Quite Confusing: Study Humanities in Germany?(European History and Ancient Near East)

Hello everyone at TSR!

I’m now considering studying European History (include Classical Antiquity and Byzantine History) and Ancient Near East in Germany at undergraduate level, and after some searching work, I find several universities which are renowned for Humanities in Germany,
e.g. FU Berlin, HU Berlin, Freiburg, Heidelberg, Munich, Tübingen, etc.

However, because study abroad is an important decision, I wish to know that, in an international perspective,
are these German universities excellent academically in the world? For example, compare to top-notch universities in the UK and US? (Regarding academic studies of European History and Ancient Near East)

I wish (Only a Wish…) to pursue an academic career in European History or Ancient Near East in the future, so universities’ Academic Strength (and International Reputation) in these academic fields seems like the most important thing in my opinion…

On the other hand, is studying Humanities in Germany really beneficial regarding academic experiences? And does this provide a unique academic horizon which is quite different from Anglo-American universities?

I will be very appreciated for each reply. Thank you!

Reply 1

Nathanielle

15

Original post by Theopolis

Hello everyone at TSR!

I’m now considering studying European History (include Classical Antiquity and Byzantine History) and Ancient Near East in Germany at undergraduate level, and after some searching work, I find several universities which are renowned for Humanities in Germany,
e.g. FU Berlin, HU Berlin, Freiburg, Heidelberg, Munich, Tübingen, etc.

However, because study abroad is an important decision, I wish to know that, in an international perspective,
are these German universities excellent academically in the world? For example, compare to top-notch universities in the UK and US? (Regarding academic studies of European History and Ancient Near East)

That is a really difficult question, as you have to take a close look at the departments and the connections of the professor. The Universities you metion are offering a good education, but in Germany you have to take a close look at the course, the faculty and get use to help your own. In general coming from at good German University (there are enough) with a good degree it is no problem to get experience in the world or do e.g. your master or phd in the USA or UK, if you find out, that your not that lucky with the German system or change your mind. A big plus is that you save money and can spent this on master, phd, excursions, semester abraod etc.

Original post by Theopolis

On the other hand, is studying Humanities in Germany really beneficial regarding academic experiences? And does this provide a unique academic horizon which is quite different from Anglo-American universities?

Hm, difficult to say, because it depends also on your personality. Generally spoken the German system can mean more freedom(time wise...but don't think you can relax :wink:

), earlier specialisation, more self organization(which helps you later on), high academic standards regardless of six As or not, more cultural possibilities (europe before your door, top operas and orchestras in every big cities) but on the other hand: some hard times, because no one cares about you and you have to look on your own for additional possibilites or challenges (but depending on the professor you get it, just walk in and ask, ..), only your academic achievement at university counts, sometimes high distance from university to home, large classes (I had experinece with all kind ofs, from 4 to 1200 people everything is possible, at the same university, but as Bycatinizsm isn't the overrun course, as e.g.economics, no fear).

That's what I can say so far to the topic. But if you want to know more, just ask.

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 2

Theopolis

OP

Original post by Nathanielle

That is a really difficult question, as you have to take a close look at the departments and the connections of the professor. The Universities you metion are offering a good education, but in Germany you have to take a close look at the course, the faculty and get use to help your own. In general coming from at good German University (there are enough) with a good degree it is no problem to get experience in the world or do e.g. your master or phd in the USA or UK, if you find out, that your not that lucky with the German system or change your mind. A big plus is that you save money and can spent this on master, phd, excursions, semester abraod etc.

Hm, difficult to say, because it depends also on your personality. Generally spoken the German system can mean more freedom(time wise...but don't think you can relax :wink:

), earlier specialisation, more self organization(which helps you later on), high academic standards regardless of six As or not, more cultural possibilities (europe before your door, top operas and orchestras in every big cities) but on the other hand: some hard times, because no one cares about you and you have to look on your own for additional possibilites or challenges (but depending on the professor you get it, just walk in and ask, ..), only your academic achievement at university counts, sometimes high distance from university to home, large classes (I had experinece with all kind ofs, from 4 to 1200 people everything is possible, at the same university, but as Bycatinizsm isn't the overrun course, as e.g.economics, no fear).

That's what I can say so far to the topic. But if you want to know more, just ask.

Thank you very much for your reply and it’s really helpful!

I’ve heard that in some fields of Humanities and Social Sciences like Philosophy and Jurisprudence, academic studies in Germany are quite different compares to other Western countries (e.g. UK, US, France, etc.). Is this still the case regarding academic studies of European History and Ancient Near East?

Reply 3

Nathanielle

15

Hm, that is a difficult question. In jurisprudence there is a difference, indeed.
I don't know if I can answer you the question, because I am not aware of the e.g. different "schools" of historians in Europe and the influence on the teaching.
In which way different? Perhaps you could give me an example which bother you and I can see, if I know about it or not? (Of course others may know it.)

Reply 4

Theopolis

OP

Original post by Nathanielle

Hm, that is a difficult question. In jurisprudence there is a difference, indeed.
I don't know if I can answer you the question, because I am not aware of the e.g. different "schools" of historians in Europe and the influence on the teaching.
In which way different? Perhaps you could give me an example which bother you and I can see, if I know about it or not? (Of course others may know it.)

I’m sorry that I didn’t reply quickly. I do some searching work (quite a lot... include reading lots of Course Catalogs...) after I read your post, and perhaps now I can concretize the question.

Well, I know little about historical philosophy and those schools... I care more about academic experience. On the one hand, it includes academic studies of European History and Ancient Near East. For example, I’ve heard that historical study in the US uses lots of social sciences’ methods (e.g. Sociology, Economics, etc.), while in Germany, historical study doesn’t tightly linked to social sciences like in the US.

Another example is that, it seems that Auxiliary Sciences of History (Historische Hilfswissenschaften, e.g. Epigraphy, Numismatics, Paleography, etc.) receives more attention from historian in Germany than in the US. Attention: Since I still know little about academia, I’m not sure whether these two examples are true or false, and I’ll be very grateful if anyone can correct me!

On the other hand, academic experience also includes some intangible things, like intellectual atmosphere. I’ve heard that intellectual atmosphere in the US is quite different from Continental Europe, and this is partly reflected by differentiations in academic studies of Philosophy. In addition, (perhaps this example isn’t appropriate...) diplomas (e.g. Magister Artium) issued by Faculty of Theology at German universities are recognized by the Church, while this isn’t the case regarding Divinity Schools of universities in the US. But I don’t know whether this example suggests differences regarding intellectual atmosphere nowadays...

In fact, I’m still unsure whether academic experience between English-American and German universities are quite different, and I’ll be very appreciated if anyone could give some thoughts about this (e.g. regarding intellectual atmosphere).

Thanks for your reply!

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 5

Nathanielle

15

Original post by Theopolis

Well, I know little about historical philosophy and those schools... I care more about academic experience. On the one hand, it includes academic studies of European History and Ancient Near East. For example, I’ve heard that historical study in the US uses lots of social sciences’ methods (e.g. Sociology, Economics, etc.), while in Germany, historical study doesn’t tightly linked to social sciences like in the US.

In general Germans love to focus on their own discipline and students take History course at the History department and listen e.g. in their minor to courses in economics at the department of economics. But after your first years the possibilites to do interdisplinary work increases. Okay, I think I don't really answer your question :colondollar:

.

Original post by Theopolis

In addition, (perhaps this example isn’t appropriate...) diplomas (e.g. Magister Artium) issued by Faculty of Theology at German universities are recognized by the Church, while this isn’t the case regarding Divinity Schools of universities in the US. But I don’t know whether this example suggests differences regarding intellectual atmosphere nowadays...

I think unless you study theology, that has really no influence on you. (Perhaps using from time to time the same library or meeting monks, but that really shouldn't influence your decision.)

Original post by Theopolis

I’ll be very appreciated if anyone could give some thoughts about this (e.g. regarding intellectual atmosphere).

That depends a little on the lecturer and the students. From what I've heard the academic level tends to be really high, but no one will "force" you to that level. Perhaps I give you an example:
A course consists in general of a lecture and a "Übung" (often called "Grundkurs" in the first year). The lecture will be with about 100-600 students, held usually by a professor (exspecially in the foundations) and you are allowed to ask questions, yet not many dare it and the tempo can be high. The professor suggests you two or five books, from which you choose the ones you like the most and read them. In the Übung there are between 10 and 60 students (usually 30) and the students hold presentation (or have to write one or two essays) and often there is dicussion. The level varies from the "Übungsleiter" and your fellow students, but in the more specific courses that shouldn't be a great problem. The course often ends with an Exam (and/or begins) and/or a "Hausarbeit" (paper) of 15-30 pages. You also get a list of ca. 10 books and are expected to take on your own research, read further and broaden your knowlegde of the topic on your own to be able to get As/Bs.
You will meet students of different (academic) backgrounds, from pure academics to party people, but that's probably the case at most universities. So it might be a bit harder at first to find your way. But if you want to learn, you are able to learn (a lot) and you get from your first year an education which focus to make a researcher out of you, not someone reading a couple of books about the WWII.

Reply 6

Nathanielle

15

Oh yes, you could perhaps get further information also by adressing the "Fachschaften" ("student bodies" existing for each department). Students are usually very honest. :wink:

Reply 7

Theopolis

OP