Theory as Practice – Transfer of the Theory(ies) of History in Research and Teaching
Jana Kristin Hoffmann & Philipp McLean – Theories of history have gained considerable prominence in recent scholarship. Much has been written on the significance of theory in the field of historical science. Since Reinhart Koselleck’s seminal essay, ‘Wozu noch Historie?’ (Why History?), published in 1970, it has become evident that historical science is fundamentally dependent on theoretical foundations. Furthermore, the cultural turn and the advent of the digital humanities have led to a proliferation of theoretical approaches. There is also increasing recognition of the need for theoretical discussions, with the question of what constitutes historical theory remaining a topic of ongoing debate. However, a gap persists in the (university) teaching of historical-theoretical thinking in connection with the instruction of historical research practice.


