About the Institute

Institute for Anthropological Studies in Culture and History

At the centre of the Institute in Hamburg is empirical cultural research that examines European societies from a contemporary and historical perspective. Research and teaching are dedicated in particular to social and cultural processes of change in their historical context, whereby a wide range of different areas of life are addressed. The focus of cultural analysis, which is also reflected in the BA and MA programme, is on social and cultural spaces, mediality and medialisation as well as technology and materiality. Mediality and media are not only the subject of research, but are also used and reflected upon as instruments of research in digital ethnography. Furthermore, practical skills in the use of various media formats are utilised to communicate research results.

The institute is also characterised by its close collaboration with museums and other cultural institutions in the city. Practical knowledge can also be acquired with the additional qualification in museum management. Hamburg as a traditional and modern metropolis, with its special qualities as a harbour, Hanseatic and media city, also offers a wide range of opportunities for cooperation with civil society groups and initiatives, public and private media, production companies, small and large companies in the creative industries and with many scientific institutions in the immediate vicinity of Hamburg.

The Institute is nationally and internationally connected with a large number of institutions and scientists and works with them in various forms of co-operation in research and teaching. You can view the current focal points of work at the Institute under the heading ‘Research’.