My approach to teaching follows three objectives: first, I prioritize a hands-on approach that allows students to actively engage in their own learning by conducting independent research projects or solving real-world problems. Second, I aim to encourage critical thinking about theories and research designs from the very beginning of my students’ academic careers. Third, I strive to maximize student participation and collaboration.
With over eight years of experience in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate level, I have conceptualized and taught seminars on a wide range of topics, including populism, political parties, party systems, quantitative methods, and science skepticism. I am experienced in teaching in English and have worked with international students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, I have taught students from various disciplines, such as political science, sociology, psychology, and communication science in my science skepticism classes. I have also supervised several Bachelor’s and Master’s theses.
My most recent seminars:
- ‘Kommunal-O-Mat’ [in German] – Development of a web-based voting advice application for the local elections in Jena, Gotha & Kyffhäuserkreis
- The application had around 15,000 users in Jena
- Mentioned in various regional (e.g. MDR, Thüringer Allgemeine), and local (e.g. Jena TV) outlets
- Populism in Germany – A Comparative Perspective [in English] (→ Syllabus)
- Science Skepticism in Times of Climate Change and Covid-19 [in German]
- Introduction to Quantitative Methodology [in German]
Dr. Anne Küppers 