Program of Studies

Science Studies resists disciplinary specialization. Versatility of thought and attention to detail are just as desired and necessary as the ability to connect various methodological tools and theoretical approaches. Its aim is not to solve problems, but to pose questions. Curiosity about objects of study which may initially seem unfamiliar and the commitment to continually refine and revise one’s intellectual assumptions, positions and interests are helpful requisites for science studies.

At the University of Lucerne students can pursue Science Studies at the master’s level within the framework of the Integrated Degree Program in Cultural Studies (ISK). The ISK combines the advantages of a broad, interdisciplinary course of study with the acquisition of competencies in a field of concentration, which is selected as a major amongst other faculty offerings.

The Science Studies major in the ISK (MA) provides the possibility to engage rigorously with the history, theory, and practice of the sciences. The course offerings are designed to encourage and foster an understanding of the preconditions of scientific works and place them into larger historical and social contexts. Drawing on the profile of the professorship in Science Studies, we place emphasis on the approaches offered by historical epistemology and science studies.

You can find a more detailed description of the Science Studies major at the ISK (MA) here.

A pre-requisite for admission to the Integrated Degree Program in Cultural Studies (ISK) with a major in Science Studies is the successful completion of a bachelor’s degree in cultural studies or a bachelor’s degree with at least 60 CP in one of the following fields: science studies, ethnology, history, philosophy, sociology, or literary studies. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in natural sciences could be admitted on an individual basis.

Faculty and Advising

Prof. Dr. Christoph Hoffmann, Professorship in Science Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Lucerne

E-Mail: L_hc__ulinu--nnamffoh__hpotsirhc

Dr. Dominic Kaegi, Institute of Cultural Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Lucerne

E-Mail: L_hc__ulinu--igeak__cinimod

© Hannes Rickli, Zürich