icon-symbol-logout-darkest-grey

Faculty of PhilosophyPrehistory and Protohistory – Bachelor 25%

Pre- and protohistory is an archaeological discipline. The subject (re)constructs history by using material culture as a unique historical source of information about past societies, from the first appearance of man to the most recent past.

Facts & Formalities

DegreeBachelor of Arts
Type of programmeUndergraduate
Start of programmeWinter and summer semester
Standard period of study6 semesters
Language(s) of instructionGerman (in exceptional cases also English)
Fees and contributions151.05 € / Semester
Application procedureSubjects with no admission restrictions
Application deadlinesInformation about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program.

Course Content

Prehistory covers the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, the Copper Age (Chalcolithic or Aeneolithic period), as well as the Bronze Age and Iron Age. Sources are of an archaeological nature (archaeological monuments, artefacts), meaning that prehistory is quite different to other purely historical subjects. Due to its significant overlap with the natural sciences, research of the Palaeolithic period has developed into a separate, specialized discipline. Protohistory considers the development of early literate societies, for instance of Mycenaean Greece or of Late Antique and Early Medieval Europe. Research of these periods draws on archaeological, as well as historical sources. Pre- and Protohistory – although not generally defined by regional or geographical demarcations – generally focusses on Europe, taking the neighbouring continents of Asia and North Africa into consideration where relevant.

Course Structure

In the first two semesters, students complete introductory courses; proseminar and tutorial I + II, and a lecture. From the third to the sixth semester, students attend a further six courses with practical and theoretical elements. These include two practice classes, as well as a lecture, an intermediate seminar, an archaeological training excavation and a major excursion.