Course content and focus areas
The Prehistoric and Early Historical Archaeology program explores cultural expressions of humanity during non-literate epochs (prehistory and protohistory) accessible through archaeological methodology, as well as periods of early history that are only partially illuminated by written sources. The research and teaching focus of the Department of Prehistoric and Early Historical Archaeology at Goethe University lies in European and African prehistory and early history, as well as archaeobotany.
The goal of the research-oriented master's program is to enable students to conduct independent research in the field of Prehistoric and Early Historical Archaeology. To achieve this, the knowledge and skills acquired during the bachelor's program are expanded, deepened, and professionalized with a scientific focus.
Students with a bachelor's degree in Prehistoric and Early Historical Archaeology or a related discipline, who have typically completed a six-semester course of study, can achieve the master's degree through a four-semester program at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main. During the first two semesters, students complete 60 CP in a flexible, self-designed course of study tailored to their interests (Option A). The final two semesters consist of the core master's program with specific master's modules (see below), which is directly accessible to graduates of Goethe University's eight-semester bachelor's program (Option B).