On the one hand, our division is dedicated to analyzing the contents of modern mass media and social media. On the other hand, it is responsible for the teaching of basics, theories and methods in the field of empirical-analytical social and communication studies.

The division's research foci especially lie on the development, conceptualization and application of formal, structural and topical analyses as well as on the role of mass media in societal integration processes. These research foci are also reflected in the courses offered by our team.

The courses related to research methods in communication studies include the introduction to epistemological basics of empirical research, the fundamental training in empirical methods of data gathering and statistical procedures of data analyses (in lectures, practices sessions and study projects of the bachelor curriculum) as well as the imparting of in-depth, advanced developments and models of multivariate analyses, especially (but not exclusively) within the master program. In doing so, notable attention is paid to distinctive methodological foci in communication studies, such as reception and media research.