Contents of the subject

Key qualifications are essential prerequisites for success in the course of study and in the working world. Social skills, intercultural competence, responsibility, communicative competence, and instrumental competence are to be taught and practiced under practical aspects. The students choose a course appropriate for them.

Learning and working techniques: Students learn to use learning techniques for studying (faster reading, more skillful research, etc.), to find sources of information and to use them, to become comfortable in scientific research and to motivate one-self when a low point is reached.

Time management: The students learn how to communicate their time during their studies, to organize themselves well during their studies, especially during the examination period, to set themselves realistic goals, to become aware of contradictory goals while studying (Study versus job, for example).

SWAT Analysis: The participants will learn about their own strengths and identify weaknesses in the seminar, in order to create challenges and to learn to change. It is about the differences between self-image and external image and about perception and interpretation in contact with other people. Through exercises and trial and error, you can recognize your potential in the training.

Qualification aims of the subject

Participants learn to learn and apply learning techniques for studying, to identify and use information sources, to create scientific work and to motivate one-self.

Participants learn how to classify their time, to organize themselves well for the study, and to set realistic goals, and to classify and oppose contradictory goals during their studies (study versus job, for example).

The participants learn to recognize their own strengths and to identify weaknesses, in order to derive their actions. In addition, exercises on external perception and self-awareness are carried out and their own potentials are recognized by analyzing.

After successful completion of the module, students will have – depending on the chosen subject - acquired the following competencies:

ILO 1: To use learning techniques, to use information sources and to motivate one-self.

ILO 2: To organize well in learning, as well as to classify and assess contradictory goals.

ILO 3: To assess your own strengths and weaknesses and derive your own potential.

Applicability of the subject

Basis for all other modules of the course. This module can be used by following degree programs: Business Administration, IBAEX, Economics, Business Law, Economics, computer science.

The nature of the examination / requirements for the award of credit points

Assessment (ungraded): Pass / Fail.

- Practical exercises in which students present, analyze and reflect their acquired skills in interactive settings. (ILO 2, ILO 3)

- Practical tasks that are designed to help you understand the problem, and the ability to solve it with an appropriate approach. (ILO 1)

Literature and learning resources

Ternes, D. (2008). Kommunikation - eine Schlüsselqualifikation: Einführung zu wesentlichen Bereichen zwischenmenschlicher Kommunikation. Paderborn Junfermann 2008.

Wellhöfer, P. R. (2004). Schlüsselqualifikation Sozialkompetenz: Theorie und Trainingsbeispiele. Stuttgart Lucius & Lucius 2004.

Schulz von Thun, F. (2013). Miteinander reden. 1. Störungen und Klärungen: allgemeine Psychologie der Kommunikation. Rowohlt.
Recommended literature     

Macdonald, K. (2009). Key skills for scientists; Macdonald, Kristy. Cambridge Royal Society of Chemistry 2009.

Pannett, A. (2013). Key Skills for Professionals : How to Succeed in Professional Services. London: Kogan Page.

Teaching and learning forms

Project seminar, action-learning. Few lectures from the trainer, lots of exercises, group work, presentations, discussions (and what is otherwise suitable for the subject)

Participation requirements

Participation in introductory course / start course (”Einführung ins Studium”);

recommended for basic studies