About the Institute
The Institute’s Approach to Education and Research
Social and Cultural Anthropology (German: Ethnologie) is understood and practiced as an empirical and comparative science at the University of Hamburg’s Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology.
Regional Focus
The Institute’s regional focus is global and comparative, rather than limited to studying a particular region of the world exclusively. Regions in Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa are examined intensively as a result of the four professors’ research activities.
Content Profile
The Institute’s content profile includes all key areas of anthropological analysis, so that economic, political, social, religious, cultural and cognitive aspects of human existence are explored and conveyed. During their studies, students have the chance to acquire core skills and broaden their knowledge on current topics such as migration, trans-nationalism, gender, religious dynamics, urban and rural transformations, consumption, governance, resource management, sustainability and climate change.
Teaching
Conveyance of and experimentation with ethnographic field research methods are distinctive characteristics of the Institute. This focus on methodological competencies has been upheld and developed since the implementation of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Arts (MA) degree programs. Method courses, pertinent practical exercises and excursions are central aspects of the social and cultural anthropology program at the University of Hamburg. An integral part of the MA program is completion of a field research internship.