Cultural Anthropology (B.A.)

The most important facts at a glance:

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts (Two-subject Bachelor)

Standard period of studies:

6 semesters

Start:

Winter and summer semester
Applicants with foreign certificates: Language of instruction: German
Required language certificate: DSH-2
Required course for the Assessment Test (Feststellungsprüfung):
S/G- or G-Course. To find out if you are required to take the Assessment Test, check your Certificate of Recognition.

Admission restrictions:

Open admission

Please note that you cannot combine the major subject Cultural Anthropology with the minor subjects Theater Studies or Film Studies.

Application:

You find information on the application procedure for international students here.

Deadlines:

Please keep in mind that you need a certification of recognition for all foreign certificates. The recognition process takes up to six weeks and the certificate must be included in your application.

Winter semester: June 1 - September 1

Summer semester: December 1 - March 1

If you combine a Two-subject Bachelor whose admission is open with one whose is restricted, the deadlines are:

Winter semester: June 1 - July 15

Summer semester: December 1 - January 15

Master:

Cultural Anthropology (M.A.)

Theater Studies (M.A.)

under certain conditions (depending on courses taken)
Film Studies/Media Dramaturgy; Film Studies major (M.A.)
Film Studies/Media Dramaturgy; Media Dramaturgy major (M.A.)

Homepage:

Institute of Film, Drama, and Empirical Cultural Studies

Faculty:

Faculty 05: Philosophy and Philology

Accreditation:

The accreditation of study programmes for Bachelor and Master Degrees constitutes as a precondition for the granting of state approval.

Subject Matter

The main focus within cultural anthropology (also called folklore, European ethnology, empirical cultural studies or popular cultures) is the analysis of cultural phenomenon and processes within their social, gender specific, local, regional and temporal realms. Edward Tylor’s cultural concept of viewing culture or civilization “in its broad, ethnographic sense” serves as the starting point for research within the field. The contrasting comparison between “one’s own” and “the other” is mainly about understanding past and present cultural classification systems in everyday life. How humans construct their coexistence with one another and how they conceive the imagery within their environments are both main topics in this field of study. Due to the fact that these topics deal with human lifeworlds within complex societies, the typical communication and mediation processes in these environments are particularly important.

What distinguishes this course of study in Mainz, is its close connection to the subjects film studies and theater studies. Through the obligatory courses within the so-called “integrated track”, the students in this bachelor’s degree program in Mainz learn to deal with the ideas of culture and media in a broad and transdisciplinary way and also acquire profound basic knowledge for various job profiles that can be obtained in a second degree program (Master) or in various professional areas (such as in media, cultural and social work, museums, university/academia.) Particular emphasis is placed on theoretical and methodological knowledge using concrete examples that are oriented towards both present-day and historical issues. As part of the final thesis, students will be instructed to compile and, if necessary, to publish their own research contributions.

Information

The International Office offers counselling for international students about the application process and general information.

The Academic Advisory Office offers specific information on the subject (List available in German only).

The Student representatives give information from a student perspective (List available in German only).