FAQ

Yes, absolutely. Knowledge of Latin and Greek is not a mandatory requirement for studying Classical Archaeology or the “Culture of the Ancient World” degree programme at JLU.

Although prior knowledge of Latin and Greek can be beneficial, it is by no means a prerequisite. Students who have not previously studied the ancient languages have the opportunity to acquire foundational knowledge of Latin and/or Greek during their studies. Language instruction is integrated into the curriculum specifically for students without prior experience in these languages.

Students with previous language training can further expand their skills. For example, students with knowledge of Latin may take Greek courses, and vice versa. Those who already have proficiency in both ancient languages may either deepen their existing knowledge through advanced courses or broaden their expertise in related areas such as museum education and didactics.

For further information on the schedule, content, and structure of the Latin and Greek courses, please contact the relevant staff members at the Competence Centre Antiquity .

• You will learn to document: Excavations and Surveys

You will acquire practical skills in identifying, uncovering, and documenting archaeological features, as well as in investigating them using archaeological and scientific methods.

• You will learn to see: Art Historical Classification and Analysis

You will examine archaeological remains using methods of formal and stylistic analysis, as well as iconography and iconology.

• You will learn to think: Cultural and Anthropological Interpretation

You will evaluate archaeological evidence within the historical, social, and cultural contexts of antiquity and its reception through time.

• You will learn to speak: Communication and Presentation

You will develop the ability to critically present topics in cultural studies and communicate them effectively through various media to different audiences.

A degree in Classical Archaeology opens up a wide range of professional opportunities. The following examples illustrate some potential career paths, although the list is by no means exhaustive:

• Research and Teaching:
  Academic careers at universities and research institutions.

• Collections and Museums:
  Employment in museums and galleries, including curatorial work, collection management, administration, and museum education.

• Culture and Cultural Management:
  Work in cultural policy institutions, cultural and research management, public relations, adult education, and the tourism sector.

• Communication and Knowledge Transfer:
  Careers in academic libraries, specialised publishing houses, and the communication of cultural knowledge. Possible fields include journalism, educational media and software development, multimedia applications, programming, app development, training, and consultancy.

Every degree programme operates within a defined legal and academic framework and is structured according to specific regulations. These are set out in the respective examination and study regulations, which also provide a recommended course structure for the programme. The examination and study regulations are among the most important documents for your studies, as they define the formal requirements, structure, and procedures of the degree programme.

If you would like to understand how the programme is organised, how the curriculum is structured, which examinations are required and in what format, as well as which options and opportunities are available within the programme, you should carefully read the examination regulations.

It is advisable to familiarise yourself with these regulations before beginning your studies in order to gain an initial orientation. Once you have started your degree programme, however, consulting the examination and study regulations becomes essential. Many students underestimate the importance of these documents and later encounter avoidable difficulties during their studies—for example, being unable to register for certain courses because prerequisite modules have not been completed or required examinations have not been passed. In some cases, this may unnecessarily prolong the duration of the degree programme.

You can find the examination regulations for the degree programme “History and Culture” here .

You can find the examination regulations for the degree programme “The Culture of the Ancient World” here.

The recommended study plan outlines all the modules required for your degree programme and indicates the suggested timing for each course. It serves as a guideline for organising your individual timetable and helps you complete the required coursework and examinations within the standard period of study. Completing your studies within this timeframe is important not only for maintaining academic progress, but also for students receiving BAföG funding or scholarships.

Although the recommended study plan is not mandatory, it is an important tool for structuring and planning your studies effectively. Adapting your course schedule to your individual interests and needs can support your academic success. At the same time, the study plan provides valuable orientation by helping you understand the structure of the degree programme and the opportunities available within it. Familiarising yourself with the plan will help you avoid overlooking important requirements, deadlines, or academic opportunities.

Please note that some modules are offered on a rotating basis within a four-semester cycle and may require the prior completion of other modules.

If you have any questions or uncertainties regarding the planning of your studies, please contact the staff of the Chair of Classical Archaeology: Dr. Michaela Stark or Dr. Claudia Schmieder .

The ability to work academically is an essential component of a university degree programme and represents a fundamental qualification for your future career—whether in academia, cultural institutions, or the private sector.

As part of the colloquium, which is offered every two semesters, students are introduced to the theoretical foundations of academic work and research practice. The course develops strategies for effective presentation techniques, rhetorical skills, and the didactic preparation of academic content. Students then apply this newly acquired knowledge through practical exercises, including the analysis and discussion of specialised academic questions based on relevant secondary literature, the writing of reviews, and the development, implementation, and presentation of independent research projects.

It is recommended that students take this course early in their studies in order to build a strong foundation for presentations, discussions, and term papers throughout their degree programme.

The ZfbK (Centre fpr Competence Development) also offers a wide range of courses each semester designed to help students acquire key transferable skills, including individual writing support. Many of these courses can also be credited toward the AfK (extracurricular competencies) component of the degree programme.

Lectures, seminars, and tutorials are different types of courses, each with its own teaching format and expectations. Understanding these differences is important in order to meet the requirements of each course effectively.

Lectures

Lectures are the traditional form of university teaching and primarily focus on the presentation of academic content rather than on the development of practical skills. They are usually attended by larger groups of students and typically consist of the lecturer presenting a specific topic over the course of the semester. Although lectures are generally less interactive, active listening, preparation, and engagement are still expected from students.

Seminars

Seminars involve considerably more interaction between lecturers and students than lectures. Because seminar groups are smaller, they provide greater opportunities for discussion, active participation, and individual supervision. In addition to acquiring subject-specific knowledge, students are expected to engage critically with the course material. Depending on the topic and learning objectives, seminars may include student presentations, discussions, group work, and other interactive teaching formats.

Tutorials

Tutorials focus on the practical application of knowledge through exercises and collaborative problem-solving. Participant numbers are usually limited in order to ensure intensive support and guidance. Tutorials are designed to introduce students to specific topics and methods while emphasising practical training and skill development. Active participation is particularly important, as hands-on practice is essential for developing and consolidating academic skills.

A course manual is an important, though often overlooked, document that provides detailed information about each course offered during the current semester. It can be accessed via Stud.IP.

Prepared by the lecturers and based on the module descriptions outlined in the “Special Regulations,” the course manual summarises the content and structure of the course. It provides an overview of the topics covered in each session, defines the learning objectives students are expected to achieve, and outlines the workload and attendance requirements in accordance with the current examination regulations.

In addition, the course manual contains important information about assessment formats, including the type of examination, the required tasks, and the calculation of the module grade. It also offers practical advice for successfully completing the course and includes introductory and further reading that form the foundation of the course content. Students are encouraged to engage with these readings both before and after the sessions.

Please note that classroom attendance represents only a small portion of the overall workload. Independent study between sessions generally requires significantly more time. The recommended literature listed in the course manual provides an excellent basis for this self-directed learning and allows students to pursue topics according to their individual interests.

By taking a few minutes at the beginning of each semester to read the course manual carefully, you will be well prepared for your courses and gain a clear understanding of both the expectations and the opportunities associated with them. In many cases, the course manual already answers most essential questions about the course.

Key research resources for Classical Archaeology include Zenon (German Archaeological Institute) and Propyläum (Specialised Information Service for Classical Studies). These platforms provide extensive access to subject bibliographies, relevant library catalogues, and full-text databases. In addition, many academic articles are freely accessible online through platforms such as Academia.edu, JSTOR, and ResearchGate.

The JLU library system can be searched via the JustFind platform. This tool allows you to identify which library or branch library holds the publications you require and provides information about their locations. It also offers access to a growing collection of e-books that can be viewed online or downloaded.

If you are unable to find a particular publication in the Classical Archaeology Library, please contact the staff, student assistants, or library assistants for support.

Lecturers offer regular consultation hours, either in person or online. These sessions give students the opportunity to ask questions about individual courses or the degree programme in general, discuss academic challenges and support needs, reflect on their progress, and address any concerns directly with the lecturers.

For example, it can be very helpful to discuss the content and structure of presentations, term papers, and theses with lecturers in advance in order to prepare effectively for assessments. Consultation hours also provide an opportunity to receive detailed feedback on examination results and academic performance, explore course topics in greater depth, or discuss the planning of your individual study programme.

Although attending consultation hours is not mandatory, they are an important resource available to all students. You are therefore encouraged to make use of this opportunity and arrange appointments with your lecturers whenever needed. Some lecturers offer fixed consultation hours, while others schedule appointments individually by prior arrangement. Information about the respective arrangements can be found on the lecturers’ profiles or in the staff overview.

The Department of Classical Archaeology offers several study and workspace facilities for students:

Quiet study areas are available in both the large library (Room D13) and the small library (Room D16), where key research materials are readily accessible. Room D6 serves as the department’s project room and contains the semester reading lists for various courses. It is designed for collaborative group work and is equipped with two computer workstations providing access to the internal library database, as well as a scanner.

For short breaks, students may also use the department’s kitchenette.

Additional study spaces are available in the University Library and in the communal study area located in Building A.

Academic research and writing skills are essential for university studies and constitute a fundamental qualification for future career paths - whether in academia, cultural institutions, or the private sector.

The foundations of academic work are introduced in the core modules during the first two semesters of the degree programme.

Students can further develop these skills through the extracurricular course “Academic Work in Classical Archaeology,” which is offered each semester. The course provides a practical and analytical introduction to the key principles of academic research and writing and develops strategies for time management, rhetorical skills, and the effective presentation of research content.

Students deepen their newly acquired knowledge through practical exercises, including the analysis and discussion of specialised academic questions based on relevant secondary literature and current research debates, the critical evaluation and writing of reviews, and the formulation of precise research questions and project proposals. Participation in this course provides excellent preparation for term papers and final theses.