Profile M.A. Political Theory

The consecutive and research-based MA Political Theory is a joint offer of Goethe University Frankfurt and the Technical University of Darmstadt and has an international focus. It teaches the theoretical knowledge and academic skills necessary for a comprehensive analysis of the present political situation and its dynamics. In the process, notions of justice, democracy and power are confronted with current problems in an increasingly complex world. According to this understanding, political theory includes:

  1. A historical perspective, i.e. a critical reconstruction of systematically relevant theoretical approaches based on the history of ideas,
  2. a philosophical perspective, i.e. a conceptual analysis and normative thematisation of political problems, as well as
  3. an institutional theory perspective, i.e. an empirically founded reflection on how legitimate political relations can be established under the conditions of complex societies.

To achieve these goals, the degree programme has an interdisciplinary character. At the centre is political theory. In addition to political science with its various sub-areas, philosophy, sociology, law and economics are also a regular part of the programme.

Unique cooperative degree programme

The MA Political Theory is unique in Germany in this form. Students attend courses and make use of the supervision offered by the two participating universities, which jointly award the academic degree. Here, they are continuing in a contemporary way a long Frankfurt tradition of reflection on political and social order from the perspective of critical theory. At both universities, the degree programme is embedded in the research context of the research network “The Formation of Normative Orders”.

The MA Political Theory provides for the possibility for students to spend one of the four semesters abroad at a renowned partner university in an English-speaking country. Partnerships are in place with the New School for Social Research, New York, the University of Toronto and Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia.

Participating institutions

Faculty of Social Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt

Department of History and Social Sciences, Technical University of Darmstadt

Quality Assurance through System Accreditation

As a quality assurance process, accreditation at Goethe University Frankfurt aims to ensure high-quality degree programmes. In Hesse, degree programmes are generally accredited, in accordance with Section 12 (2) Hessian Higher Education Act, before teaching operations commence. Since the university was accepted for system accreditation, accreditation has been conducted as an internal (re)accreditation process when degree programmes are established or continued.

Image credits: Kristin Langholz

Contact

Dipl.-Soz. Alexander Simon

Student counselling for B.A. programs in Political Science and Sociology / Student counselling for M.A. programs / M.A. admission / B.A./M.A. internship counselling 

Telephone: +49 069/798-36596

E-Mail:
studienfachberatung.fb03@soz.uni-frankfurt.de

PEG Room 2.G 133

Open consultation hours:

Tuesday 11a.m - 1p.m.

Thursday 11a.m. - 1 p.m.

In lecture free time only on Tuesdays

Open telephone consultation hours:

Wednesday 11a.m - 1p.m.

or by individual arrangement

Goethe-University
Department 03
PEG-Building
Theodor-W.-Adorno-Platz 6
60323 Frankfurt am Main