Field of Study

The general programme of theory courses goes beyond the teaching of specialist knowledge; it lays scientific foundations, illustrates contemporary developments and debates and examines their historic pre-conditions. The “practical reflection” theoretical work also corresponds to joint projects with special theory courses - in addition to those of the “interdisciplinary week” regularly organised by the Forum, and the “experimental room” with lectures, seminars and projects on current topics – as well as testing new forms of teaching such as the format of “studio visits” with opportunities to participate in theme-centred discussions, work-related talks or theoretical short seminars at the location of the project itself.

The Centre for Theory sees itself exclusively as a service. Allocated to the Centre are the fields of study Aesthetics, Forum, Cultural and Media Sciences and Visual Studies. In accordance with the corresponding study and examination regulations, the content of the courses are taught via lectures, seminars and practical courses as mandatory courses in all BA and MA degree courses. Parts of the study of theory can be taught in co-operation with the Christian-Albrechts University. Additionally, the increase in the theoretical part of the studies corresponds to the general tendency to raise the academic content in all skills. Since our “knowledge society” defines itself to a great extent via (its use of) science and technology, it is becoming increasingly true for design and art to do the same. The theory courses at the Muthesius Academy seek to take this into account by expanding the course programme with the fields of Visual Studies and Media Sciences.