Bachelor 2 subject

History, Bachelor 2 subject

  • How do we know anything about historical events?
  • How are historical events evaluated today?
  • To what extent can this reception reveal something about contemporary societies?
  • What is history in the first place? Who writes and relates history, and did the things we learn from sources and history books truly happen like that?
  • What is memory culture, what is collective memory? Do we need monuments and memorials?
  • Why is the First Crusade still relevant in the 21st century?In what way can it be problematic to name streets or places after historical figures?
Nikolaos Savvidis

What made you choose this degree programme?

I have always been fascinated by history. I took it as an advanced subject in my A-levels and spent a lot of my free time studying ancient Greece because I felt it brought me closer to my homeland. And since I was toying with the idea of becoming a teacher, it was very clear to me which path I would take.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

I didn't really have any expectations of the study programme, but was looking forward to certain things, such as historical work that is not tied to a specific curriculum. This means, basically, that one semester I might be learning about trade relations between medieval Bruges and Nuremberg, and the next semester about literature during the time of National Socialism. However, what I felt was a little lacking for me was the history of non-European cultures in the history programme, which did not have as much contact with European culture as, for example, South (East) Asian cultures.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

I find it fascinating to immerse myself in a world that seems completely unfamiliar to us, yet in some ways is similar, through a wide variety of sources, be they texts, images or even sculptures. I see looking back at the past and coming to terms with it as one of the most important tasks of our society, and even though many people find it difficult, I personally find it fascinating to reflect on what has happened before.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

The short answer: IPS! The long answer: Actually, reading older sources. I'm not talking about sources in Latin or Ancient Greek, but medieval, ‘German’ sources. Even native German speakers can break a sweat here.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

With my degree, I will actually do ‘something with media’. During my studies, I did various internships and jobs in social media and online editing, and my studies have also enabled me to critically question sources and then build on them in a successful manner.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

I would really recommend everyone to learn at least a little Latin. You don't have to be a high achiever, but it really helps tremendously in your studies. Especially when it comes to Roman antiquity and the Middle Ages.

Profile
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Start
Winter- and summer semester
Duration
6 semesters
Classroom language
German
Admission
Not restricted

2-Subject Bachelor Programme
This degree programme requires a second subject for which advanced knowledge of German language is mandatory.
Table of combinations
Information on enrollment/application for German applicants

Information on enrollment/application for German applicants

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Application information for international applicants

Application information for international applicants

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What's it all about?
This degree programme is unique, because ...
at RUB, students have the opportunity to grasp, understand and assess historical contexts, firstly through the cross-epochal IPS and later in elective fields that provide numerous specialisation options.
It provides the opportunity to specialise in the following fields ...
  • antiquity, the middle ages, and the early modern period
  • individual regions (e.g. Eastern Europe, North America, Turkey)
  • systematic research (e.g. economic history, gender history)
  • practical professional training
  • history of the Ruhr/social movements(ISB)
  • interdisciplinary and international research
Course schedule
Module handbook
Who is suited?
Those who wish to enrol in this degree programme,
has:
  • an interest in historical contexts
  • above-average knowledge of the German language in spoken and written form
  • enjoyment of critical thinking, discussions and of developing content with others
  • enjoyment of reading, including historical sources and specialist texts
  • language skills

enjoys:

  • critical analysis of historical facts and their reception in the present
  • learning about historical worlds, societies and cultures
  • developing their own ideas and argumentation strategies
  • working out and presenting historical topics without supervision
  • writing (specialist) texts
  • creating presentations alone and/or in groups

struggles through:

  • the Integrated Proseminar (IPS), learning the basics of history in the first two semesters as well as research skills that are valuable outside the history degree
  • a lot of (exiting) specialist literature
  • various sources, including foreign-language ones
  • the tools of the historian necessary to analyse, present and classify historical events
Graduates from this degree programme frequently work
  • as teachers (through optional modules relevant for the M.Ed. degree) at schools (grammar school, comprehensive school, upper secondary level II, i.e. schools of the Gymnasium and Gesamtschule type)
  • in professions where history is taught (e.g. museums, memorials, archives)
  • in the media sector (print, radio, television)
  • in libraries
  • in the further education sector and in public relations
And else?
An internship ...

is recommended. It is done during the degree course.

Studying abroad ... is recommended. It is done in the 3rd or 4th semester.
Duration: 1 semester
Where do I find help?
Academic advisory office

Website academic advisory office

Contact students

Fachschaft: Geschichte

Building, Room: GA 5/37

Phone: +49 (0)234 / 32-27896

E-mail: fr-geschichte@rub.de

Website Fachschaft

Internet

Degree programmes' website

André Heckmann

Working independently is what I enjoy most in my degree programme. Being able to delve into a subject you're interested in is great!

André Heckmann  – Bachelor's degree
Ganzes Interview
André Heckmann
André Heckmann is a first-year student of History. He is pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree, 2-subject programme. André's other discipline is Romance Studies Spanish.

What made you choose this degree programme?

I developed a keen interest in history during my final school years and I knew instantly that this subject would suit me well.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

My expectations, which are shared by many, namely that a lot of reading will be required, were confirmed within the first two weeks. But it is still quite manageable. What I found surprising was the excellent way in which the initial integration of new students was solved by proving Integrated Proseminars (IPS), where many activities take place in a classroom context. This approach resembles a schoolroom situation, whilst, at the same time, easing your way into university structures.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

Being able to work in an independent manner, no doubt about that! Being able to delve into a subject you're interested in is great.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

Researching non-German language literature. Students who speak several languages do have a clear advantage in that regard.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

Postdoc researcher at a university, researching and passing on the topics I'm interested in.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

You've got to be aware that there is a lot of reading to do; if you're not, this degree programme will be torture. Moreover, you will be doing yourself a favour by routinely preparing for and revising lectures.

Other degree programs in the subject

Master 1 subject
Master 2 subject
Master of Education