Middle Eastern Sociology/Anthropology and History (MESH): Master-Program

Degree Profile

Historical change, cultural diversity and political change in the Middle East are among the central subjects of the binational Master program Middle Eastern Sociology/Anthropology and History. The joint studies with Lebanese students in Erfurt as well as a mandatory semester abroad in Lebanon are at the heart of the program to expand the students’ perspective and enable them to get a complete understanding of the region. The semester abroad is supported with scholarships by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

The interdisciplinary and intercultural study program is open to students from various fields, contributing to an exchange of different perspectives in the courses. Furthermore guest lecturers from Lebanon teach at Erfurt University regularly.

A key concept of the program is the Middle East in global historical context. Contents include historical and societal shifts in East and West, focusing on post colonialism, urban history and the history of space, minorities and gender as well as mutual transfers of knowledge and culture. The program is currently carried out by the University of Erfurt, Germany and Université Saint-Joseph (Beirut, Lebanon).

Students are provided with a unique and diverse set of qualifications, encompassing specialised scientific knowledge, as well as theoretical-methodical competences and language skills. Graduates receive an academic double degree (Master of Arts M. A./master recherche).

Job perspectives

The study program is research-oriented and thus prepares the students to secure a doctorate and do research independently in one of the disciplines of the program or neighbouring fields. Moreover graduates will be qualified to enter international careers in diverse fields of expertise, such as integration and development work, journalism, cultural administration, political or business consulting, archive or library systems and international youth and further education.

 

Structure of the Study Program

1st semester: Courses at home university

  • Methods & Theories of History
  • Improving language skills
  • Deepening special expertise on the
  • Middle East and the Levant

2nd semester: Courses in history at the University of Erfurt

  • Deepening special and interdisciplinary knowledge
  • Improving cross-cultural competences and language skills
  • Comparing East and West as well as other world regions
  • Preparing for the semester abroad

3rd semester: Courses in sociology and anthropology at the universities in Lebanon

  • Sociology and Anthropology of the Middle East
  • Practising and improving language skills, as well as cross-cultural
  • competence

4th semester: Interdisciplinary master thesis at home university

Scholarships for the term abroad

Support in the form of a limited number of monthly grants for the semester abroad, covering the expenses of living and health insurance in Lebanon as well as travel costs, is offered through the German Academic Exchange Service (subject to granting of funds by the DAAD).

Omar Kamil
Prof. Dr. Omar Kamil
Früherer Inhaber der Vertretungsprofessur für Geschichte Westasiens
(Historisches Seminar)
Lehrgebäude 4 / Raum 112
Office hours
dienstags 14-16 Uhr und nach Vereinbarung, in der vorlesungsfreien Zeit nach Vereinbarung
Profile page
Flyer MESH English
"Middle Eastern Sociology/Anthropology and History" (MESH) Flyer Master Program