European Ethnology (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)
Explore everyday cultures, social practices, and societal change in Europe: The bachelor's program in European Ethnology at Humboldt University in Berlin combines theory, research, and practice in the urban laboratory of Berlin.
Please choose
- Major Field of Study
- Minor Field of Study
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
European Ethnology is a subject area at the intersection of folklore, ethnology and history, the aim of which is the development of an approach analysing and comparing cultures. The focus is the everyday culture of modern European societies; ‘culture’ here means the constant process of practical negotiation of the rules by which people, groups and societies interact, communicate and delimit themselves.
The course examines how people organise their co-existence, what relationships they cultivate with their social and natural environment, and what image people have of these connections. The thematic focus of classes thus includes everyday cultural, historical, comparative and reflective perspectives. In particular, the course provides the skills to analyse and interpret cultural, ethnic, religious and gender-related phenomena and conflicts in the context of social, historical and socio-political developments. In addition, students acquire fundamental specialist knowledge, methods and work techniques.
European Ethnology as a minor subject (60 CP)
Mandatory Modules (50 CP)
| Module no. | Module titel | CP |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to European Ethnology I | 10 CP |
| 2 | Introduction to Social and Cultural Theory | 10 CP |
| 3 | Fundamental Perspectives of Ethnographic Research | 10 CP |
| 4 | Research Areas of European Ethnology | 10 CP |
| ZF | Consolidation for minor subject students | 10 CP |
Mandatory elective modules (10 CP)
Choose 1 of the following modules:
| Module no. | Module titel | CP |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Current Research in European Ethnology | 10 CP |
| 6 | Practical and professional Fields of European Ethnology | 10 CP |
General elective course offerings for students coming from other courses of studies
| Module no. | Module titel | CP |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Fundamental Perspectives of Ethnographic Research | 10 CP |
| 4 | Research Areas of European Ethnology | 10 CP |
| 5 | Current Research in European Ethnology | 10 CP |
| 6 | Practical and professional Fields of European Ethnology | 10 CP |
Special features
Berlin, with its cultural and social diversity, offers an ideal environment for ethnological research. The Institute of European Ethnology at Humboldt-Universität is one of the most renowned institutions in its field in Germany and boasts a wide range of courses – from theoretical seminars and methodological exercises to practical research projects.
Students are integrated into ongoing research projects early on and can choose their own areas of focus. The institute maintains close collaborations with museums, archives, cultural institutions, and academic networks, providing you with numerous opportunities for practical experience and career guidance.
For a successful completion of the degree, you should be:
- motivated to examine social developments and to question your own assumptions and perspective,
- curious to delve into hitherto unknown areas of life and research, to re-examine what seems familiar and to engage with people, whose lives and lifestyles might be different from yours,
- interested to learn and apply ethnographic and qualitative research methods (participant observation, interviews, etc.) as well as methods of investigation that involve historical, visual, textual and object-related analyses,
- ready to engage in intensive reading of at times complex and complicated studies and theories and to produce your own written work. A sound knowledge of English is of great advantage.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
You can apply for the HU Master’s programme “Ethnography: Theory – Practice – Critique”.
You can find additional degree programmes throughout Germany and Berlin in the Hochschulkompass database.
Graduates of European Ethnology work in numerous fields that require cultural knowledge, social analysis, and communication skills – for example:
- Cultural management, museums, archives, and exhibitions
- Media, journalism, and public relations
- Policy consulting, urban development, and education
- Research, science management, and diversity work
More information on career prospects and alternatives can be found in the Berufenet database.
Study Course Counselling & Recognition of credits
Prof. Binder, R. 218
ifeeauss@hu-berlin.de
Phone (030) 2093-70845
Department of European Ethnology
Institutsgebäude, Anton-Wilhelm-Amo-Straße 40/41, 10117 Berlin