Religious Studies

Specialization 1: General Religious Studies

This theoretical and historical specialization is concerned with the question of how the subject of religion is theoretically grasped and constructed, described and reflected upon in various contemporary and historical cultures. It focuses on the cultural and social practices in which knowledge about religion(s) in the past and present is (re)produced.

Specialization 2: Islamic Studies

This specialization covers the cultural history of Muslim societies from the beginnings to the present. Their forms of articulation as well as media and carriers are documented and contextualized and examined for interrelationships also with non-Muslim cultures. The history of reception before and during colonialism as well as the current processes of modernization and potentials for action even in minority situations are dealt with. Theoretical and methodological questions of Islamic Studies are raised.

Specialization 3: Jewish Studies

The focus of this specialization is the cultural history of Judaism from antiquity to the present in its various cultural traditions, its own developments and interactions, and in its interaction with and demarcation from the cultural context. The development of Jewish law and Jewish philosophy as well as current topics of Jewish ethics are important fields of study.

Specialization 4: Cultural History of Orthodox Christianity

This specialization includes Orthodox Christianity from antiquity/late antiquity to the present day in its Byzantine Greek and Slavic (especially Russian) as well as in its diasporic forms within the framework of different socio-cultural contexts. The subject matter is their manifold mutual relations and interactions, the conditions and characteristics of their historical, structural and cultural development as well as their theologizing and systematization achievements, ritual practice, individual and collective obligations, social consequences and organizational schemes.

A semester abroad in an English-speaking country is strongly recommended. The International Office will be happy to assist you in organizing your stay abroad.

Study abroad

Open Day: Hochschulinfotag

Numerous information and advisory services offer you the opportunity to see the study and living conditions in Erfurt for yourself at the open day. Get to know the green campus and the beautiful old town centre on guided tours. More information: Hochschulinfotag