social research in the context of social innovation processes. Using examples, students deepen their knowledge of qualitative study methods (such as different types of interview settings, focus groups), observations, and examine participatory research. The strengths and limitations of different methods and effective combinations (mixed methods) are discussed, and the informative value and innovative potential of results are reflected upon. The theoretical principles are put into practice in the form of a (small) project, and the findings are presented and discussed.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to - Apply and evaluate selected qualitative methods, taking into account quality criteria and aspects of research ethics - Assess and discuss empirical results in terms of their quality and limitations
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Social Innovation I
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM1SINVO |
| Type | VO |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | final |
Lecture content:
The concept of "social innovation" is the guiding concept of the degree program. Yet different scientific disciplines each use it differently and redefine it accordingly. It is therefore necessary to discuss the concept in-depth and update it in a dedicated course during the introductory phase. The course "Social Innovation I" lays the foundation for the remainder of the degree program. Various approaches to social innovation are discussed based on theoretical and methodological texts. In a historical overview of the term¿s development over time, social innovations are differentiated from economic-technological innovation that may have social consequences (through digitization or artificial intelligence, for example), and social innovation concepts are developed. A particular focus is on more recent definitions of social innovation as understood in the social sciences in international (OECD), European (EU) or national (ministries) contexts. The importance of regulatory provisions for the emergence and development of social innovations is discussed. During the course, the term is scientifically embedded in theoretical approaches of various disciplines and the practical implementation of social innovations is critically analyzed. The ethical question of the normative basis of innovative action and the effects of social innovations in various areas (public health, diversity, democracy, and sustainability) will also be addressed.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Clarification of the term ¿social innovation¿ - Knowledge of the defining characteristics of social innovation - Relationship between the individual and society - Scientific connections to theoretical approaches of various disciplines - Reflected understanding of the value basis of social innovation and sustainability - Analysis and evaluation of social change and transformation processes - Ability to reflect on the emergence, course and consequences of innovations - Sensitivity to the need for discursive negotiation of social change processes - Development of well-founded attitudes towards social innovation projects
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Social Innovation Lab I
| Semester | 1 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM1SILPT |
| Type | PT |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | final |
Lecture content:
In the course "Social Innovation Lab I," students first learn the basics of project work, particularly the typical process cycle, which is then incorporated into a milestone plan for the entire module: Project components range from brainstorming and implementation planning to implementation and evaluation with presentation. The presentation in the Social Innovation Lab II course is based on accompanying documentation and self-evaluation by the students. The course aims to provide students with essential theoretical knowledge about project management and project cycles and then to implement and evaluate this knowledge within the project groups. The project ideas are worked on in small groups and used for independent and problem-based solving of larger and complex practical tasks in small groups. The project is carried out on a largely independent time management basis (flexible and individualized phases) and with regular consultation with the course instructor. The main focus areas are social health, democratic development, social inequality and inclusion, sustainability, and socioecological transformation.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Activation of competencies from previous studies and professional activity - Awareness of special aspects in the implementation of social innovation projects throughout the entire project cycle, helping students become better aware of their capabilities, limitations, and development requirements in a self-reflective setting - Framework conditions for successful group and project work and one¿s own role in project and group contexts - Self-organization in groups and reflexive processing of social innovation projects - Communicative and organizational skills in the areas of project management, teamwork, and presentation - Motivation for further, in-depth professional analyses of social innovation - Practical basis for the subsequent master's thesis and the specialized electives
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Environmental Justice and Social Inequality
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM2USUIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
This course focuses on environmental justice and social inequality. The social dimensions of environmental problems are discussed, and the links between environmental justice and social inequality are analyzed. Students are enabled to understand and investigate social inequalities in the context of environmental problems, drawing on the experience of selected national and international research projects of the Applied Social Sciences department.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Students understand the concepts of environmental justice and social inequality - They are able to analyze the social dimensions of environmental problems and identify the links between environmental justice and social inequality
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Governance in the Social Sector II
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM2GISIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | final |
Lecture content:
Building on the foundations provided in the course "Governance in the Social Sector I," this course discusses problem areas of governance that are crucial to organizational and product development¿that is, the focus shifts to the social meso-level of organizational service provision and the problems of its control and coordination. The theses of ¿state failure¿ and bureaucratic inefficiency on the one hand and ¿market failure¿ under real conditions in the social sector on the other hand are discussed with regard to the idea of the state as guarantor of social services (¿Gewährleistungsstaat¿). Finally, the effects of (New) Public Management on social organizations and their culture of innovation are critically analyzed.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will have learned about - Organizations in highly institutionalized fields - The social sector as a multi-level system - Various forms of coordination and the theses of state failure (in the case of coordination through central planning and directive) and market failure (in the case of coordination through competitive self-coordination) - Three-sector model - Characteristics of social services - Basic idea and implementation of (New) Public Management - Concrete management of the social sector: What challenges are there for the public sector? What challenges do nonprofit organizations face?
Superior module:
Governance
Module description:
-
Participation and Creativity
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM2PUKIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
In times of accelerated social change (through digitization and artificial intelligence, for example), participation and creativity are particularly important, especially in relation to social innovations. The implementation of innovative ideas requires participatory methods that enable those directly affected to participate creatively in the development and implementation. These processes can take place in change processes in (social) enterprises, yet citizen participation in regional change processes are also examples in which creative, cooperative participation methods are used. The course introduces types of workshops, business games, simulations, the "future workshop" method, and various creativity tools, focused on practical research and application aspects of professional innovation development. The basics of working with groups (practice session on ¿power¿ in groups, for example) are also incorporated in the application examples. The methods are carried out using examples and discussed. In particular, innovative possibilities for the activating development of new forms of social participation (such as cooperative design thinking) are developed and discussed.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Understanding the importance of participation in a professional context - Acting confidently in complex and risky situations - Organizing cooperative, creative problem-solving scenarios - Applying creative methods of working with groups - Creativity techniques to generate ideas of social innovation and transform them into goal-oriented action - Planning, implementing, guiding and evaluating creative forms of participation and involvement
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Prevention of Anti-Democratic Phenomena
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM2PAPIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
This course is about understanding and addressing anti-democratic phenomena that affect various professional fields of social work. After terms such as extremism, radicalization and authoritarianism have been clarified, various forms and methods of prevention are presented and practiced using examples. The course focuses on the following topics: Definition and delimitation of the term extremism: individual, institutional, cultural; primary, secondary and tertiary prevention; methods of prevention (advocacy, alternative self-efficacy, multiple identities...)
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Enablement to deal critically with the concept of extremism - Power-sensitive approach in prevention work - Visibility of structural amplifiers of extremism - Resource-oriented work - Empowerment to strengthen alternative self-efficacy - Intervention measures in prevention work
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Project-Based Innovation Development
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM2EURIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 1.5 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
The public funds made available for social services are limited for reasons of efficiency. For the supporting organizations in the social sector, the economic scope for investments or for building up reserves to test innovations or meet short-term needs is minuscule. Projects that go beyond their normal budgets therefore depend on additional funding, which is often awarded on a competitive basis. The subject of this course is the various funding programs at European, national and, if applicable, regional levels that are relevant for organizations in the social sector in this respect. The course provides information on the background to the individual programs and the challenges involved in submitting an application. Quality criteria of funding applications are addressed, and the writing of a funding application is practiced. The course also discusses how externally funded projects can be used for the strategic development of the organizational service portfolio.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to - Name the most important funding providers for the social sector, their funding programs and their orientation and objectives - Apply the most important content-related, formal, and legal aspects of public funding acquisition, cost documentation, and project accounting - Apply their knowledge about what distinguishes good funding applications from poor ones and how to transform their own projects into a promising funding application in terms of form and content
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Public Health
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM2PBHIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
Based on fundamental theories of health and illness, the focus is on public health as an interdisciplinary science and practice dedicated to promoting health and preventing diseases at the population level. Health determinants and health promotion are examined in different living environments and settings. The influence of health-related areas of activity is discussed regarding the objectives of "Health in all Policies" against the background of the health goals of the WHO and Austria.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will - Have a basic knowledge of terms and concepts of public health, health and illness, as well as health promotion and prevention - Have acquired an essential understanding of areas of activity and action strategies in health promotion - Know both national and international health goals - Be able to develop concepts for health promotion projects
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Quantitative Methods as an Aid to Innovation
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM2QMIUE |
| Type | UB |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 2 |
| Examination character | final |
Lecture content:
This course deals with the goals, characteristics, and methods of quantitative research processes. It focuses on the quantitative methods of data collection and data analysis with an emphasis on the development of questionnaires and the analysis of quantitative data. The course enables students to prepare, conduct and evaluate surveys conceptually, methodically and practically. Specifically, the course teaches the theoretically sound development of questionnaires, the practical implementation of surveys, and the analysis of survey results in SPSS at a descriptive level (measures of central tendency, dispersion, frequency tables). Bivariate correlations are taken into account using cross-tabulations. Students practice each of the steps in the process using a practical example.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Conceptual and methodological preparation, implementation and evaluation of research projects in the field of social innovation - Differentiated understanding of the quantitative and qualitative research paradigm beyond the methodological level - In methodological terms, students are enabled to plan and carry out a concrete research project, to analyze the results quantitatively, and to interpret them with a view to drawing meaningful conclusions
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Quantitative Methods as an Aid to Innovation
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM2QMIVO |
| Type | VO |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 1 |
| Examination character | final |
Lecture content:
This course deals with the goals, characteristics, and methods of quantitative research processes. It focuses on the quantitative methods of data collection and data analysis with an emphasis on the development of questionnaires and the analysis of quantitative data. The course enables students to prepare, conduct and evaluate surveys conceptually, methodically and practically. Specifically, the course teaches the theoretically sound development of questionnaires, the practical implementation of surveys, and the analysis of survey results in SPSS at a descriptive level (measures of central tendency, dispersion, frequency tables). Bivariate correlations are taken into account using cross-tabulations. Students practice each of the steps in the process using a practical example.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Conceptual and methodological preparation, implementation and evaluation of research projects in the field of social innovation - Differentiated understanding of the quantitative and qualitative research paradigm beyond the methodological level - In methodological terms, students are enabled to plan and carry out a concrete research project, to analyze the results quantitatively, and to interpret them with a view to drawing meaningful conclusions
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Relationship and Self-Control
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM2BUSRC |
| Type | RC |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 1.5 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
For social innovators, significant actions mainly take place in interaction and relationship spaces. The range of these interaction and relationship spaces spans from horizontal levels (e.g. co-workers) to vertical levels (e.g. management roles). In interactions and relationships, therefore, the question of how one's actions and behavior and that of an interaction partner come about, and what they result from, is crucial to achieving results that are constructive and productive.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will - Have deepened their understanding of how their own personality affects behavior and develop new action alternatives (self-control) - Understand the effect of the personality and resulting behavior of an interaction partner - Know interaction models and how relationships can be shaped constructively - Have incorporated their advancements in their portfolio in the form of the USP
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Social Innovation II
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM2SINIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
The course "Social Innovation II" builds on the course "Social Innovation I" and aims to illustrate and deepen the relevance of the theoretical and analytical distinctions of the previous course using practical examples. Topics include the planning, implementation, and evaluation of social innovations as well as structural (such as legal) aspects or stakeholder perspectives (such as interests and resources). Hurdles and obstacles in the various steps of the innovation process are also discussed, with a particular focus on the generally heterogeneous interests and rationales of those involved in the innovation process. The consequences of innovations are also discussed and analyzed based on practical examples. The overarching aim of the course is to reflect theoretically on practical experience regarding the emergence, course, and consequences of innovations and generate a contribution for further innovation processes from this perspective in particular. The course will present and discuss specific examples of social innovation projects from the key areas of public health, democratic development, social inequality and inclusion, sustainability, and socioecological transformation.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to - Apply defining characteristics of social innovation and sustainable development - Analyze questions regarding individual and social conditions of a good life, the relationship between the individual and society, and values such as freedom, justice, sustainability and tolerance - Reflect on the elementary and relative value basis of social innovation and sustainability - Integrate the interests and goals of people involved in the process - Make reflected judgments on questions regarding the "right" structures for social institutions such as work and the economy (fair wages, poverty), business ethics, family, migration, culture or the health system, and their respective social implementation - Apply their knowledge about planning, implementing, and evaluating social innovations as well as structural (such as legal) aspects or stakeholder perspectives (interests, resources, ...) - Analyze social transformation processes in the complexity of their social embedding - Evaluate social change processes using individual values and professional ethics - Take personal and professional experience into account - Reflect on the emergence, course, and consequences of innovations, hurdles, and obstacles in the innovation process
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Social Innovation-Lab II
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM2SILPT |
| Type | PT |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | final |
Lecture content:
This course builds on Social Innovation Lab I and continues the projects according to the agreed milestone plan. The interim results will be presented and discussed within this course. Social Innovation Lab II focuses on the practical implementation and accompanying evaluation of the practical social innovation project. The course ends with a presentation of the project results. This presentation is also the final exam of the module.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Activation of skills from previous studies and professional activity - Self-organization in groups and reflective processing of social innovation projects - Communicative and organizational skills in the areas of project management, teamwork, and presentation - Motivation for further in-depth professional analyses of social innovation - Practical basis for the subsequent master's thesis and the specialized electives
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Social Structure Analyses
| Semester | 2 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 1 |
| Course code | SOZM2SSAIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
Social structures influence individual and collective action and structure the way we live together as a society. These structural patterns can be recognized and potentially innovated only if there is an understanding of their emergence, scope and dynamics of change over time. In this course, students learn about different types of social structures and how they affect and are affected by the actions of social actors. Students gain the ability to analyze social sub-areas of different sizes from this perspective. At a macro level, this addresses entire areas of society such as the healthcare sector, the university system, and the social sector. At the meso level, organizations represent a key point of reference because a large part of the welfare state's service provision in the social sector is delivered by corporate players. The course pays special attention to socially structured inequality in access to resources and aspects of social closure. Students apply central concepts and findings of social structure analyses in their own empirical research.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will - Have gained an understanding of how the actions of social actors are influenced by societal structures and will be able to describe this relationship in their own words in general terms and apply it to specific situations or developments - Have conducted their own research and deepened their knowledge of action-relevant social structures - Be able to explain the concept of trans-intentionality and distinguish between different forms of trans-intentionality - Be able to theoretically explain societal change using the concepts discussed
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Accompanying Seminar Master's Thesis Part 1
| Semester | 3 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM3BMARC |
| Type | RC |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
In regular group discussions, the master's students discuss aspects of their master's theses with their supervisors and regularly present interim and final results. This accompanying seminar for master's theses takes place in four small groups, each of which focuses on a specific topic. The setting also enables a close, topic-specific exchange with fellow students on master's theses in the fields of public health and social health, development of democracy, social inequality and recognition or sustainability and socioecological transformation.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Students and supervisors in the chosen specialization integrate their content competencies and other competencies in writing the master's thesis - They go through a process of analysis and construction of solutions typical for social innovation projects when writing the master's thesis - The process itself is designed to be cooperative, with the focus on learning from each other - Interim results are presented in small presentations - The master's thesis is written in parallel
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Conflict Management and Transformation
| Semester | 3 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM3KUTIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
Social conflicts are common phenomena that we are confronted with at the micro, meso and macro levels ¿ especially in the case of social innovation developments. In addition to the various individual strategies, there are also professional methods and tools for analyzing, diagnosing and treating conflicts. In this course, students will mainly learn the diagnosis and analysis as well as escalation and de-escalation stages according to Friedrich Glasl and test them using current conflict examples at micro, meso, and macro levels. For the topic of conflict transformations, the course draws on work by representatives such as Johan Galtung. The various conflict parameters are analyzed in more detail, and cultural, structural, and institutional violence is addressed using practical examples.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Conflict diagnosis, management, and treatment - Deeper understanding of conflict management - Conflict and dialog skills to be able to act professionally even in problematic situations - Changed attitude and openness towards different perspectives - Dealing with conflict transformation
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Impact Orientation and Evaluation
| Semester | 3 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM3WUEIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
Evaluation is the methodical analysis and assessment of social systems (such as social measures, projects, or institutions) and is tailored to innovation processes. This course presents different perspectives, approaches, and types of evaluations, and uses practical examples to concretize evaluation procedures and their role in innovation processes. Various approaches to impact measurement and evaluation are presented and critically reflected upon. Students learn how to define impact objectives, select indicators to measure impact, and develop suitable evaluation designs and impact models. In addition, questions of research ethics will be clarified and the Ethics Committee of the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences will be introduced. The course aims to impart theoretical and practical knowledge on the planning and implementation of evaluations and to gain a critical understanding of impact orientation.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will - Have gained theoretical and practical knowledge of planning and carrying out evaluations - Be able to define impact objectives and develop indicators for measuring impact
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Management and Organizational Development
| Semester | 3 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM3SUOIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
The internal management of organizations in the social sector requires knowledge of essential management theories and management tools. This course deals with the topics of organizational culture and organizational development ("learning organization"). In this context, the promotion of change processes and the facilitation of a culture of innovation will be discussed in more detail. The basics of personnel management with special consideration of "volunteering" as well as leadership skills and the special challenges of managing social organizations are also dealt with. In addition, instruments for managing organizations at a quality and business management level are analyzed and explained using case studies.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will - Be able to apply competencies in organizational culture, organizational development, and personnel management - Have acquired skills in managing social organizations - Know tools for managing organizations at a qualitative and business management level - Be able to effectively master challenges and contribute to the further development of the social sector
Superior module:
Social Change
Module description:
-
Master's Thesis Part 1
| Semester | 3 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM3MAARC |
| Type | RC |
| Kind | Diploma/master thesis |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 0 |
| ECTS Credits | 10.5 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
Writing the Master's Thesis
Learning Outcomes:
-
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Networking and Performance
| Semester | 3 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM3VUPRC |
| Type | RC |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 1.5 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
After a deeper examination of the I and YOU and the topic of relationships in the first two semesters, the identity of the social innovator in relation to the group is addressed. The (inter)action space of the social innovator in a leadership role ranges from hierarchical to holocratic systems. In this wide range, social innovators can find important networking partners to drive their innovations. Knowledge about one¿s own personality and that of interaction partners can be the decisive factor in achieving goals.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Knowledge of models to deepen the understanding of one's own personality in the context of group interaction - Opportunities and risks of hierarchical and holocratic systems depending on the situation - Support of self-empowerment in interactions through the acquired specialist knowledge and the expansion of personal skills - Incorporation and expansion in one's own portfolio in the form of the USP
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Sustainability Policy and Governance
| Semester | 3 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM3PGNIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Elective |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
This course deals with the political and governmental aspects of socioecological transformation, supplemented by concepts from ecological economics. This includes topics such as environmental policy, international environmental agreements, participatory decision-making, and multi-level governance. Students gain insight into political processes and structures at various levels and into the interfaces between economic and governmental processes. The development of political instruments and institutional structures to promote socioecological transformation is also analyzed in this context.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Students understand political and governance-related aspects of socioecological transformation as well as concepts of ecological economics - They are able to analyze environmental policy, understand international agreements, and assess the importance of participatory decision-making - They have gained insight into political processes and the interfaces between economics and government
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Innovation: Recognition and Empowerment
| Semester | 3 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM3IAEIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Elective |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
The course ¿Innovation: Recognition and Empowerment¿ builds on the two courses of the module Fundamentals of Social Inequality and Recognition. While the course "Social Structure Analyses" makes inequality visible on a structural level, this course is dedicated to the individual perspective of marginalized people. It aligns with the tradition of recognition theory approaches and links these with post-migrant / post-colonial theories. To make these perspectives systematically accessible, students are introduced to biographical, ethnographic, and participatory (research) methods. The central focus of the course is on acquiring alternative perspectives on our society and discussing how marginalized and stigmatized groups can empower themselves to improve their situation as regards resource distribution and political participation (participation and empowerment being the key terms). Such struggles for recognition are analyzed for innovative elements, and if applicable, these are developed further.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will - Be able to relate sociostructural disadvantages to individual perceptions of marginalized individuals (groups) - Know biographical, ethnographic, and participatory methods and be able to apply them rudimentarily to research and practical contexts - Be familiar with the terms "empowerment" and "participation" - Be able to recognize and develop innovations brought about by struggles for recognition
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
New Forms of Participation, particularly through digitization
| Semester | 3 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM3NFBIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Elective |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
The course "New Forms of Participation" is dedicated to the presentation, deepening, critical analysis, and practice of new forms of participation at various levels. Topics include democratic innovations from the global to the local level (such as citizens' councils, online petitions, e-government, mini-publics, dialog forums, consultation procedures, advisory boards, youth parliaments, and participatory budgeting) as well as new forms of participation at the level of the school system (class councils or school parliaments) and at the organizational level (systemic consensus, etc.). Selected examples are practiced and critically analyzed.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will - Have acquired analytical skills for new forms of participation - Be able to critically apply new forms of participation
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Social Health and Innovative Strategies
| Semester | 3 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM3SGSIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Elective |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
This course addresses the effects of social, demographic, technological and environmental determinants on the health of individuals and groups and presents approaches to reducing health inequalities. Key factors influencing health and well-being include social cohesion and appreciative relationships, with effects on health behavior and health risk factors. Current concepts based on these aspects¿such as caring communities, community nursing, or digital support measures¿and other possible strategies for promoting equal health opportunities are analyzed and critically discussed.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will - Know the main determinants of health and their effects on health from an individual and population perspective - Understand the causes of health inequality - Know new approaches and strategies for strengthening social health - Be able to critically assess the concepts of caring communities and community nursing
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Accompanying Seminar Master's Thesis Part 2
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM4BMARC |
| Type | RC |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
In regular group discussions, the master's students discuss aspects of their master's theses with their supervisors and regularly present interim and final results. This accompanying seminar for master's theses takes place in four small groups, each of which focuses on a specific topic. The setting also enables a close, topic-specific exchange with fellow students on master's theses in the fields of public health and social health, development of democracy, social inequality and recognition or sustainability and socioecological transformation.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Students and supervisors in the chosen specialization integrate their content competencies and other competencies in writing the master's thesis - They go through a process of analysis and construction of solutions typical for social innovation projects when writing the master's thesis - The process itself is designed to be cooperative, with the focus on learning from each other - Interim results are presented in small presentations - The master's thesis is written in parallel
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Final Exam
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM4APRDP |
| Type | DP |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 0 |
| ECTS Credits | 0 |
| Examination character | final |
Lecture content:
The final master's exam takes place before a board and consists of a discussion on the subject matter of the master's thesis and its links to relevant subjects in the curriculum.
Learning Outcomes:
-
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Leading Social Change
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM4LSCIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
In the social sector, managers are facing new leadership challenges due to trends such as digitization and globalization. Increasing digitization requires them to adapt to new technologies in order to successfully shape the digital transformation. At the same time, globalization opens up opportunities for international collaboration but also requires an understanding of cultural diversity and the development of effective leadership strategies for diverse teams. Due to these new challenges, managers in the social sector have to be highly adaptable, innovative, and interculturally competent to meet the changing needs of society and drive positive change. The transformational leadership style offers a particularly effective method for motivating employees, promoting change, and achieving common goals.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Understand new leadership challenges in the social sector - Knowledge of the use of new technologies - Effective leadership strategies - Strengthened resilience, willingness to innovate, and diversity competence - Successful use of the transformational leadership style
Superior module:
Social Change
Module description:
-
Master's Thesis Part 2
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM4MAARC |
| Type | RC |
| Kind | Diploma/master thesis |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 0 |
| ECTS Credits | 10.5 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
Writing the Master's Thesis
Learning Outcomes:
-
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Professional Identity
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM4PFIRC |
| Type | RC |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 1.5 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
This final course focuses on assessing the acquired professional and personal skills. The development process of the social innovator is analyzed and presented in the portfolio folder. In doing so, the professional identity is made visible and strengthened and can be used for future social innovations.
Learning Outcomes:
The main learning goals are: - Presentation of the professional and personal development process - Presentation of the acquired skills - Completion of the portfolio folder and one¿s own UPS
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Project Funding
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM4PFGIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | German |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
The subject of this course is the principles of social law and selected social law provisions as well as legal aspects of social benefits, insurance, and provision systems. The legal and planning challenges for future welfare state provision and important elements of social planning and the planning process (needs planning, product development, legal measures) are also discussed. The planning methodology, intended and unintended effects of planning, and the social actors and target groups of social planning are addressed separately. Public administration and the criteria of New Public Management and their significance in the social sector are examined in detail. The effects of New Public Management on social organizations and their culture of innovation are critically examined and analyzed in the course.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Students know the regulatory provisions that are fundamental for the provision of services in the social sector and relevant for smooth coordination with the relevant authorities - Students know the processes, objectives, challenges, and most important elements of social planning: needs planning, product development, legal measures, planning methodology, intended and unintended effects - Students are able to incorporate their knowledge of social needs and their ideas for appropriate social services into the official planning and budgeting process, that is, they can transform an initially abstract idea into a functioning and publicly fundable service
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Public Relations
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM4PBRIL |
| Type | IL |
| Kind | Compulsory |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 2 |
| ECTS Credits | 3 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
Modern societies are subject to constant change, which requires and/or promotes social innovation. In particular, new media, the Internet, and new applications such as artificial intelligence are changing the use, opportunities, risks, and benefits of media. This course provides basic know-how about different approaches and methods of public relations. The focus is primarily on presenting practical examples of the interplay between public relations and social innovations. Targeted public relations work is becoming increasingly important and also more complex as the need for information grows, especially in the case of social innovations. Since interactions in social media are becoming increasingly important, media communication is also changing. This process of change can influence the democratization of knowledge and information in many ways; users are no longer just consumers, but also producers of media content or networkers for new ideas. The course aims to teach students the role and importance of professional public relations work and to teach them and let them try out methods of public relations work around social innovations, with special consideration on social media and campaigning.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Recognition of the importance and implementation of public relations for social innovations - Effective public presentation of ideas and/or social innovations - Methods of modern public relations with a focus on social media - Methods of interactive public relations, e.g. in open innovation strategies of participation and involvement
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Alternative Societies and Utopias
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM4ASMUE |
| Type | UB |
| Kind | Elective |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 1.5 |
| ECTS Credits | 2 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
In this practice class, the content of the open lecture will be explored in greater depth, and there will be a discursive discussion and dialog about the social innovations presented. This can take place before, directly coupled with, or after the open lecture, subject to how the program is planned in each case.
Learning Outcomes:
Students deepen the learning outcomes from the open lecture: - Students learn about current social innovation projects in the field of sustainability and socioecological transformation - They actively participate in the specialist discussion and draw conclusions for their own projects - They get the opportunity to further expand their network - They also present their findings (from the master's thesis project, for example) and put them up for discussion with the audience
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Open Lecture: Alternative Societies and Utopias
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM4ASMIT |
| Type | IT |
| Kind | Elective |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 1 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
In this open lecture, students gain deeper insight into the broad field of alternative social models in the context of socioecological transformation. The causes of current social, economic, and ecological problems as well as concrete examples of alternative social models at micro, meso and macro levels and their effects are discussed. The focus is on the following questions: On which theories, world views, and images of humanity are alternative social models based? Where and in what form do they manifest themselves?
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: - Students understand the complexity and diversity of alternative models of society in the context of socioecological transformation - They are able to analyze the causes of current social, economic and ecological problems and their interactions - Students know concrete examples at micro, meso and macro levels and understand their effects at individual, community, and societal levels
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Open Lecture: Struggles for Recognition
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM4SFRIT |
| Type | IT |
| Kind | Elective |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 1 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
The course ¿Recognition Struggles in Material and Digital Space¿ bundles the findings of the first three courses of the Fundamentals and Specialization modules on ¿Social Inequality and Recognition¿. While the latter focused on issues of inequality, discrimination, and disregarded recognition and developed strategies for empowerment based on the concepts of participation and empowerment, this fourth course in the series delves deeper into the development of specific innovative solutions. Using selected guest lectures, their own presentations in front of an audience, or both, students will explore questions of empowerment and struggles for recognition. Particular attention is paid to the (increasingly fluid) transitions between material and digital space.
Learning Outcomes:
Key learning outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will - Be able to apply the knowledge of inequality, social structure, empowerment and recognition that they have acquired in the first three courses of the series - Be able to develop and present innovative solutions for real problems in this complex of topics - Be able to analyze recognition struggles in the transition between material and digital space and work on them in a socially innovative way
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Struggles for Recognition
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM4SFRUE |
| Type | UB |
| Kind | Elective |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 1.5 |
| ECTS Credits | 2 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
In this practice class, the content of the open lecture will be explored in greater depth, and there will be a discursive discussion and dialog about the social innovations presented. This can take place before, directly coupled with, or after the open lecture, subject to how the program is planned in each case.
Learning Outcomes:
Students deepen the learning outcomes from the open lecture: - Students learn about current social innovation projects in the field of recognition struggles - They actively participate in the specialist discussion and draw conclusions for their own projects - They get the opportunity to further expand their network - They also present their findings (from the master's thesis project, for example) and put them up for discussion with the audience
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Current questions of democracy and innovation
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM4QDIUE |
| Type | UB |
| Kind | Elective |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 1.5 |
| ECTS Credits | 2 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
A simulation game is used to practice democratic decision-making processes at different levels. First, there is a brief introduction to the workings of various democratic institutions, such as regional parliaments, the Austrian Parliament, and the EU Parliament. The students are then divided into groups to work out, present, and discuss a specific democracy-related topic in distributed roles (such as strengthening citizen participation, the possibilities of digital democracy, dealing with authoritarian regimes, voting rights at the EU level etc.). In the last course unit, the groups present their ideas, discuss them with the other groups, and finally analyze the decision-making process according to their impressions following the simulation game.
Learning Outcomes:
Students deepen the learning outcomes from the open lecture: - Students learn about current social innovation projects in the field of democracy development - They actively participate in the specialist discussion and draw conclusions for their own projects - The get the opportunity to further expand their network - They also present their findings (from the master's thesis project, for example) and put them up for discussion with the audience - In addition to gaining knowledge about processes, students also practice political dialog in this unit, sharpening their understanding of democratic processes
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Open Lecture: Current questions of democracy and innovation
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM4QDIIT |
| Type | IT |
| Kind | Elective |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 1 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
In this Open Lecture, current issues of democracy will be discussed together with international experts and project partners. A current topic, which is defined at the beginning of the semester, is prepared together with the students and then discussed with invited guest speakers and panelists. Guest speakers or panelists can be academics, politicians, or representatives of civil society.
Learning Outcomes:
The main goals of this open lecture are for students to - Learn about current social innovation projects in the field of democracy development - Actively participate in the specialist discussion and draw conclusions for their own projects - Get the opportunity to further expand their network - Present their findings (from the master's thesis project, for example) and put them up for discussion with the audience
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
Open Lecture: The Future of Health Promotion
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM4FOHIT |
| Type | IT |
| Kind | Elective |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 1 |
| ECTS Credits | 1 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
This course offers students a focused insight into current topics of health promotion, such as digitization, (socio-) spatial planning, and health literacy, and links to current concepts such as the SDGs. The open lecture format promotes an interdisciplinary and cross-departmental exchange and underpins the multi-perspective approach to health promotion.
Learning Outcomes:
The main goals of this open lecture are for students to - Deepen their knowledge of current topics in the field of health promotion and prevention - Be able to critically examine current concepts in the field of health promotion - Actively participate in the specialist discussion and draw conclusions for their own projects - Get the opportunity to further expand their network with other disciplines
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
The Future of Health Promotion
| Semester | 4 |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2 |
| Course code | SOZM4FOHUE |
| Type | UB |
| Kind | Elective |
| Language of instruction | English |
| SWS | 1.5 |
| ECTS Credits | 2 |
| Examination character | immanent |
Lecture content:
As part of this practice class, the content of the open lecture will be explored in greater depth, and there will be a discursive discussion and dialog about the social innovations presented. This can take place before, directly coupled with, or after the open lecture, subject to how the program is planned in each case.
Learning Outcomes:
Students deepen the learning outcomes from the open lecture: - Students deepen their understanding of the topic using practical exercises - They participate in the specialist discussion and draw their own conclusions for their own projects - If applicable, they present their findings (from the master's thesis project, for example) and present them to the audience for discussion
Superior module:
-
Module description:
-
| Legend | |
| Semester | Semesters 1, 3, 5: courses held only in winter semester (mid-September to end of January), Semesters 2, 4, 6: courses held only in summer semester (mid-February to end of June) |
| SWS | weekly contact hours over 14 weeks in semester (example SWS 2 equals 28 contact hours for the whole course |
| ECTS Credits | Work load in ECTS credits, 1 ECTS credit equals an estimated 25 hours of work for the student |
| Type | BP = Bachelor final exam DP/MP = Master final exam IL = Lecture with integrated project work IT = Individual training/phases LB = Lab (session) PS = Pro-seminar PT = Project RC = Course with integrated reflective practice RE = Revision course SE = Seminar TU = Tutorial UB = Practice session/Subject practical sessions VO = Lecture |