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Sapiens: A Reading Course
Sapiens – Ein wisssenschaftshistorischer Lektürekurs
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:48:15
Abstract
Yuval Noah Harari's "Sapiens" is the most successful historical book of recent years. The seminar examines the text from a history of science perspective: What kind of sources does it rely on? What type of history is being written here? And in what tradition does "Sapiens" represent a popular non-fiction book?
Objective
In the course of the seminar, the students develop the competence to deal with the original text and the research literature on the history of anthropology, science and technology in a critical and historically thoughtful way. In doing so, they practise navigating independently through historical literature by means of smaller research tasks.
Content
The aim of the seminar is to introduce students to the history of science in anthropology, prehistory and popular science literature on the history of mankind by reading "Sapiens". In addition to studying and critically discussing the original text, the students explore significant scientific and historical contexts of the book in small groups and present them in the seminar. In this way, they develop an understanding of the underlying narratives and popular science genres that inform "Sapiens".
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 35
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Sapiens – Ein wisssenschaftshistorischer Lektürekurs |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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GESS Science in Perspective (Only the topics listed in this paragraph can be chosen as GESS Science in Perspective. Further below you will find the "type B courses Reflections about subject specific methods and content" as well as the language courses. 6 ECTS need to be acquired during the BA and 2 ECTS during the MA Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (Suitable for all students. Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again.)
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Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses: Recommended for doctoral, master and bachelor students (after first-year examination only). Students who already took a course within their main study program are NOT allowed to take the course again. These course units are also listed under "Type A", which basically means all students can enroll)
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