Courses & curriculum
Download the programme overview 2025/2026.
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Our programme consists of thematic, problem-based courses that build on each other, in three-phases.
Elementary phase (semester 1-3)
In the first phase, you will take foundational courses that explore key questions in the development of Western culture in a global context. What is knowledge, technological progress, or individual freedom? And how have such questions shaped Western ideas about self and society?
In this phase, you will study the philosophical and ethical debates, scientific developments, political ideologies, artistic movements and technological innovations that have shaped modern culture – from Antiquity to the 21st century global stage. Along the way, you begin to understand how these historical developments continue to shape today’s cultural and societal challenges.
Specialization phase (semester 4-5)
In this phase, you tailor your studies to your interests. In semester 4, you choose from elective courses that explore how media, art and literature, politics, or science and technology intersect in specific contemporary debates:
- How are voices of marginalized groups represented in history, public debate and literature?
- What ethical issues do emerging technologies raise, and how can art help explore them?
- What does and could it mean to be a democratic society today?
- How do scientists, states, activists and industry understand and respond to climate change on a global scale?
- How are social norms about the body constructed, challenged, or transformed?
In semester 5, you can further personalize your trajectory through an internship, a semester abroad with one of our 100+ partner universities, or a minor at another faculty or university.
Graduation phase (semester 6)
In your final semester, you prepare, design, research and write your final Bachelor’s thesis. This capstone projects builds on in-depth training in writing skills and methods throughout the program. Here and elsewhere in the program, you can pursue a topic that reflects your academic interests and future ambitions.
Throughout all three years, a scaffolded skills trajectory and mentor programme support you in developing into a researcher, writer and communicator.