As part of the introductory phase of the BA program in Euclid, the seminar teaches basic working techniques and thus introduces the participants to the tools of the historian's trade. The first step is to clarify what history actually is and to become aware of the specifics of historical thinking and working. Research techniques for finding scientific literature are introduced and practiced, as is the handling of historical sources of different provenance. The goal is to enable students to independently write their first short scientific texts. This includes familiarity with different reference systems. The topics covered will be deepened in an accompanying tutorial and, if necessary, through excursions.

The course requirements for successful participation include regular reading of the texts made available via Illias, the completion of several small exercises during the semester, and the completion of a short written paper of approximately five pages during the lecture-free period.