Anthropology of the Americas

Anthropology of the Americas is a unique Master's degree programme in Germany. The international programme is dedicated to the study of the past and present of indigenous societies of Latin America and their global entanglements. It combines the methodical skills and theoretical knowledge of the cultural and social studies with profound regional expertise of Latin America. The Master's programme aims at the consolidation of academic and interdisciplinary knowledge. Students learn various competences in the fields of archaeological, ethnohistorian, and ethnographic research, which allow them to take up occupations in many different areas, inside and outside of academia (e.g. national and international organisations and companies, cultural management, museums, science management, research & education). We offer a particularly wide range of courses , covering the social changes from the beginnings of complex societies to colonial history and cultural and social issues of the present. Students can specialise in two key areas: They can specialise in cultural anthropology by focusing on sociopolitical and cultural processes and dynamics in present day Latin America, with a particular emphasis on the situation of indigenous societies. They can specialise in archaeology and ethnohistory by studying pre-Columbian societies on the basis of archaeological and epigraphic research (e.g. Mayan hieroglyphic writing) as well as transformation processes after the Spanish conquest. Additionally, students can learn an Amerindian language (Aztec/Náhuatl, Yucatec Maya, Kaqchikel Maya, Quechua). Courses on the history and presence of indigenous societies in Central America and South America are offered on a regular basis. Moreover, partnerships with universities in Europe and Latin America offer opportunities to study abroad for one or two semesters.