Prehistory and Early Archaeology (B.A.) (two subjects)

Prehistory and Early Archaeology is a historical cultural science. Working with material relics, it examines environment, economics and social organizational forms of early mankind as well as art, traditions and religion. Its aim is to analyze and reconstruct cultural-historical correlations and developments and development processes beyond the spatiotemporal framework. The working area of prehistory and early history begins with the appearance of man and ends temporally and spatially there where significant amounts of written sources appear in addition to archaeological findings. Omitted from the broad span of this working area are archaeological disciplines that have established themselves as independent subjects (Egyptology, Ancient American Studies, Assyrian Studies, Christian Archaeology, Classical Archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology).

The programme enables graduates to continue on with Master's studies in the subject "Prehistory and Archaeology" as well as qualifies graduates for an occupational field. The programme therefore gives students a broad scientific education. Students will acquire the skills needed to conduct independent scientific work as well as extensive knowledge on European Prehistory and Early Archaeology with a concentration in Central Europe and bordering areas. Students will acquire and learn to apply basic scientific terms, theories and methods pertaining to Prehistory and Early History. In practical blocks (especially field internships, excursions) students will become familiar with several fields of occupation. For successful studies in the subject "Prehistory and Early History" students should have good knowledge in at least two modern European foreign languages. Students are additionally recommended to acquire reading skills in additional foreign languages. A concentration in the historical-geographical field acquired during school education and special interest in issues pertaining to environmental history are also required.

Graduates of the subject "Prehistory and Early Archaeology" find their primary fields of occupation in institutions for the preservation of historical monuments and in museums. To a certain extent, there is also a demand for graduates from private excavation companies in Germany and abroad.

The occupational possibilities in universities and other research institutes are much fewer. The perspectives in the cultural, journalistic or commercial field, however, have increased over the last few years. The programme takes these various occupational perspectives into account.