Digital History

Specialisation "Digital History" in the Master's degree in History and Society

In the current winter semester 2023/24, we are offering the following courses in the Master's programme History and Society:

*41644 VL (Lecture) Computational and Digital History (for Master) in module area A basic module "Digital History"

*41637 WÜ (Scientific Exercise) Workshop "Programming Historian" in module area A basic module "Digital History"

*41638 DHd conference in module area A basic module "Digital History"

41635 HS (Main Seminar) "Historical Biodiversity Research: the Bavarian Fauna 1845" in module area C Research Seminar I (Note: This seminar runs over two semesters)

The courses marked with * add up to the 15 ECTS for the compulsory foundation module. The foundation module should definitely be taken in the first semester!

Why Digital History?

The use of digital methods to access historical sources (infrastructure), acquire historical knowledge (research methods) and communicate it (historical production) is a contemporary approach that is also very much in the tradition of modern historical scholarship.

Digital history not only makes it possible to enter previously unexplored research territory in the historical sciences. It also supports the public's perception of history and emphasises history as a meaningful orientation science.

A sound knowledge of digital history is therefore relevant for prospective historians if they wish to pursue a research-orientated as well as an application-orientated career.

Our Philosophy

The basic principle is to approach historical questions with the help of computer-aided methods. The essential knowledge and skills from the field of mathematics and computer science, in particular databases, programming and statistics, are taught in a practical way in corresponding courses.

We work with ready-made tools, but also learn to develop specific tools for historical research questions ourselves. The Python programming language therefore plays an important role in our programme.

Once you have successfully completed our programme, you will not only be a well-qualified historian, but will also have practical knowledge of digitisation processes, be able to program, work with databases and master innovative research methods in computer-aided historical studies.

Studying Digital History at the University of Passau is challenging but rewarding!

Student counselling

We would like to support students in their Master's degree programme. If you are planning to study or have any questions, please come to Prof Rehbein's office hours.