Master in History and Oriental Studies: Global Cultures
Global Cultures Curriculum is intended to be a radically new approach to the humanities. Students are invited to critically analyze the “shock of the global” that is shaping our lives and societies and to abandon the traditional Eurocentric and state-centered approaches and methodologies. Hybridisation among methods and research fields, experimentation of new forms of interaction between academics and students, and a strong emphasis on cross-cultural and transnational connections are all essential elements for a new critical perspective in the study of past and present academic discourse.
Description
In line with research fields such as world and global history and post-colonial studies, Global Cultures gives a global outlook on the humanities. “Global” is not solely a synonym of “worldwide,” a dichotomy of the past and present, or limit our research to a particular geographical scale. Rather, the term encompasses systems and processes of displacement and disorientation of Eurocentric and methodological nationalism still dominant in contemporary academic discourse.
Bringing together a unique cultural and pedagogical interaction among its teachers, this programme offers an interdisciplinary dialogue among three main research fields: history, anthropology, and critical theory. During the first year, students will acquire fundamental methodological tools in order to critically analyze the dynamics of the global age.
The following year, students will develop a custom programme of study according to their interests along three main research lines: history studies (from ancient to contemporary), non-Western cultural traditions, and political and social thought. These topics will drive students’ research forward and culminate in an original dissertation.
The programme strongly emphasizes experimentation of new research tools and methods of teaching, with faculty research directly available to students in the form of seminars, labs, guided individual research, etc., and with a special focus on new opportunities offered by the increasing digitalization of the humanities. As a member of a small graduate cohort admitted each year, students will join a close-knit and dynamic community with global research projects that incorporate diverse media and methods.
Admission Requirements
Global Cultures is a master’s degree taught entirely in English. Students are required to possess a minimum standard of B2 or equivalent. Selections will be made on the basis of an applicant’s academic record, application, and interview.
Prospective students are expected to be familiar with instruments, languages, and modes of research in the humanities. They must also possess a critical view and insight into the past, and to be aware of the dynamic nature of historiography and academic discourse under the larger frameworks of time and culture. Students familiar with comparative methods, spatial, chronological and thematic approaches toward historiographical research are encouraged to apply. Students must also have the ability to communicate orally and have strong English writing skills.
This school offers programs in:
- English
Last updated March 26, 2018
