Proseminars are the core of any basic studies programme. Their chief objective is to familiarize students with the methods of academic research and communication. Depending strongly on students' active participation, proseminars are usually taught in classes of 10 to 25 students and demand a considerable load of weekly preparation from all participants. Regular attendance is indispensable. A 2-hour proseminar counts 6 ECTS credits, a proseminar paper counts 5 ECTS credits.
Seminars are the core courses at the main studies level.
Similar to proseminars in format and methodology, they offer students an opportunity to practice their scholarly skills and to write seminar papers. Like proseminars, seminars require regular attendance. Ideally seminar classes would be no larger than 20 students. A 2-hour seminar counts 7 ECTS credits, a seminar paper equally 7 ECTS credits. Lectures are, apart from reading, the principal method of communicating the knowledge students are expected to master at their exams.