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Religious Studies

Major

Important information at a glance

Degree: Bachelor of ArtsLanguage of Instruction: GermanStart of studies: Winter and summer semesterAdmission: Unrestricted admissionCombined subjects: Combined bachelor's degree (major)Standard period of study: 6 semestersSemester abroad: Optional

Religious studies is a non-confessional cultural and humanities discipline. It examines human actions, ideas, and institutions in both historical and contemporary contexts that are commonly regarded as "religious." Through analytical and comparative approaches, it explores the functions of religion in society, fundamental patterns of religious change, and interactions between different religions and worldviews. It also investigates forms of religious identity formation. Religious studies thus encounters a wide plurality and complex interconnections of religions. To analyze and describe these, it examines a broad range of source materials (texts, images, film, architecture, etc.) and works with empirical data (interviews, observations, surveys, etc.). This requires a variety of methods within the field, including historical-philological, philosophical-hermeneutical, and empirical-social scientific approaches.

Religious studies at Goethe University is uniquely positioned through collaborations with other institutes and programs to offer students not only extensive interdisciplinarity and methodological diversity but also a unique opportunity to focus on specific areas. Students can choose to concentrate on b) the history of religion and culture of Judaism, c) Christianity, or d) Islam. These areas of focus require studying the respective source languages (typically Hebrew, Greek, or Arabic). Additionally, students have the option to learn other languages, such as Sanskrit, or pursue their own thematic specializations without selecting a specific focus.

Faculty members in the Religious Studies program are actively involved in various initiatives that support teaching and provide comprehensive guidance throughout the course of study. During the initial phase, students benefit from tailored advising services and introductory courses designed to ease the transition into the program. They are supported by qualified tutors and can take advantage of collaborations with institutions both within and beyond Goethe University. Furthermore, a special practical module offers students the chance to engage in research-based learning from the very beginning of their studies.

Key areas of focus in Religious Studies in Frankfurt include:

  • Theories and methods in religious studies,  
  • European history of religion,  
  • History of religion in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam,  
  • Religions of Asia, particularly Iran and India,  
  • Intercultural dialogue.

Structure and content

Religious studies can be pursued as a major or a minor.

Major
Minor

Course of study

1st – 2nd Semester

Foundation Phase

(40 CP Major / 28 CP Minor) with the following required modules:  

  • BA-RW 001 Introduction to the Course in Religious Studies  
  • BA-RW 002 History of Religion and Culture  
  • BA-RW 003 Systematic/Comparative Religious Studies 
  • BA-RW 004 Religious Practice in Contemporary Times  

3rd – 6th Semester

Advanced and Final Phase

(80 CP Major / 32 CP Minor) with the following required and elective modules:  

Focus Areas: a) General; b) Jewish; c) Christian; d) Islamic History of Religion and Culture  

  • BA-RW 005 Theories and Methods in Religious Studies  
  • BA-RW 006 Religion and Society  
  • BA-RW 007 Sacred Texts a)-d)  
  • BA-RW 008 History of Religion and Culture a)-d)  
  • BA-RW 009 Systematic Religious Studies/Philosophy of Religion a)-d)  
  • BA-RW 010 Free Choice from Other Departments  
  • BA-RW 011 Internship  
  • BA-RW 012 Language Acquisition a)-d) / Thematic Focus (only a)  
  • BA-RW 013 Bachelor’s Thesis  

Must also be completed in the Major.

The course at university is divided into the foundational phase (2 semesters) and the advanced/concluding phase (4 semesters).

Study regulations

The study regulations govern the structure, organization, and content of the degree program as well as the examination system. They form the basis for your studies at Goethe University.

Study regulations