Institutes

The Ancient History Department focuses on ancient Greek and Roman culture (from approximately 800 BC to 700 AD). The geographical focus is on the Mediterranean region, but regions from present-day Afghanistan to the Atlantic coast, and from Scotland to the Atlas Mountains and Upper Egypt, were influenced by Greek and Roman culture.

The Seminar for Medieval History researches the period from about 500 to about 1500. Geographical focuses are Western Europe, with a focus on the territory of the Holy Roman Empire, and the Mediterranean region.

At the Department of Modern History, we research historical phenomena between the 15th and 20th centuries. We examine epochal boundaries and narratives of "modernity" by collaborating across eras on various topics. We explore religion and mission, knowledge and translation, social formations, economics, material culture, and consumption. In doing so, we examine historical phenomena in their local and global dimensions, focusing on transnational entanglements and disentanglements.

The Contemporary History Seminar focuses on contemporary history of recent decades (from the late 19th century to the immediate past). Geographically, a special focus is placed on German, Western European, and North American history in their transnational and global interactions and connections.

The Institute for East European History and Regional Studies focuses on the history of Russia and the Soviet Union from the end of the 17th century to the present day. Our research projects address both transnational and global connections and the regional diversity of the Russian and Soviet empires. Furthermore, we focus on the history of Central and Eastern Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The Institute for Historical Area Studies and Auxiliary Sciences conducts research on the history of southwestern Germany from the early Middle Ages to the 20th century. Auxiliary sciences encompass several disciplines with the goal of both making historical sources accessible for academic research and teaching how to use them.

The Institute for History Didactics and Public History researches all possible forms of history teaching in schools and the public, with a particular focus on history in digital media and the handling of colonial heritage.