Structure Overview SPO 2020

The new SPO contains a compulsory section of global history in the amount of 45 LPs (credit points), a specialization section in the amount of 40 LPs and an optional section in the amount of 10 LPs. The MA thesis is 25 LPs.

 

The compulsory section of global history includes M1: Global Histories, M2: Global Spaces, M3: Global Configurations as well as the colloquium and the master's thesis. M2 and M3 each include a module examination (term paper).

 

The area of specialization consists of two compulsory modules and one elective module:

 

The compulsory modules of the area of specialization (M4: Regions in Global History and M5: Issues in Global History) each include a module examination (term paper).  

The area of specialization also includes one elective compulsory module (module without module examination).

Here students can choose one of the following three module offers:

1. specializing in a specific historical period (either M6, M7, M8 or M9)

or

2. a theoretical-methodological module (M11) 

or

3. an eight-week internship (M10).

A further module without examination is taken in the interdisciplinary elective area. Here it is possible to get credit for language courses, worth 10 LP (credit points)  in total.

However, modules from other HU or FU subjects can also be chosen freely according to personal interests (e.g. a module in philosophy, sociology, computer science, etc.).

Except in the compulsory global history section, all courses are elective courses. This means that students can freely choose and combine different types of courses (seminar, exercise, lecture, etc.) within the modules. In order to obtain the points for active and regular participation, students are subject to the respective regulations of the seminar.

Structure Overview SPO 2012

The two-year program comprises of four different parts:

1. The core courses (40 ECTS points, 6 seminars) specifically address issues on a global scale. Seminars include survey courses on global history from the early modern period onwards, courses on the theory and method of global history, and seminars devoted to specific topics (such as migration, nationalism, empire, dictatorship, violence, religion etc.) discussed on a global scale. The core courses are obligatory and are offered exclusively for the MA Global History.
   Language: English exclusively.
   
   
2. Students are encouraged to choose an area of regional specialization. This can be any world region (such as East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle East). In four seminars (30 ECTS points), they will be able to deepen their knowledge of the country or region in question, and improve their language skills.
   Language: English; optional German and different languages.  
   
   
3. In the comparative section (20 ECTS points, 4 seminars) students are free to choose seminars that focus on regions outside their regional specialization. This is an opportunity to learn in depth about the history of other regions of the world, or to pursue specific topics (e.g. nationalism, environmental history, colonialism etc.) in regions outside their area of expertise.
   Language: English; optional German and different languages.
   
   
4. The master’s thesis (30 ECTS points) is an empirically based, scholarly work on a specific topic. The thesis is written in close cooperation with a supervisor. The accompanying master’s colloquium gives students the chance to present and discuss their thesis topic with their peers and supervisor.
   Language: The master’s colloquium is in English, but in accordance with their supervisor students could opt for writing their thesis in another language.    

Language

The MA Global History is an English-speaking program; all the mandatory core seminars are held in English. When choosing their course plan, students can draw on a wide variety of courses, both in English and German. It should, however, be noted that students without German language skills may be limited in their choice of regional specialization. For example, courses on Southeast Asia or North America are usually taught in English, while many other regional and comparative seminars are held in German. It is entirely possible to complete the program in English, but students proficient in German will have more options to choose from. (In most seminars, students are allowed to hand in English language term papers even if the seminar is taught in German.)

Additionally, seminars on a specific region may require further language skills, such as Spanish or Portuguese for seminars on Latin America, and Arabic for seminars on the Islamic world.