Allgemeine und vergleichende Kulturwissenschaft (grundständig)

This undergraduate program (Studium) takes place at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule). Learning locations at the higher education institution include lecture halls, seminar and practice rooms, libraries, and language labs. At home, students prepare for and review courses, complete assignments, and potentially participate in online courses.

This is an undergraduate (grundständig) program. It can be studied at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule). The degree awarded is a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). The standard duration of study is 3-4 years. The undergraduate program in General and Comparative Cultural Studies imparts fundamental scientific knowledge in cultural theory and anthropology, as well as in sub-areas of humanities, economics, social sciences, and media studies. This subject can sometimes be combined with other fields. General and Comparative Cultural Studies is also available as a distance learning program. Possible undergraduate programs include Empirical Cultural Studies, European Cultures and Society, Humanities, the Arts and Social Thought, Cultural Studies, Literature, Culture, Media, and Comparative Cultural Studies. Admission requirements for universities and equivalent institutions are the general or, if applicable, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife); for universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), it is at least the university of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife).

The standard duration of study is 6-8 semesters. The average actual duration of study is 9 semesters. Source: Federal Statistical Office, Statistical Report - Statistics of Examinations at German Higher Education Institutions - Examination Year 2024.

Study costs include enrollment and administrative fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for student services, student union, semester ticket). Depending on the situation, tuition fees may apply for "long-term students," for a second degree program (Studium), or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are incurred. Contributions for student health insurance are usually required if the age limit of 25 years or certain income thresholds are exceeded. For information on funding opportunities, refer to the German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studierendenwerk) - Funding Opportunities. The Federal Law on Individual Promotion of Education (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG) is another source of funding.

Compulsory modules include, for example, current debates, auditory cultures, introduction to cultural studies, introduction to cultural history, European literatures, ethnographic methods and work techniques, law, economics, world religions, and visual cultures. Elective modules may include critical ecologies, linguistics, literary studies, comparative social sciences, and in-depth cultural history. Practical study content varies by university and may include internships, practical modules, practical semesters (e.g., in cultural institutions, possibly abroad), and semesters abroad.

Students should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Coursework involves attending lectures and seminars in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester; potentially participating in online courses from home. Independent work requires preparing for and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (even during lecture-free periods). Organization entails independently planning the degree program (Studium) within the given structure, adhering to submission deadlines and study periods, and completing study and examination requirements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are necessary). Career preparation includes, if applicable, completing internships (e.g., in cultural and media institutions, possibly abroad) and preparing for entry into the profession.

Students can complete parts of their degree program (Studium) abroad. For example, international undergraduate cultural studies programs are available in various countries. These programs are offered at Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) and partner universities in countries such as Sweden, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Belgium, Poland, or Turkey. The degree awarded is a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). For more information, refer to Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder)'s International Bachelor's program in Cultural Studies.

The following degree programs (Studium) can be alternatives to the General and Comparative Cultural Studies (undergraduate) program: In the field of Cultural and Regional Studies: General and Comparative Literary Studies (undergraduate), Cultural Pedagogy (undergraduate), Cultural Management (undergraduate), Intercultural Studies (undergraduate), Digital Humanities/Computer Philology (undergraduate). A commonality among these is acquiring knowledge in literature, humanities, cultural, and social history. In the field of Social Sciences: Intercultural Communication (undergraduate), Liberal Arts (undergraduate), Social Sciences (undergraduate), Sociology (undergraduate). Common aspects here include acquiring knowledge in humanities and social sciences, religious history, cultural and social history, or cultural sociology; collecting and analyzing data, examining, systematizing, and documenting written sources and material evidence, including those from foreign cultures.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for a successful degree program (Studium): History, for example, to understand the cultural processes of a country. German, Art, and Music, for example, because areas like theater, music, film, and literature are covered in the program. English, for example, to read foreign-language specialized literature.

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. For example, topics such as online journalism, rhetoric and communication, and self-presentation are relevant. Elective and optional modules like literary studies can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example, in press, radio, and television, specifically prepare students for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of higher education institutions (see contact details of the respective institution): Higher Education Institutions in Germany - Hochschulkompass University Search.

The undergraduate (grundständig) study program in General and Comparative Cultural Studies provides fundamental scientific knowledge in cultural theory and anthropology, as well as in sub-areas of humanities, economics, social sciences, and media studies. It leads to a first university degree. The subject can sometimes be combined with other fields. General and Comparative Cultural Studies is also available as a distance learning program.

Examples include: Applied German-French Cultural and Economic Studies (Bachelor), Empirical Cultural Studies (Bachelor), European Cultures and Society (Bachelor), French Cultural Studies and Intercultural Communication (Bachelor), Humanities, the Arts and Social Thought (Bachelor), Critical Cultural and Religious Research (Bachelor), Cultural Studies (Bachelor), Literature, Culture, Media (Bachelor), Material Culture (Textile) (Bachelor), Comparative Cultural Studies (Bachelor).

Depending on the university, the General and Comparative Cultural Studies (grundständig) program can be combined with subjects such as: English Studies, American Studies (undergraduate), Business Administration (undergraduate), Educational Science (undergraduate), German Studies (undergraduate), History (undergraduate), Computer Science (undergraduate), Classical Philology - Greek Studies (undergraduate), Classical Philology - Latin Studies (undergraduate), Media Studies (undergraduate), Romance Studies - French (undergraduate), Romance Studies - Italian (undergraduate), Romance Studies - Spanish (undergraduate), Social Sciences (undergraduate), Economics (undergraduate).

Bachelor's graduates in General and Comparative Cultural Studies can find various career opportunities in the private sector, such as exhibition management and planning, art and cultural management, or editing, journalism, and proofreading.

Around 1900, the precursor to modern cultural studies emerged, focusing on cultural phenomena that didn't fit into other disciplines. In the 1960s and 1970s, the first cultural studies programs were established. The Cultural Turn at the end of the 1960s broadened the understanding of culture, leading to internationalization and a focus on comparative methods. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, aiming to reform the European higher education landscape. Its goals included creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing study programs and degrees (introducing Bachelor's and Master's programs), and improving the mobility of students and faculty.

Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).

The following vocational training (Ausbildung) profession can be an alternative to this study program: Art and Culture Sector: Cultural Manager (Kulturmanager/Kulturmanagerin) (vocational training). Commonalities include cultural mediation. Searching through occupational fields may open up further alternatives. For more information on prospects after dropping out of a study program, visit "Studienabbruch - und dann?" and studienwahl.de.

No remuneration is received during the Studium (university studies). Payment may be arranged for practical phases.

Depending on the university and study program, specialization is possible in areas such as Empirical Cultural Studies, Cultural History, or Comparative Social Sciences.

Legal regulations for university studies (Studium) in Germany include, at the federal level (Bundesebene), the Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG), joint structural requirements for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's programs (Ländergemeinsame Strukturvorgaben), and the Qualifications Framework for German Higher Education Degrees (Qualifikationsrahmen für deutsche Hochschulabschlüsse). At the state level (Landesebene), higher education laws in conjunction with administrative regulations (e.g., on program accreditation) and qualification or university admission regulations apply. At the university level (Hochschulebene), the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective study programs are in effect.

To pursue Studium (university studies) at universities and equivalent higher education institutions, a general or, if applicable, subject-specific Hochschulreife (university entrance qualification) is required. For Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences), at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or an equivalent certificate recognized by the competent authority of the respective Bundesland (federal state) (e.g., Kultusministerium (Ministry of Education)) is necessary. Information on Studium (university studies) for professionally qualified individuals without a school-based university entrance qualification can be found under the access rules for higher education in each Bundesland (federal state). Depending on the university, an internal selection process may be conducted. Proficiency in English, French, or another modern foreign language may need to be demonstrated.

Bachelor graduates in General and Comparative Cultural Studies can continue their Studium (studies) in an advanced Studienfach (subject), such as General and Comparative Cultural Studies, Cultural Management, or Intercultural Studies, thereby enhancing their professional and career prospects. Possible advanced Studienfächer (subjects) include: General and Comparative Cultural Studies, Digital Humanities/Computer Philology, Intercultural Studies, Cultural Management, Philosophy, Ethics, Regional Studies - Africa, Regional Studies - Asia, Regional Studies - Europe, Regional Studies - Latin America, Regional Studies - North America, Religious Studies, Social and Cultural Anthropology.