Cultural anthropology means understanding people in their relationships with one another. Cultural history means recognizing how people have come to be who they are.
Cultural Anthropology / Cultural History analyzes culture in its historical and contemporary contexts as a complex whole. The aim is to understand how cultures emerge, develop, and what meanings and significance people ascribe to their lifeworlds. Everyday lifeworlds of people are seen as central starting points for gaining cultural-scientific insights. Curiosity, joy in observing and describing, and an analytical approach to culture are essential. Openness to thought processes, enthusiasm for discussion, a love of reading, and a willingness to write make studying this subject easier — and turn it into an exciting and enriching experience.
Here, some of our students share what fascinates them about their studies:
Image: Laura Weise
Laura
I am studying cultural anthropology / cultural history in Jena because I am fascinated by the stories behind traditions and the development of cultures. My motto: "History doesn't live in books, it lives in people."
What can I do with a degree in cultural anthropology/cultural history?
Studying Cultural Anthropology / Cultural History develops skills for a wide range of professional fields. These include traditional areas of cultural work such as museums, publishing, cultural policy, and cultural mediation. In addition, new career opportunities are constantly emerging around culture. The skills and competencies acquired during the program provide an excellent foundation for careers ranging from journalism to political work, from academic research to writing, from radio hosting to creating content on YouTube. Whether as a museum curator, game developer, working in archives or public relations, in refugee and migration services or in development aid — our program opens up opportunities in all areas of cultural and social work.
Why study Cultural Anthropology / Cultural History at our department in Jena?
Image: Katharina Schuchardt
Cultural anthropology and cultural history!
Our seminar offers you the unique opportunity to study cultural anthropology and cultural history at the same time. This versatile programme provides you with a wide range of tools for the study of culture.
Image: FSR VKKG
Studying in Jena: Experience culture!
Studying in Jena means experiencing culture up close! At the Seminar for Cultural Anthropology and Cultural History, we work closely with local cultural institutions. This puts you at the centre of cultural events in Jena.
Image: Jens Meyer/Universität Jena
Internship opportunitiesde
We help you to do an internship during your studies and acquire valuable skills that are important for the labour market.
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper/Universität Jena
Stay abroadde
During your studies, you have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad at one of our partner institutes in Austria, Hungary or Finland and gain valuable international experience.
Laura
