Abteilung Geschichte

The examination of the theoretical foundations of historical research has been a programmatic concern of the Bielefeld Department of History since its foundation. The guiding principle of theory-orientation is combined with a productive diversity of research subjects and approaches. As a result, historical research at Bielefeld University not only spans all epochs, but also covers numerous systematic areas. A special feature is the integration of sub-areas which elsewhere exist separately from historical studies, such as economic history, historical visual studies/art history and the history of science.

 

The theoretical reflection of the subject promotes intensive dialogue between the working areas and with neighbouring disciplines. The Centre for Theories in Historical Research, established in 2017, provides an institutional framework for this exchange and expands it into an internationally networked discussion on the relevance of theories in historical research and history didactics. Doctoral training at the Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology is also based on interdisciplinary dialogue that transcends subject boundaries.