Seminar Applied Economics (372002)
-
Wintersemester
Seminar-Steckbrief Wintersemester
General Details Seminar title Applied Economics Course code(s) 372002 Academic session WiSe 25/26 Course availability irregularly Course content Topic in the winter semester 2025/2026:
Disagreement in Economics
Science is often marked by deep and persistent disagreement—and economics is no exception. Economists disagree on issues such as the right policies for climate change mitigation, the sources of inequality, or the effectiveness of a minimum wage. Critics have long pointed to conceptual ambiguities, ideological influences, and theoretical misunderstandings that shape these debates. At the same time, economists often present their work as providing ‘objective’ knowledge that can inform policy, thereby upholding the ideal of a value-free science. But what is really at stake in these disagreements? This interdisciplinary seminar explores that question by drawing on insights from both economics and philosophy. We will examine the nature of disagreement in economics, asking: What is the nature of disagreement in economics? In which way are economists’s positions in those debates shaped by value judgements? Can there be an ‘objective’ viewpoint on those issues? And would scientific consensus about them be not only achievable but also desirable? Students from both philosophy and economics are invited to critically engage with some of the most urgent and contested issues of our time. Through theoretical and conceptual tools from both disciplines, students will explore how debates about those issues unfold, what is at stake in them, and how different positions relate to broader political and social implications. The course is co-taught by specialists in economics and philosophy, fostering a genuinely interdisciplinary learning environment that equips students to navigate and contribute to complex public debates.
Target group / area (Zuordnung) MSc WiWi (Area Economic Policy and Theory), MSc WiIng, MA Philosophy of Science, MEd Philosophie, MEd Werte und Normen, Aufbaumodul Theoretische Philosophie Number of participants Max. 18 Course language English
Location Internal seminar Industry partner Timetable Block seminar Completion of term paper Requirements and Academic Support Objectives In the seminar, students learn about the methodological approach to scientific writing, the structural requirements of a scientific paper, and how to infer the necessary information (literature, questions and positions in the philosophy of science, theories, as well as quantitative and qualitative data).
In working groups, these elements are then applied to various aspects of the seminar’s overarching topic, based on real data and facts. The results are written up and presented as academic studies.
Students gain an understanding of different perspectives on key economic issues and critically engage with them. They reflect on economic controversies from a philosophy of science perspective and learn to engage in socially relevant debates in a well-informed and coherent manner.
Prerequisites Introductory course to academic research Recommended:
Formal guidelines Hinweise zur Gestaltung von Seminar- und Abschlussarbeiten am Institut für Wirtschaftspolitik General literature To be announced Basic literature to introduce each topic To be announced Methodology Text-based work Specialised software Recommended word processing software Length of term paper 3 written reading responses + presentation Meeting(s) to discuss outline min. 2 Performance requirements / evaluation [indicate weighting] - Presentation [50%]
- 3 written reading responses [40%]
- Discussion [10%]
- Compulsory attendance at all meetings
Examiner(s) Prof. Dr. Stephan Thomsen; Prof. Dr. Catherine Herfeld Contact person Prof. Dr. Stephan Thomsen; Prof. Dr. Catherine Herfeld; Li Kathrin Kaja Rupieper Group Assignments and Topics Group assignment Possible and welcome Group size 1 -2 Group formation As suggested by the students, after the first meeting Topics To follow Assignment of topics Preference-based Initial registration In StudIP Process Schedule Initial registration / application Until October 27, 2025
Initial discussion / topic discussion / kick-off meeting October 29, 2025, at 09-11 am (Room 1501.401)
Topic assignment At the first meeting Formal (binding) registration After the first meeting Commencement of seminar paper After topics have been assigned Submission - Submission deadline for reading responses: January 18
- Feedback on your reading responses will be given during the seminar
- Revision of two out of the three reading responses after the seminar
- Submission of the two revised reading responses: March 1
Submission of presentation Presentation January 22 and 23, 2026
Room: 1501.112
