Ethnologie

About this program

In Ethnology (also known as Social and Cultural Anthropology), contemporary cultural and societal phenomena are examined and placed in historical and comparative context. The subject imparts the scientific foundations for conceptually understanding and critically questioning phenomena such as cultural change, ethnicity, nationalism, traditionalism, indigeneity, or (de)globalization through empirical research. The responsibility of science plays a central role, particularly concerning global power inequalities, colonialism, and their consequences, such as exploitation or racism. This knowledge is increasingly important in an era of expanding global interconnections and simultaneously growing neo-nationalist and radical counter-movements. Historically, German-speaking ethnology primarily dealt with non-European societies and diaspora groups, but this regional demarcation is increasingly receding into the background. The focus of the Bachelor's degree in Ethnology is the reflexive engagement with cultural and societal theoretical concepts necessary for the critical interpretation of forms and diversity of human strategies and institutions. Students of Ethnology engage empirically, practically, and theoretically with fundamental subject areas such as different economic forms, religious practices, political and communicative forms, kinship structures, gender relations and sexuality, migration and mobility, as well as material culture, production, and consumption. Based on in-depth regional and thematic knowledge, students work out the complex interrelationships between social sub-phenomena, particularly considering their processual nature and capacity for change. They critically reflect on their own and societal assumptions and practice the transfer of scientific findings into professional and/or research applications. The central empirical method of ethnological research is ethnographic fieldwork, which often includes the researcher's social and cultural embedding in their research context and participant observation of everyday life. In the main subject Bachelor's program, qualitative research methods are critically developed and practiced in the form of a self-chosen student project (research exercise). Students practice the conception and execution of their own projects as well as the documentation and evaluation of ethnographic material. The degree program is supplemented by interdisciplinary content, the promotion of language skills, and practical, career-qualifying elements. At the Frankfurt Institute for Ethnology, cultural and societal phenomena worldwide are examined in their uniqueness as well as their mutual interconnectedness from the perspective of the acting agents. The topics in teaching and research cover a broad field from militarization and decolonial peace practices to religious dynamics, resource cultures and human-environment relationships, migration, border regimes and tourism, political humor and activism, affects and intimacy, representation and knowledge production to trade, urbanity, and museums. At the institute, teachers and students research in various regions of Africa, Western and Southern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus, South Asia and Southeast Asia, as well as North and Latin America. Within the Bachelor's program, students benefit from the diverse collaborations of the Institute for Ethnology. Its partners include, among others, the Frobenius Institute for Anthropological Research, the research center Point Sud in Bamako (Mali), or the Weltkulturen Museum Frankfurt. In addition, there are international universities—including EHESS in Paris/France, San Francisco State University in the USA, and UFSCar in Brazil—as well as numerous European partner universities where students can spend time abroad as part of the Erasmus program (see Ways Abroad). As a relatively small subject, collaboration at the Institute for Ethnology is personal, and students receive close guidance and support. The Bachel

Required documents

General requirements for Bachelor programs in Germany. Program-specific requirements are shown once you start a journey for this program.

• Tabular curriculum vitae (CV)
• Certified copy of secondary school leaving certificate
• Valid passport (photo page copy)
• Passport-style photograph
• Certified translation of secondary school leaving certificate

Academic requirements

Frequently asked questions

Static answers for the most common questions about applying to this program.

Country & application steps

Step by step, from choosing a federal state to your residence permit in Germany.