The transdisciplinary Master's degree program is a continuation of the B. A. Cultural Studies degree program. It focuses on analyzing cultural phenomena from historical and social science perspectives, particularly in Africa, the Mediterranean, and Europe. The program aims to expand students' knowledge of cultural theory, practical understanding of religion, society, culture, and legal norms in these regions, and proficiency in empirical methods of cultural studies. The degree program includes topics such as materiality and culture, colonialism, post-colonialism, and offers students the choice between Arabic and French language studies. Additionally, students will explore relevant topics and issues on cultural economy and digitalisation of cultures and receive training in intercultural competence with a focus on international mission counselling. Students in addition have to take part in a research seminar with an overseas excursion designed to enhance their theoretical and empirical skills.
The program consists of compulsory modules in the 1st, 3rd, and 4th trimesters, which cover key topics that introduce students to important cultural studies research debates, and provide hands-on research experience, including an excursion. In the 2nd trimester are compulsory elective courses that allow students to specialize in religious studies, cultural history, comparative studies of political culture, protection of cultural properties and environmental law, refugee, migration and mobility studies, as well as cultural theory. The 4th trimester mainly dwells on methodological training and empirical consolidation leading up to the Master's thesis in the 4th and 5th trimesters.
Like all students in UniBw M, students of the Master’s degree program in Cultural Studies are expected to attend additional courses as part of the Studium Plus (Study Plus) training.
(Translator: Lindah Achieng Ouma)
