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Cultural Anthropology and European Ethnology

Major

Important information at a glance

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

What influence do mobility and migration have on the development of cities? Are culturally diverse cities more creative? How do our relationships change as we increasingly communicate online and on the go? How does our understanding of health and healthy nutrition evolve? What impact do smartwatches that measure heart rate, calorie consumption, and sleep depth have on us and our daily lives? Where does the coffee we enjoy every morning come from?

In the early 21st century, not only consumer goods but also people and ideas are highly mobile across the globe.

The bachelor's program in Cultural Anthropology/European Ethnology offers students insights into current research that addresses these questions. This discipline analyzes contemporary dynamics in the areas of digitisation, scientification, globalisation, and urbanisation.

Modern societies face significant demands for adaptation and change. These challenges are explored in the program through current research findings on topics such as digitisation, urbanisation, globalisation, and scientification. Students examine the globalisation of economics, knowledge development, and technological innovation, migration processes and other forms of mobility, contemporary urban development, European integration, and digital media and networks.

The bachelor's program introduces students to the fundamental concepts and tools of the field. Students are particularly trained to collect, analyze, and present data using empirical methods, especially qualitative interviews and participant observation. A unique feature of the program is its cooperation with the sister institute at Philipps University in Marburg. Additional modules available from Marburg provide a solid foundation in European Ethnology, which evolved from folklore studies, by offering cultural and historical insights into everyday cultures and identity processes.

Structure and content

Cultural Anthropology and European Ethnology can be studied as a major or as a minor.

Course of study

1st Semester

  • Compulsory Module 1: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology and European Ethnology  

2nd Semester

  • Compulsory Module 2: Introduction to Research-Based Learning

3rd Semester

  • Compulsory Module 3: Key Skills and Career Orientation

4th Semester

  • Compulsory Module 4: Student Research Project Phase 1 – Research Design

5th Semester

  • Compulsory Module 5: Student Research Project Phase 2 – Analysis 

6th Semester

  • Compulsory Module 6: Final Module – Bachelor’s Thesis

In the major subject Cultural Anthropology and European Ethnology, students first complete the basic modules. These include Introduction to Cultural Anthropology and European Ethnology, Introduction to Methods and Research Practice, as well as Key Skills and Career Orientation. This is followed by the advanced phase, which consists of the three-semester student research project and concludes with the bachelor’s thesis.

Over the course of the six-semester program, students are also required to complete three out of the four elective modules: Urbanization, Digitisation, Globalisation, and Scientification.

For more information about the major in Cultural Anthropology and European Ethnology, please visit the department’s webpage.

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.