Whether it’s LipDub or campus radio: the area of specialisation ‘Project Management for Students of the Humanities, Cultural Studies and Social Sciences’ gives rise to projects that attract attention even beyond the university.
In this interview, the module coordinator and lecturer Thomas Schneeberg explains what students learn on the module – and what the prospects are for the programme.
QUESTION: ‘Project Management for Students of the Humanities, Cultural Studies and Social Sciences’ is the name of the cross-school area of specialisation for which you are responsible. What exactly does this involve?
SCHNEEBERG: In these modules, students practise all aspects of project management – on practical projects they have devised themselves. Resource management, public relations, evaluation and documentation – everything that is needed for successful project management these days. Added to this is the particularly important aspect of securing third-party funding, in which most project groups are surprisingly successful.
QUESTION: What projects have you been able to get off the ground so far?
SCHNEEBERG: As well as numerous exhibitions, projects such as LipDub, the campus radio station and even a charity run have been thoroughly planned in terms of organisation and structure. Specialist conferences too – for example, one on the topic of ‘inclusion’, organised by the Johanniter at the Oldenburg State Parliament, or the vebn (Association for e-Learning Business in Northern Germany) anniversary conference in Hanover – were organised by ‘my’ students.
QUESTION: What experiences do the students take away with them?
SCHNEEBERG: Generally speaking, the amount of work involved in projects was underestimated beforehand, but the students unanimously agree that all the hard work was worth it because afterwards they knew exactly what they were getting themselves into. And: they all had a lot of fun!
QUESTION: How is the programme being received by the students?
SCHNEEBERG: The modules are very well attended, with some fully booked at 40 participants. The feedback in evaluations and reflections is very positive. One criticism is that the modules are still not well known enough across the various Schools, particularly amongst teaching staff. It is frequently suggested that these modules should be made compulsory.
QUESTION: What’s next? What are the plans going forward?
SCHNEEBERG: The ‘Introduction’ module in the summer semester and the ‘Advanced’ module in the winter semester are sure to continue producing exciting projects. For example, the trial run of the campus radio station in June 2013 is to be developed into a permanent project in the coming semester. Personally, I would be delighted if, with the appropriate support, we could establish a lasting project to mark the university’s anniversary next year.
