Cross-faculty elective subjects SS 2024

Practise listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills and competences to reach an advanced B2 level (cf. CEFR descriptors).

Information about the placement test is provided on the website of the cross-faculty elective subjects > language courses and by the study programmes.

The schedule is preliminary and can later be adapted upon participants' request.
Practise listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills and competences to reach an advanced C1 level (cf. CEFR descriptors) and be able to take an English certificate exam at C1 level
This module is the perfect introduction to the world of media and communications as a radio and multimedia journalist. Students learn the basics for a radio show and for a podcast as part of the new Campus Radio targeting Liechtenstein and the whole world. During the Campus Talks (=Campus Gespräche) with high-profile guests, the students actively work in the editorial team. The ongoing web radio program is professionally planned, developed, and implemented. The content is unique and has always a strong connection to Liechtenstein, the University of Liechtenstein, and the university's partners. The program is presented live online and will be made available on different podcast platforms (e.g., Spotify).

An elective "Campus Radio" is offered in both the winter and summer semester. But these two electives have different emphases and can therefore both be attended.
Was ist eigentlich ein Coach? Was macht ihre/seine innere Haltung aus? Wobei und wie kann sie/er andere bei ihrem individuellen Wachstum unterstützten?

Coaching Fähigkeiten gewinnen immer mehr an Bedeutung in unterschiedlichsten Lebenssituationen. Sei es als Führungskraft, um in einer immer komplexer werdenden Welt die anvertrauten Mitarbeitenden gekonnt in ihrer beruflichen und persönlichen Entwicklung zu begleiten. Sei es als Expert:in in einem anspruchsvollen Projekt nicht nur inhaltlich, sondern auch auf der Proessebenen einen wertvollen Beitrag leisten zu können. Oder sei es als Privatperson Freunde und Bekannte zu unterstützen neue Lösungsansätze in herausfordernden Situationen zu finden.

Do 8.2.24: 9:00 bis 17:30 mit Elias Jehle
o Einstieg
o Grundlagen: Rollen, Coaching Prozess, Haltung, Grenzen
o Methoden: Fragetechniken
o Üben und Reflexion

Fr 9.2.23: 9:00 bis 14:00 mit Elias Jehle
o Vertiefung Methoden
o Üben und Reflexion

Sa 17.2.24: 9:00 bis 17:30 mit Katja Kurz
o Grundlagen Neuro-Linguistisches Programmieren (NLP)
o NLP im Coaching
o Üben und Reflexion

Sa 2.3.24: 9:00 bis 14:00 mit Elias Jehle
o Beitrag Studierende
o Üben und Reflexion
o Abschluss
Communication & psychology: Building successful and sustainable relationships with your internal and external business networks

In the age of digitalization and rapid change, the art of building lasting relationships with clients, customers, builders, colleagues, superiors and employees is more critical than ever to business success. It's not just about delivering first-class work, but also about being a trusted partner and confidante who understands and shares their clients' visions and goals. These relationships are the foundation on which you can grow and develop your business.

Building and sustaining relationships are also at the heart of organizing communities. The strength of community lies in the strength of the connections that we have with each other. Strong connections empower us to drive real, lasting change.

Persuasion and trust are crucial, and communication is the key to any successful relationship. Diplomatic yet crystal clear communication can minimize potential problems and conflicts, increase customer satisfaction, and build successful communities. While tools and technologies evolve, the human factor remains at the core of every business relationship. Knowing the psychology behind trusting relationships and communication situations will therefore allow you to deal more easily with demanding contemporaries in your professional and private lives.

Whether we perceive a situation or person as being challenging is most often also dependent on our inner attitude. Life in general and business life in particular are based on the law of resonance. You have the power to influence others' reactions to your proposals and change them for the better.

In this seminar you will learn how to build solid, long-term and trusting relationships with your professional
relationship network, how to deal successfully with difficult conversation partners, and even how to win them over for your ideas and services.
To practice philosophy means to engage with fundamental and complex issues about human life and society at large. This course will be looking into three contemporary issues discussed among ethicists and political philosophers: animal experimentation, immigration, and world poverty.
- Animal experimentation: Should experiments be practiced on animals? What are the philosophical positions regarding this issue? How are those positions justified?
- Immigration: how to understand the issue of immigration in the context of sovereignty of states and freedom of movement of individuals? On which arguments are based the positions on open and/or closed borders?
- World poverty: How to understand world poverty in the context of global justice? Is world poverty a consequence of unjust distribution? Do wealthy people have obligations to assist the poor?
In the context of the digital economy, design thinking and experience design are taught and applied as the high road to innovation. The course introduces students to these approaches and examines them from the perspective of state-of-the-art cultural and social research. This means that we will bring techniques such as design personas and design mapping into dialogue with actor-network theory, ethnographic methods, and critical cartography. We will thereby discuss the possibility of not only a human-centered, but also an ecologically sustainable form of design thinking and experience design. Practically, the students will learn to combine scholarly with design approaches: we will scientifically consolidate design thinking and experience design, as well as creatively open up the traditional research process.
Practise communicative and cultural skills and competences in German on level A1 - A2 (cf. CEFR descriptors).
Practise communicative and cultural skills and competences in German on level A2 (cf. CEFR descriptors).

This is a suggested schedule but, if practicable, changes can be made in accordance with the wishes of the participants.

Information about the placement test is provided on the website of the cross-faculty elective subjects > language courses and by the International Office
Practise communicative and cultural skills and competences in German on level B1 - B2 (cf. CEFR descriptors)
  • Concepts, theories and models of diversity
  • Managing Diversity
  • Theoretical, political and legal concepts of intersectionality
  • Interlocking types of discrimination
  • Methods to develop diversity+ competencies
  • Equality and the right to be different
This module supports the development of communicative competence in Spanish on level A1/A2 (cf. CEFR descriptors).
Improvisational theatre is a very fast and spontaneous way of playing theatre. The performers must work together; they make suggestions and accept other's offers; they lead and are being led; and they take over responsibility in order to tell a collective story on stage.
Improvisation on stage and in life is a technique that can be learned. It is inspiring and useful for creativity, communication, collaboration and teamwork. Improvisation cultivates interpersonal skills, you are required to think on your feet, to rapidly make decisions and to be in the moment. Practicing improvisation helps to build all of these skills, so that you can explore and develop your personal and professional potential, plus it is fun! At the end of this workshop there will be a one-hour performance in front of your friends. Time and Place of the final performance: Wednesday 15th of February 2023 at 6:30, University of Liechtenstein

In this workshop we will work on the following issues:
o Teamwork: the yes and… principle
o Flexibility and spontaneity: handling of unexpected and unknown situations
o Creativity: bring in your own ideas and let them go to find collective solutions as a team
o Leadership: to lead and to be led
o Roleplay: change perspectives, explore and take over new roles
o Thoughtfulness and Concentration: the "here and now" principle
o Mistakes: make them, feel more comfortable with them and learn from them
Distributed ledgers and especially blockchains have primarily become known for their key role in the rise of cryptocurrencies. Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is a generalized term for the cryptographic technology cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin) and blockchain networks are based on. They are described as decentralized database systems spread over a multitude of network participants. Information stored and spread within the network can only be altered and added by a democratic consensus mechanism. This forms a more secure, reliable and trustworthy system compared to centralized, server-based data storage. Each blockchain protocol balances security, scalability, efficiency, and performance to meet the needs of its application purpose. Blockchain technology and linked use cases have witnessed tremendous adoption since the introduction of Bitcoin in 2008. For example, DLT and blockchains also build the base for digital representation of physical goods and of rights.

The goal of this class is twofold. The first section of the class will explain what exactly this technology is, where it originates and what problem this technology solves - or even creates. You do not need any prior knowledge of those technologies and terms.

The second part will investigate practical use cases, blockchains in the light of money, legislation, and further trends how this technology can impact the world in which we live.

The class will analyze different facets of blockchains, including its socio-cultural as well as socio-economic consequences. Architecture students are also welcome to this cross-faculty elective, since there are many potential use cases in the urban administration, communal life and housing that could be explored. For example: How does blockchain technology effect urban planning, property development and tenant management? What are its potentials for democratizing urban planning to include needs and wants of the local community and include them more directly? How can the management of large-scale multi-partner construction projects be improved through blockchain?

Course will be conducted partially in presence, partially virtual, cameras are required and must be always activated during online participation. Details will be announced during the first session which students are required to attend. Ask questions throughout class and during office hours or by email.
Das World Economic Forum listet Kreativität und kritisches Denken zu den wichtigsten Kompetenzen der Zukunft. In diesem Workshop widmen wir uns spielerisch und interaktiv diesen Fähigkeiten. Wir lernen in der Auseinandersetzung mit Philosophie und Theater zwei kreative Kulturtechniken kennen, die beide auf ihre Weise zeigen, wie man unsere Art zu leben in Frage stellen und neue Antworten auf vermeintlich Feststehendes finden kann.

Im Seminar lesen und diskutieren wir philosophische Texte (von Friedrich Nietzsche bis Eva von Redecker), machen spielerische Übungen und gehen zusammen ins TAK, wo wir drei Theateraufführungen besuchen, die wir gemeinsam reflektieren.

Das Seminar wird geleitet von Manuel Scheidegger (Philosoph, Argumented Reality) und findet in einer Kooperation mit Jan Sellke vom TAK Liechtenstein statt. Die Besuche der Aufführungen "Un océan d'amour", "Effi Briest" sowie "Selfportrait :: Giacometti" sind fester Bestandteil des Seminars.

TAK: Selfportrait :: Giacometti (Besondere Vorstellungsform: VR-Experience für jeweils eine Person, Jede/r Teilnehmende besucht die Vorstellung innerhalb des Zeitkorridors vom 24.5. bis 29.5. einzeln nach Absprache)
(1 Lektion)
Analyse und Entwicklung digitaler Erzählmöglichkeiten, etwa Reels, Social Clips, Grafiktafeln, Instastorys, TikToks oder Threads; Zuspitzung und Verknappung komplizierter wissenschaftlicher und technischer Zusammenhänge
The cross faculty elective consists of courses offered by coursera (https://www.coursera.org/). Coursera is a global platform for online learning and career development that offers anyone, anywhere, access to online courses and degrees from leading universities and companies.The University of Liechtenstein has partnered with Coursera to offer our students online courses from other leading universities.

The cross faculty elective "Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Resolution" consists of two online courses and a final classroom course :
  • Negotiation Fundamentals (online)
  • International and Cross-Cultural Negotiation (online)
  • Course assessment (classroom)

You can complete these courses flexibly at a time of your choosing, allowing you to tailor your learning to your own schedule and individual needs. As this is a pilot project, we are particularly interested in your participation and feedback. Your experiences and opinions are crucial for evaluating the integration of online courses into future semesters. As part of the assessment, your feedback will be collected to help us evaluate and potentially implement similar offerings in the future. We would be delighted if you seize this unique learning opportunity and help us shape the future of our educational programs.

All parts of this course are free of charge.
Der Begriff "New Work" geht auf den Sozialphilosophen Frithjof Bergmann zurück, der Mitte der 1970er in einem politischen Ansinnen eine Theorie der neuen Arbeit entwickelte. Durch die Globalisierung, die Digitalisierung sowie gesellschaftliche und wirtschaftliche Veränderungen hat sich dessen Bedeutungsfeld enorm erweitert. Es umfasst aktuell verschiedenste Entwicklungen auf dem Weg in die moderne Arbeitswelt im 21. Jahrhundert und beschäftigt mittlerweile unterschiedliche Fachrichtungen.

In der Trendforschung ist ein regelrechter Hype zu beobachten. Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie sowie Management widmen sich zukünftigen Arbeitsformen (Stichworte Flexibilität, Agilität) und einer neuen Führungskultur. Es werden - wie auch im Bildungsbereich - sogenannte "future skills" diskutiert und unterstützende Methoden erarbeitet. Aus Sicht der Sozialphilosophie und der Wirtschaftsethik geht es um grundlegende Haltungen zu Themen wie Freiheit oder Gerechtigkeit im Zusammenhang mit Arbeit. Auch die Architektur stellt sich die Frage, wie sie veränderten Arbeitsformen begegnen und sie fördern kann.

In diesem Seminar nähern sich die Studierenden nach einem geschichtlichen Aufriss multiperspektivisch dem Thema "New Work". Sie lernen verschiedenste Ansätze kennen und werden für mögliche Veränderungen in den nächsten Jahren sensibilisiert. Sie erkunden, wie sie diesen in ihrem Fachbereich konstruktiv begegnen können. Und sie lernen Wege und Tools kennen, um ihre Persönlichkeit sowie ihre Fähigkeiten auf positive Weise in die Arbeit einzubringen.
This is an interactive and practical course on all kind of questions about managing personal and individual financial situations in daily life. A focus is offered on the specific needs of young people. Although the title seems to be very specific, this course invites students from all study areas to participate. Finance students will not be able to profit from advantages because of the very practical approach of this course.

We start with 2 interactive input days at the beginning of the semester (February 7 and 8). Over these 2 days, we provide students with an overview on personal finance in order to construct a general understanding of the topic.
This is followed by 4 evening meetings in April and May 2024, reserved for active contributions of students. We will form several groups. Each group will provide 3 mini-presentations. For 2 of the topics presented, groups also prepare mini-essays (between 2 and 4 pages). Some of the topics to be discussed will be:
  • How to analyze your personal financial situation and possibilities? How to save money, what type of saving plans do exist and what are their advantages/disadvantages?
  • What type of banking relationships do exist and what is appropriate for my needs?
  • When should I start investing? How should I invest? What are the most important aspects to consider? Implications of costs and returns on my results? How to manage costs and results? How to select and invest in stocks, bonds, alternative investments, mutual funds and ETFs?
  • How to use credit, debit and cash cards? How to choose the best card offer?
  • What insurance contracts are a must to have? Which type of insurances are not that necessary in your personal situation?
  • How to decide on several loan offers? How to finance my home (what is affordable, valuation aspects, fixed-rate versus floating-rate contracts)?
  • How to finance a car and other consumer goods? Is leasing an alternative? When will real estate planning become an issue?

In this course we will be able to react to all kind of additional questions of participants.

If possible, guest speakers will be invited to profit from their special knowledge and to give participants the opportunity to discuss issues of Personal Finance with experts. Guest speakers will represent security investments, the real estate market, the insurance market as well as debt counseling.
The Changing World Order: Geopolitical and Social Dynamics and a Practical Guide to Dealing with the Future Based on Lessons from the Past.

The world is changing in big ways that have not happened before in present lifetimes but have many times in history. So we need to
(A.) study past changes to understand what is happening now and help to
(B.) anticipate what is likely to happen.
This seminar provides an overview of the geopolitical and social dynamics of a changing world order.
(A.) To analyze the past, two theories are being introduced: (1) Big Debt Cycle Theory: Students will define the geopolitical forces that drive nations to fail and succeed and apply variables of such changes to their professional and personal lives. (2) Generational Theory: Modern history moves in cycles, each one lasting about the length of a long human life, each composed of four eras-or "turnings"-that last about twenty years and that always seem to arrive in the same order. These turnings have different dynamics and seem to shape different characters.
(B.) A Look into the future: Even though, we do not know what the future will look like exactly, we are able do define a collection of megatrends that will shape our future, e.g. forces of technology, education, nationalism, post truth, work, equality. But which tools will be relevant to navigate these megatrends and an ever-changing-world on a personal and professional level? Megatrends help us to describe the future so we are able to define such core competencies that will be relevant for the future, e.g. the four Cs: Critical thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity.