PhD in Historical Sociology

The main topics of historical sociology lie in questions of social change, modernization, modernization processes, civilizational analysis, the formation of states and nations, the formation of the world system, and globalization trends. These questions are studied through an extensive comparative analysis involving a wide geographical perspective and long-time intervals. Part of the field of historical sociology comprises a number of partial, specific research areas, which include issues such as collective mentalities, habits, and social memory. Historical sociology is a very diverse and internally differentiated discipline that has general theoretical approaches, a number of special theories, a variety of specialized research directions, and develops research at an empirical level.

The Ph.D. program in historical sociology is designed to provide high-quality and demanding training for those who want to be active in scientific and research work – especially of an analytical and comparative nature – in some of those areas which concern current historical sociology. The doctoral curriculum includes exams from compulsory and elective courses, research activities, publishing activities, and participation in scientific conferences. After the state doctoral examination and a dissertation defense, the student is awarded a Ph.D.

A graduate of the doctoral study program of historical sociology is a qualified expert in societal and social issues, particularly on issues of comparative analysis of historical processes and trends of development. They have the knowledge, skills, and competencies for a job in the field of theory and research. And they are theoretically prepared for work at universities, research institutes, and specialized workplaces in the public and private sector.