Research Fields (2008-2014)

The research programme of the Käte Hamburger Kolleg Dynamics in the History of Religions differentiated four interrelated focal points of research on the basis of historiographical as well as systematic reasons in the first period of funding, 2008-2014. These focal points were supported by so called research fields as basic organisational units.

Criteria of Division

Although terminologically related to European historiography the chronological division of the research fields may also be applied to the general Euro-Asiatic history of religions. These divisions are not seen as radical breaks, but as elliptical interlaces according to the concept of epochs introduced by Hans Blumenberg.

The systematic aspect of organisation is orientated towards cultural-geographical states, including discrete regional formation processes and expansive movements of religious traditions, and the deterritorialising effects of globalisation on these traditions.

The Research Fields