The term project often seems like a black box that is filled in very differently. Despite all the differences, however, there is agreement that projects - in contrast to the often teacher-centred teaching ofcontent - strive to actively identifyknowledge. The term project stands for an action-oriented form of research and learning in which students deal with specialised and socially relevant questions and topics, usually independently and in teams. Often, although not necessarily, this involves working together with non-university partners and institutions and taking learning out of the classroom and into other places. Many paths lead to the approach or solution of a task; agreeing on an accessible path is an essential part of the group process.

Project work is usually also product-orientated learning; ideally, a result can be presented to other students, teachers and the public at the end. If only because such results can be an exhibition, a book, a film, a self-organised conference, a radio programme or an online platform, projects always point beyond the subject of history.

Projects not only allow you to work with historical objects or experience history "on site", but also train you to work scientifically on very practical "problems", to prepare and present knowledge and to work in a team. Well-guided independent work can be extremely motivating and enlightening and is simply fun if you know what you are doing, how you are doing it and what you are doing it for. Projects allow you to think outside the box and at the same time give you ideas about potential future fields of activity, be it in your free time, internship, voluntary work or academic appointment. Finally, a jointly developed product also provides something presentable.

Projects are organised in very different ways during your studies. Sometimes you will design the project goal and timetable together. Sometimes you will work towards a fixed point in sub-projects. Sometimes you will come across "mixed models" in which you first approach a topic by working together on texts and sources in order to work in teams in a product-orientated manner in the following part. Basically, "anything" is possible: you can be a project planner, manager or leader, you can be artistically active, document or advertise, you can overcome hurdles or fail at times. Every project model and every conceivable role in projects is always associated with effort (including time), and you should be aware of this - but it's worth it!