Cascade Brunnen in Eriwan

Caucasian Studies

What makes the Caucasus so unique? How can we ensure peaceful coexistence between religions? And what led to the great linguistic diversity in the region? If you are interested in these questions, this is the programme for you!
Cascade Brunnen in Eriwan
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Key facts
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Supplement to degree
minor in a multi-subject bachelor’s programme
Admission restriction
without admission restriction (without NC)
Duration
6 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
60
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 272,65
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institutions
Faculty of Arts
Institute of Slavic Studies and Caucasus Studies
Application & Deadlines

Programme content

Small but mighty! And one of a kind in Europe. That’s probably the best way to describe our ‘Caucasian Studies’ programme. It is a ‘small subject’ with great research potential and international appeal. The Caucasus does not just form a natural barrier through its mountains – it has also been a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia for centuries. This historical context has led to the emergence of a unique region that is characterized by the coexistence of various world religions such as Islam and Christianity, as well as impressive ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity. This framework provides a unique research landscape for regional scientific disciplines that want to learn more about transnational, transcultural, and transreligious processes by studying complex regions. 

During your studies, you will learn about the countries, peoples and their languages. We will take an interdisciplinary approach and examine the Caucasus from different research perspectives such as cultural studies, anthropology (the study of humanity), history, political science, linguistics and other disciplines. In addition to Caucasian geography and demographics, you will also learn about basic religious, political, linguistic and historical aspects, which are essential for studying the region. You can also choose from a wide range of courses in both the Caucasian languages (e.g. Georgian and Armenian) and the other languages spoken in the Caucasus (e.g. Russian).

Structure

Multi-subject bachelor’s programme

Picture: Sophie Bartholome

A bachelor’s degree is the first professional qualification that can be obtained at a university. The standard length of the programme is six semesters, and different types of courses are offered for each module (e.g. seminars, lectures or tutorials).

A multi-subject bachelor’s programme consists of a major subject worth 120 ECTS credits (1 ECTS credit = 30 hours for attendance, preparation and follow-up work, private study, assessed coursework and examinations) and a minor subject worth 60 ECTS credits.

The field of study includes courses in the major languages spoken in the Caucasus (e.g. Georgian, Russian, Armenian), as well as various excursions, field research seminars and semesters abroad in the Caucasus (e.g. at universities in Tbilisi or Yerevan).

How might your degree programme shape up?

The following table shows the possible structure of your degree programme with ‘Caucasian Studies’ as your minor subject:

  1st semester 2nd semester 3rd semester 4th semester 5th semester 6th semester
Compulsory modules Introduction to Caucasian Studies
(5 ECTS)		 Languages and Peoples of the Caucasus
(5 ECTS)		     Introduction to the History of the Caucasus (10 ECTS)

Required elective area1

For example:
Focus on political science

    

Introduction to Political Science
(5 ECTS)

 Introduction to International Relations / International Organizations (5 ECTS)    

Required elective area2

For example: South Caucasian languages or Kartvelian languages

 

 Georgian I
(5 ECTS)		 Georgian II
(5 ECTS)		 Russian I
(5 ECTS)		 Russian II
(5 ECTS)		 Kartvelian Languages I (5 ECTS)

Kartvelian Languages II (5 ECTS)

Abbreviations: ECTS = European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (credit points)

1 You have various options within the regional and linguistic modules depending on whether you would like to focus on religious studies, political science, regional studies or linguistics.

2 You can focus on: South Caucasian languages or Kartvelian languages; North Caucasian languages / West and East Caucasian languages; Transcaucasia: Armenian, Azerbaijani, Russian or Georgian and language history (diachronic linguistics of Georgian).

You can find more detailed information in the module catalogue for the degree programme.External link

Why study in Jena?

  • Specialist education: Our institute de is one of a kind in Germany and Central Europe! Only we deal with the history of the Caucasus region in such depth and across so many disciplines. Caucasian Studies is a ‘small subject’ with great research potential and international appeal.
  • Individual focus: You can choose from all kinds of languages such as Georgian, Armenian or Russian as part of your required elective modules. You can also specialize in various areas such as South or North Caucasian languages and language history.
  • Excellent mentoring: The teaching staff at the University of Jena will be happy to answer your questions and discuss any issues you might have at (almost) any time.
  • Close cooperation: You can benefit from our ties to other departments within the University, as well as other universities in Germany and abroad.
  • A world of possibilities: Experience our international flair! Our University appeals to students and researchers from all over the world and helps to shape Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan city that is fit for the future – it’s the perfect place for international studentsmp4, 57 mb · de.
  • Adventures abroad: You can easily realize your dream of spending a semester abroad. We have a global network of partner universities.

A look behind the scenes

  • Ernst-Abbe-Platz
    Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena)
    Welcome!de

    You will find the Institute of Slavonic and Caucasus Studies on campus in the city centre. We will offer you personal support throughout your studies and make it easy for you to contact your teachers and fellow students.

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What can you do after your studies?

Areas of employment for graduates:

Training

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  • International organizations
  • Intercultural social services
  • Media (publishing, print media, television, radio)
  • Public relations
  • Tourism

Postgraduate master’s programmes at our University

  1. Caucasus Studies Master of Arts
    • Faculty of Arts
  2. Slavonic Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Master of Arts
    • Faculty of Arts
All degree programmes

Downloads and links for the degree programme

What are we looking for in prospective students?

  • A distinct interest in the languages, cultures and politics of the Caucasus region
  • The willingness to learn foreign languages with a high degree of independent study

Admission requirements

  • University entrance qualification

    A university entrance qualification, such as a general secondary school leaving certificate, is required for admission onto the study programme.

    More information on university entrance qualifications can be found here.

  • Language requirements

    The study programme is taught in German. You must therefore have a very good command of German at the start of the study programme.

    • two modern languages; proof by the time of registration for the Bachelor's thesis at the latest

Contacts

Dr. Natia Reineck (Academic Advisor)

Jenergasse 8
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Opening hours:
By appointment

Academic Office for Student Affairs and Examinations (ASPA)

Carl-Zeiß-Platz 1
07743 Jena

Telephone hours:
Mondays and Fridays (9:00 – 11:00)
Wednesdays (13:00 – 15:00)

The ASPA is primarily responsible for students in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Faculty of Theology.

Central Student Advisory Service

University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Office hours:
We offer consultations in person, by telephone, and via Zoom. You can make an appointment by calling us on +49 3641 9-411111 (Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00) or outside these office hours on +49 3641 9-411200. You can also use our remote help desk.

Consultation hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (9:00 to 12:20), Tuesdays (14:00 to 18:00), and Wednesdays and Thursdays (14:00 to 16:00).

Video chat: Zoom – Video chat Videochat ZeitenMondays to Fridays (12:30 to 13:00) Password ZSB2020 Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb

Student Service Centre

University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Opening hours:
Mondays (10:00 – 12:00)
Tuesdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Wednesdays (10:00 – 12:00)
Thursdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Fridays (10:00 – 12:00)

You can also use our remote help desk at
www.uni-jena.de/service-ssz
or send us your enquiries by post.

Telephone hours:
Mondays to Fridays
(9:00 – 11:00)

Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena

International Office - International students

University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link