The Faculty of Sociology, founded in 1969, is a unique institution in the field of German higher education. The central academic structures of the university were formed and influenced substantially by the sociologist Helmut Schelsky. Norbert Elias, worldwide well known sociologist was honorary doctor and visiting professor of the faculty for several years. Bielefeld is the only German university where sociology enjoys the institutional autonomy of a faculty. Moreover, the Faculty of Sociology in Bielefeld is one of the largest academic institutions of sociology in Europe, the significance of which is reflected by the broad spectrum of current research projects. Besides theoretical fundamental research, like for example the further development of sociological systems theory subsequent to the work of Niklas Luhmann, there are numerous research projects in progress on the topic of contemporary societal problems. Research in the areas of poverty, women’s studies, social change in East Germany, the transformation processes in Eastern Europe, and ecological risks are just a few examples to demonstrate the broad orientation in scientific research.

The scientific research profile of the faculty is furthermore shaped by cross-national comparative studies like for example the life courses in the globalization process. In the fields of developmental sociology and social anthropology the social and cultural dimensions of market expansion as well as studies in the area of ethnic and religious conflicts in Southeast-Asia, Africa and the Middle East constitute important areas of research interest.

Most of the on-going research projects are integrated in one of two major research units: "Sociology of Culture", and "Sociology of Development Research Centre".

Various cooperations with universities in Germany and abroad have been established promoting the international academic exchange in research and teaching. The faculty is pursuing intensive academic relations with European universities (Italy, Great Britain, France, The Netherlands, Poland, Bulgaria, Russia), American universities and – especially in the field of developmental sociology – with universities in Southeast-Asia and Africa. International relations are further intensified by exchange programs for scientists and students.

The University Library offers ideal conditions for studying and literature research. It is very well stocked: the sociology reference library, for example, contains 240.000 books and 411 national and international journals. Studying at the Library is also greatly facilitated by the unusually long opening hours.

 

Address: For further information contact: University of Bielefeld Faculty of Sociology The Dean P.O. Box 10 01 31 D-33501 Bielefeld phone: +49(0)521/106- 3824/3813 Fax: +49(0)521/106- 6448 e-mail: dekanat.soz@uni-bielefeld.de