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History (M.A.)

Magister Artium/Magistra Artium (M.A.)

Overview

Overview

Overview

The Master's course in History is structured as a four semester research-oriented course of studies. It builds onto a preceding successfully completed degree course and assumes its students to have the appropriate historical competences. The single-subject Master`s degree in History offers qualified students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in research and practical work in the historical sciences and to go into the subject more deeply by dealing with historical topics in the areas of politics, society, media, culture, constitution and the economy. The teaching syllabus covers all historical periods from the ancient to the most recent, any of which can be chosen as a main subject. Regional aspects can be found particularly in the fields of regional history, the history of western and eastern Europe, the history of North America, and the history of the Mediterranean area; media history is a systematic main focus. The course places particular importance on teaching and practicing theoretical, methodological and practical skills for a professional use of historical sources and information. Thus it offers a broad historical education and training which enables students to apply different theories confidently and effectively on a wide variety of topics and periods. Moreover, the broad epochal and regional teaching programme can be structured individually and offers students an opportunity to create their own individual epoch and regional specific focus in accordance with their personal interests and professional plans.

Accreditation

since 18 May 2010

Composition of the Study Programme

Composition of the study programme

Duration of Studies

4 semesters – 120 credit points (cp)

 

Composition of degree programme

To guarantee an adequate and uniform basis of qualification for their further studies, students must complete the module "Theory and Methods of Historical Studies" in the first and second semester. This will allow them to deal adequately with the tasks which arise later in the course of their studies and to participate actively in discussions on a high academic level.

Furthermore, the course of study is divided into two epoch-, two topic- and two practice-based project modules. The latter build upon each other and serve in particular the systematic preparation of the thesis and all in all enable the students to work and research independently. Particularly the second project module is closely connected with the topic area of the student`s thesis. This guarantees adequate supervision and guidance of the work and promotes it in a stimulating discursive framework. Acquisition, training and concrete use of competences are combined in a performance- and result-oriented way.

Within the framework of the epoch module the period-specific topics, problems and research approaches will be dealt with in depth. In contrast to this, the topic modules pursue a specifically systematic  or regional  epochtranscending approach. The study of these modules is planned without any strictly consecutive pattern, which fits with the advanced level of the students. From their BA studies and the module "Theory and Methods of Historical Studies" they already have a body of common knowledge and a qualification, starting from which they can and should continue their studies in a structured form and in accordance with their individual criteria. All in all, the framework and structure of the study plan ensure a broad variety of topics and classes on offer which complies with both the general title MA in "History" and the possibility for the students to set their own priorities.

To the discipline modules comes another - the so-called reference module which is chosen from a canon of related subjects (subjects of the faculties 03, 04 and 05, law, medical history, geography or practical language classes) to the extent of at least 10 CP. This module ensures the interdisciplinary orientation of the acquired subject-specific skills.


Compulsory modules:

  • Theory and Methods of Historical Studies (10 CP)
  • Epoch module I: Premodern History (10 CP)
  • Epoch module II: Modern and Recent History (10 CP)
  • Project module: Working with Primary Sources and
    Professional Practice (10 CP)


Electives (Choice 2 of 2, Modules can be taken double):

  • Topic module I: Systematic Advanced Studies (10 CP)
  • Topic module II: Regional Advanced Studies (10 CP)


Compulsory modules:

  • Project module II: Research (20 CP)
  • Reference Module (10 CP)
  • Thesis (30 CP)


(Study councelling is mandatory before deciding on a specialization.)

Application

Application

Commencement of studies

Possible in the winter and in the summer semester

 

Entrance Requirements

The entry prerequisite for a Master’s degree course is a Bachelor’s degree with a relevant subject profile or equivalent.

Students must provide proof of history modules totaling 55 cp, where at least one basic and one in-depth module should cover a topic before and after 1750 each. The examination board may decide on exceptions and, if necessary, require the subsequent acquisition of missing skills.

 

Language Requirements

You must meet language requirements for the History (M.A.) programme. Proof of proficiency in English at level B1 (CEFR) and Latin (Latinum or Latin II courses at JLU) is required.

 

Application and admission

  • The study programme is not subject to admission restrictions.

  • The enrolment period for the winter semester begins at the beginning of June.

  • The end of the enrolment period is determined anew each year, please enquire in the application portal during the enrolment period.

 

Different rules apply in some cases for international applicants. More...

Further Information

Weitere Infos: Dokumente

Examination- and study regulations

 

Courses offered in the course catalogue

Electronical course catalogue (in German)

Links

Master's Degree Programmes of Faculty 04

  • History
  • History and Culture
    (combined course of study with the following major subjects (further subjects can be chosen)):
    • Protestant Theology
    • Journalism and Public History
    • History
    • Greek Philology
    • Catholic Theology
    • Art History
    • Art Education
    • Classical Archaeology
    • Latin Philolgy
    • Music
    • Eastern European History
    • Philosophy
  • Philosophy

Contact

Contact

Subject Advisor

Prof. Dr. Hans-Jürgen Bömelburg
Historisches Institut
Otto-Behaghel-Str. 10 (Phil I), Haus D, Room 207 | 35394 Giessen
Tel.: +49 641 99 - 28020

Office hours: by appointment

Central Study Advisor
Natascha Kohrt

Natascha Kohrt (on parental leave), currently represented by: Katharina Nickel