In this introductory module, students learn about the fascinating world of sign language and at the same time gain valuable insights into the diversity of deaf culture. The course teaches the basic signs of German Sign Language (DGS), typical communication strategies and central grammar structures - in a practical, interactive and everyday-oriented way.
Participants also learn about the world in which deaf people live: cultural characteristics, historical developments, identity, community and current social issues. This creates a deep understanding of the fact that sign language is not just a means of communication, but a living cultural form.
Why this course?
Students not only expand their language skills, but also strengthen their empathy, sensitivity to diversity and intercultural understanding. The course is aimed at anyone who wants to discover new forms of expression, enjoy non-verbal communication or gain insights into inclusion and accessibility.
In short:
A lively, inclusive introduction to the world of sign language - for anyone who wants to rethink communication and experience cultural diversity.
In this experience-oriented course, participants consciously abandon their usual patterns of thought and action. They learn to think courageously "outside the box", accept challenges and see both success and failure as valuable steps in the learning process.
Over seven intensive course days, manual skills are combined with personal and social development: Starting a fire together, building a sweat lodge, constructing a raft, setting up a bivouac and exploring new boundaries high up in the trees. Participants experience how important communication, willingness to compromise and clever use of their own resources are.
The course strengthens self-confidence, promotes self-efficacy and shows that real success only comes from working together - step by step, challenge by challenge.
We encounter the topic of security/insecurity time and again: in news reports, as participants in road traffic or in the prospects for pensions and care in old age. The lecture series in the summer semester 2026 will be dedicated to everyday and not always visible issues of insecurity in everyday life: Forms of violence in partnerships, insecurities about one's own self, structures of security by the fire department and THW, cyber security of infrastructures and more. Speakers from research, teaching and practice will provide insights into these and other topics.
The focus of the course is on voluntary work (unpaid, for the common good and in accordance with the constitution), which you carry out for at least 40 hours. In the accompanying class / course, you will present your volunteer position in a presentation and reflect on your activities and experiences. In addition to providing insights into various areas of voluntary work, we will discuss the framework conditions and social function.