Cultural Theory and History (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)
This study programme provides students with in-depth knowledge of cultural diversity, historical developments, forms of knowledge and modes of expression. The programme focuses on the critical analysis of cultural contexts from a European and non-European perspective.
Please choose
- Major Field
- Minor Field
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
The Berlin Cultural Studies course is primarily a cultural theory discipline in the tradition of German-language cultural studies (Freud, Simmel, Weber, Cassirer, Warburg and Benjamin). It also integrates the stimuli of post-structuralism, gender research and media theory. The focus of research and teaching includes historical anthropology, the theory and history of cultural techniques, cultural studies of aesthetic and the history of knowledge. As an interdisciplinary subject, the Cultural Studies course is open to the innovations of English-language cultural studies, although the former differs significantly through greater emphasis on the historical dimension of cultures.
Mandatory Modules (50 CP)
Introductory Module: Theories – Methods – Canon, 10 CP
Module 01: Texts – Images – Objects, 10 CP
Module 02: Perception – Imagination – Bodies, 10 CP
Module 03: Techniques – Practices – Materialisations, 10 CP
Module 04: Knowledge – Structures – Media, 10 CP
Mandatory elective area (10 CP)
1 of the following 3 modules must be completed:
Module 05: In-depth Perception – Imagination – Bodies, 10 CP
Module 06: In-depth Techniques – Practices – Materialisations, 10 CP
Module 07: In-depth Knowledge – Structures – Media, 10 CP
Special features
Cultural Studies at Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin focuses on the historical and material-oriented analysis of European cultures from classical antiquity to the present. It builds from the position that cultures are formed through knowledge and knowledge practices. The processes of adoption and change within cultures take place over long periods of time. Within this framework, Cultural Studies deals with systems of perception and evaluation, symbolic orders, cultural, media and body techniques, gender hierarchies, myths and religious cults, and art.
An interest in cultural and social constellations and their historical development; a willingness to read texts of various formats; keen observational powers and the ability to undertake theoretical analysis; as well as an enjoyment of discussion and reflective thinking.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
You can apply for the Cultural Theory and History master’s programme at HU.
A degree in Cultural Studies opens up a broad spectrum of career opportunities, including education and knowledge exchange, cultural and artistic production, editorial work, public relations, consulting, and research.
Contact information for the faculty
Department of Cultural History and Theory
Institutsgeb?ude, Georgenstra?e 47, 10117 Berlin