Ottoman and Turkish Studies

Freie Universität Berlin’s Master’s degree programme “Ottoman and Turkish Studies“ focuses on the history and culture of the Ottoman Empire and modern Turkey. Students gain knowledge of and experience with the basic tenets of academic and scientific work as well as good scientific practice. During their studies, they receive an introduction to academic and scientific work, which involves thinking critically about the contexts, preconditions, theories, and methods in the field. The Master’s degree programme covers knowledge of the Turkish and Ottoman language, an overview of the history and culture of the Ottoman Empire and Turkey, advanced knowledge of fundamental topics in Ottoman and Turkish history as well as current topics, especially regarding the following: pre-modern statehood and social organisation; modernisation under the conditions of global interdependence and power structures; political, social, and cultural approaches to plurality and diversity; gender as a social, cultural, and political category; migration, mass violence, and genocide; and approaches to historical and cultural heritage. The programme also addresses contemporary issues of politics, society and culture in Turkey. It has an interdisciplinary approach covering theories and methods of history, anthropology and the political, social and cultural sciences. It also perceives Ottoman and Turkish Studies as entangled and comparative, thus including trans-Ottoman perspectives and post-Ottoman societies as well as topics concerning the migrant communities from Turkey in Germany. Graduates of the Master’s degree programme are qualified to pursue doctoral studies. The skills and knowledge gained in the programme prepare graduates for work in governmental and non-governmental organisations that deal with the languages, history, and cultures of Turkey and other Turkic-speaking regions, as well as with migrant communities. In addition to careers in academic research and science, other possible occupations include work at non-university research institutions, academic and non-academic educational institutions, in the media, politics, diplomatic service, development aid, for non-governmental organisations or cultural organisations, in public administration or publishing, at libraries or museums, or in intercultural social work. The Master’s degree programme consists of three phases: the introductory phase, the specialisation phase, and the completion phase. The structure and progression of the programme is laid out in the degree programme regulations, which also includes detailed descriptions of the contents and learning objectives of the individual modules, as well as a standard curriculum plan. The examination regulations define the types of assessments and coursework required in the different modules and for the final Master’s degree assessment. The regulations stipulate the number of credit points required for each module (and/or course) as well as the workload (in hours) for the entire degree programme. The Master’s thesis should show that students are able to conduct independent research using scientific/academic methods and present their work. Upon successful completion of the Master’s degree programme, the student will receive a Master of Arts (MA) university degree. Introductory Phase: Module: Ottoman Turkish Module: History and Social Science Theories and Methods for Ottoman Studies and Turcology Specialisation Phase: Module: Fundamental Topics in Ottoman History from Their Beginnings to the Start of the 19th Century Module: Modernisation and Reform Module: Languages and Cultures of the Ottoman Empire Complementary Area Module: The Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic Module(s) from other Master’s degree programmes: Language courses for languages related to the field Completion Phase: Module: Ottoman Studies and Turcology research colloquium Completion of the Master’s thesis PDF Download