290009 VO+KO Communication and Difference. Introduction into the "Theory of Social Systems" by Niklas Luhmann (2007W)

At first, the lecture will repeat some of the general conceptions of the theory of social systems, like difference between systems and their environment, communication and differentiation in society, difference between psychic and social systems, theory of observation and concept of understanding. Then it will introduce into some more advanced concepts as complexity, emergence, meaning etc. and show differences and paralles with other theories.
Connected to the lecture is a conversation class, in which the presented concepts can be discussed in depth and be tried to apply to (geographical) practice (for example sustainability research, the relationsship between humans and their environment, risk resarch etc.).