History

The study of history focuses on a subject that is neither directly tangible nor definitively complete. Instead, it must be continually constructed and explored anew, shaped by the experiences, challenges, and needs for orientation of each present moment. This demands a high level of conceptual and methodological awareness (critical thinking) and requires reflection and reevaluation of one’s own perspective. Academic work in this field fosters an understanding of one’s own position within the broader context.

The subject of history as a discipline encompasses the evidence of human actions, suffering, and thought that is regarded as significant by a given present. To analyze and interpret this evidence, history employs a highly specialized and ever-evolving set of scientific methods. Chronologically, the field is divided into Ancient History (8th century BCE–6th century CE), Medieval History (5th–16th centuries), and Modern History (16th century to the present). Geographically, it spans all continents and cultures, with a particular focus on the history of Central and Western Europe at the University of Frankfurt.

Systematically, the discipline of history is subdivided according to various research interests, including the history of ideas, political history, social and economic history, the history of science, the history of religion, and more. Given the diversity of methods used in historical studies, the degree program is inherently interdisciplinary in its structure.

The “Frankfurt 4+1 Model” features a four-year bachelor’s degree program in which the major subject is complemented by two minor subjects. This structure offers students greater flexibility in combining fields of study, fostering synergies between disciplines. The master’s degree is then condensed into a one-year program.

The degree program is designed to provide students with an overview of all historical periods during different stages of their studies, allowing them to specialize in a topic of their choice toward the end of the program.

Thanks to the strong research orientation of the history department in Frankfurt, the program offers a rich range of courses that integrate current projects. This approach gives students valuable insights into the process of academic work and provides opportunities for early involvement in research.

The history program is divided into the foundational phase (1st–3rd semester), the intermediate phase (2nd–4th semester), the advanced phase (5th–8th semester), and the specialization phase with the bachelor’s thesis (7th–8th semester).

During the foundational phase, students are introduced to the fundamentals of historical scholarship through selected topics from Ancient, Medieval, and Modern History. They develop skills such as critically analyzing and interpreting sources and representations, formulating appropriate research questions, and working according to academic standards. Key qualifications, including investigating, informing, evaluating, and presenting, are applied throughout the course and prepare students for future professional roles.

In the epoch-specific modules of the intermediate phase, students gain knowledge about various historical periods and learn to work with sources. Lectures provide students with the ability to methodically and problem-centeredly survey broader areas of Ancient, Medieval, or Modern History. Tutorials focus on working with ancient sources, using translations to analyze and contextualize them within their historical background. Additionally, the module "Theory and History of History or Historical Culture" introduces students to concepts in historical theory, historiography, the history of science, and historical culture.

In the advanced phase, lectures help students gain an overview of comprehensive topics from each historical epoch. Seminars and tutorials enable students to engage with current research on specialized topics, analyze sources, and place them in context. Students develop proficiency in working with texts, research methods, and both written and oral presentation strategies. These skills lay the foundation for careers in the research and communication of historical subjects. Students are trained in critical discussion techniques and the effective use of theories and empirical knowledge in argumentation. In the reading workshop, students practice in-depth analytical engagement with academic texts.

During the specialization phase and the bachelor’s thesis, students take a seminar, a tutorial, and a lecture focused on a specific thematic area, culminating in their bachelor’s thesis. They can choose from topics such as political history, history of ideas, social and economic history, history of science, and dimensions of religion.

Detailed information about the content and structure of the program can be found on the Faculty 8 website.