Abteilung Geschichte

Orientation towards Theory

Ever since it was founded, history at Bielefeld has set itself the programmatic task of analysing the theoretical foundations of historical research. This guiding orientation towards theory links up with and promotes a highly productive diversity of research subjects and approaches. As a result, historical research at Bielefeld University does not just range across all epochs but also across numerous systematic fields. One special feature is the way history in Bielefeld encompasses areas that other universities treat separately from history. At Bielefeld, you can study economic history, visual history/history of art, and history of science all in one department.

This theoretical approach to the subject encourages intensive discussion not only between the individual research and teaching units but also with neighbouring disciplines. The Centre for Theories in Historical Research set up in 2017 will provide the institutional framework for this exchange and promote an internationally networked discussion over the relevance of theories in historical research and history teaching. Post-graduate training in the Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology is also based on interdisciplinary dialogue that transcends the borders of the discipline.