International Double Degree MA Program

MESHMiddle Eastern

Sociology / Anthropology& History

Structure of the Study Program:• 1st semester: Courses at home university• 2nd semester: Courses for the German and

Lebanese students at the universities in Lebanon• 3rd semester: Courses for the Lebanese and

German students in history at University of Erfurt

• 4th semester: Interdisciplinary master thesis at home university

Prerequisites for Application: • BA degree in historical, cultural or social science

study programs.• Personal interview with program representative.

Financial Grants:Support in the form of a limited number of monthly installments is offered for the study abroad phase through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD); funds are provided by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

For further information see:

• www.uni-erfurt.de/geschichte/lehrstuhl-fuer-geschichte-westasiens

• www.usj.edu.lb/decouvrir/institutions.htm?inst=248

• www.usek.edu.lb/en/USEK-Homepage

Photos 1-3 outside: University of Erfurt; 5 outside: Thüringer Allgemeine Zeitung P. Riecke; 4 outside & 3,4 inside: Anne Lohß; 1 inside: Université Saint-Joseph; 2 inside: USEK official

Contact: Université Saint-Joseph Department of Sociology and Anthropology

Prof. Dr. Roula Abi Habib-Khouryroula.khoury@usj.edu.lb

Contact:Université Saint-Espritde Kaslik

Prof. Dr. Georges Yahchouchigeorgesyahchouchi@usek.edu.lb

Contact:University of Erfurt Prof. Dr. Birgit SchäblerDepartment of History birgit.schaebler@uni-erfurt.deChair of History of West Asia

MESH

The Double Degree MA Program is a joint project of the Chair of History of West Asia of the Uni-versity of Erfurt/Germany and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology of the Université Saint-Joseph, Beirut/Lebanon as well as the Uni-versité Saint-Esprit de Kaslik, Lebanon.

Crossing disciplinary borders, the program combines the theoretical and methodological approaches of the three academic disciplines. Thus, it offers multiple perspectives on the histo-ries and societies of the Middle East.

This entwined approach brings together not only different disciplines, but different world regions and cultures, so that graduates will be qualified to enter international careers in diverse fields of expertise. As it is mandatory to spend one semes-ter at the partner university, participants will gain practical experience abroad and establish contacts and networks.

Content:• Cultures of the Middle East in global historical

context• Historical and societal shifts in East and West

as well as mutual transfers of knowledge and culture

• Transregional movements and dynamics of globalization

• Collective identities• Violence, war, conflict, and conflict resolution• Culture of everyday life (Alltagsgeschichte),

especially youth, politics, and music

Theories and Methods:• Contemporary theories of social and cultural

sciences, especially ‘cultural turns’, postcolonia-lism, multiple modernities

• Major research methods of the three disciplines• Historical source analysis• Anthropological field research methods

Benefits of the Program:• The interdisciplinary approach provi-

des graduates with a unique double degree.• The state-of-the-art academic double degree en-

hances career opportunities.• The international dimension of the program

helps to understand other cultures as well as one´s own.

• The intercultural skills imparted in the program provide an important asset in a globalized world.

• The program enables students to learn and improve foreign languages which are an essential part of the program: Languages of instruction are English as well as German at the University of Erfurt and French as well as English at the uni-versities in Lebanon. Arabic classes at both uni-versities are required for non-Arab speakers.