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 is our understanding of health and good nutrition evolving? What impact do smartwatches, which 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. The 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 during the course as exemplified by current research findings on topics such as digitisation, urbanisation, globalisation, and scientification. This includes studies on 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 discipline. Students are particularly trained to collect, analyze, and present data using empirical methods, especially qualitative interviews and participant observation. A distinctive feature of the program is its collaboration with the sister institute at Philipps University in Marburg. The additional modules available from Marburg provide a solid foundation in European Ethnology, which evolved from folklore, by offering cultural and historical knowledge about everyday cultures and identity processes.