History
History (Teaching degree)
„Do you want to be able to historically contextualize the world and the environment in which you live? Do you want to know how we have become who we are? Do you enjoy working with young people? Then you should study history! In your studies, you will not only acquire extensive historical knowledge, but above all methodological skills that will enable you to independently carry out research on historical questions using sources of any kind. Pedagogical and didactic content will prepare you for your profession as a teacher.“
- Degree
- Teaching degree
- Duration of studies in semester
- 9 (Lehramt Gymnasium) 7 (Lehramt Grundschule/Mittelschule/Realschule)
- Start of degree program
- Winter semester
- Study location
- Erlangen, Nuremberg
- Number of students
- > 600
- Subject group
- Teaching Degree, Language and Cultural Studies
- Teaching language
- completely in German
- Admission Requirements
- No Admissions Restrictions
What is the degree program about?
The aim of the teacher training courses is to impart basic subject-specific knowledge and methodological skills in the subject of history as well as in the didactics of history. All historical epochs (Antiquity, Middle Ages, Early Modern Times and Modern History or Contemporary History) are taken into account in the same way. The focus is on European history, but non-European areas and global aspects are now also taken into account.
The focus of the subject-specific studies is on learning and practicing subject-specific research and working methods as well as the acquisition and application of a broad historical orientation knowledge. The training and deepening of corresponding skills takes place in a competence-oriented manner using concrete historical case studies. These skills can be applied independently and creatively in the teaching profession (as well as in other fields of activity) to a variety of historical topics and subject matter.
History didactics aims to impart the ability to plan, implement, design and reflect on historical teaching and learning processes in a subject-, age- and school-specific manner.
Basically, the study and teaching of history make an essential contribution to identity formation and personal orientation in an increasingly global and multicultural world.
Since the past is also important for the present (and future), the question arises as to the sovereignty of interpretation and thus the instrumentalization of history or images of history. Sensitizing students (and pupils) to the associated risks is also an important task of the study of history.
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In the first phase of the teaching degree program, basic historical and orientation knowledge for all major epochs (Antiquity, Middle Ages, Early Modern Times, Modern History and Contemporary History) is imparted within the framework of survey lectures. At the same time, in four (Gymnasium) or two (Realschule, Mittelschule, Grundschule) proseminars, which also cover all major epochs, students practice the methodically correct handling of sources and modern research literature on the basis of concrete historical case studies. In parallel, basic working techniques (bibliographic research, presentation, etc.) are taught.
In the second phase of the program, in which there is the possibility of a (limited) specialization, lectures, advanced seminars and exercises are used to deepen the skills taught in the first semesters. The teaching degree program is completed by the writing of an admission thesis and oral examinations.
The academic studies are accompanied by courses in pedagogy and subject didactics, which prepare the students specifically for the teaching profession.
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Setting a focus is much less intended in the teaching degree programs than in the Bachelor’s or Master’s programs. With regard to school practice, therefore, all historical epochs (Antiquity, Middle Ages, Early Modern Times, Modern History and Contemporary History) will initially be considered in a reasonably balanced manner. In an advanced phase of the course, it will then be possible to focus on two of the four epochs.
In principle, it is possible to set thematic emphases at any time by choosing appropriate courses.
In addition to the traditional major historical epochs, there are two regional emphases in the history program at FAU: Bavarian and Franconian Regional History and Eastern European History.
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- Interest in history
- Willingness to work independently and take responsibility
- Enjoy reading, interpreting, discussing and writing texts
- Enjoyment of and willingness to present one’s own work results
- Solid language skills (especially in English and French)
- For the teaching profession at advanced-level secondary schools (Gymnasium) knowledge of Latin
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- Broad range of excursions to all countries of the European (partly also non-European) foreign countries
- Excellent supervision ratio between teachers and students
- Extensive offer of study counseling (e.g. Center for Teacher Education)
- Change to Bachelor’s program possible at any time
- After 6 semesters and fulfillment of certain requirements, acquisition of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Education degree
- Wide range of historical neighboring disciplines (Archaeological Sciences, Ancient and Modern Church History, History of Art, History of Medicine, History of Law, etc.)
- Short distances between venues and libraries
- Metropolitan region with a wide range of cultural activities (historical buildings, museums, concerts etc.)
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The teaching degree programs prepare students primarily for the profession of teaching in schools: depending on the program chosen, the teaching profession at Gymnasiums, Realschulen, middle schools or elementary schools.
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Under certain conditions, students in all teaching degree programs can apply for the academic degree „Bachelor“ after usually 6 semesters according to the LAPO. The type of Bachelor’s degree depends on the type of school studied and, if applicable, the choice of subject. Further information can be found on the homepage of the Center for Teacher Education (ZfL).
Subject combination possibilities:
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- Admission requirements (first semester)
- No Admissions Restrictions
- Application deadline winter semester
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30.09.
Language skills
- German language skills for international applicants
- DSH 2 or equivalent
- General language skills
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For the teaching profession at Gymnasiums: Assured knowledge in two foreign languages, including Latin.
For the teaching profession at Realschulen, Grundschulen and Mittelschulen: knowledge of two foreign languages at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or knowledge of Latin and knowledge of one foreign language at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages“.
- Details and notes
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The application deadline for the winter semester for international applicants is July 15th.
In addition to the general qualification for university entrance (Abitur), there are other access options for studying at FAU.
Do you need help or more information?
Our Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) is the central point of contact for all questions about studying and starting a degree programme. Our Student Service Centres and subject advisors support you in planning your studies.