Dorothea Schulz

Dorothea Schulz is a Professor of Anthropology at the Institute of Ethnology, University of Münster, where she has been serving since March 2018. She is a Principal Investigator in the Cluster of Excellence, a member of the Board of Directors, and a member of the General Assembly. Her research focuses on religious diversity and legal-political unity, with particular emphasis on Muslim communities in Africa. She leads two major projects: B3-48 on 'The role of social identities in interreligious arrangements' and B3-20 on 'Testing and contesting religious pluralism in Uganda'.

Professor Schulz received her academic training at several prestigious institutions:

• 2005: Postdoctoral Degree (Habilitation), Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology, Freie Universität Berlin
• 1991-1996: PhD in Anthropology, Yale University
• 1984-1990: Study of Anthropology, Sociology and Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• 1990: Master of Arts in Anthropology, Sociology and Biology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• 1982-1983: Study of Art History, Université Paul-Valéry, Montpellier

Dorothea Schulz's research spans several interconnected fields within anthropology and religious studies. Her work primarily examines the dynamics of religious diversity, particularly focusing on Muslim communities in Africa. She investigates how religious identities intersect with political structures, social formations, and media technologies. Her anthropological approach emphasizes the lived experiences of Muslim communities, especially regarding gender relations, youth aspirations, and educational systems. Professor Schulz has made significant contributions to understanding how religious pluralism functions in contemporary African contexts, with particular attention to Uganda and Mali. Her research on media and religion explores how digital technologies reshape religious practice and authority in African Muslim communities.

Professor Schulz has received numerous recognitions for her scholarly work:

• 2016: Fellow, Center for African Studies – Harvard University
• 2010: Teaching Prize – Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Cologne
• 2005: Fellow – Society for the Humanities, Cornell University
• 2000: Visiting Scholar – Department of Anthropology, University of Chicago
• 1996: Frobenius Society's Research Award – Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main

Throughout her career, Professor Schulz has been actively involved in mentoring students and securing research funding for her projects. She has served on numerous academic committees and editorial boards, contributing significantly to the development of her field. Her leadership as Academic Director of the Research and Teaching Unit 'Media, Culture and Society' at the University of Cologne (2008-2018) demonstrates her commitment to interdisciplinary research collaboration. She currently oversees major research projects examining religious pluralism in African contexts, which involve international teams of researchers and provide opportunities for doctoral students.

Professor Schulz co-leads research initiatives within the Cluster of Excellence, working with interdisciplinary teams to investigate religious diversity and legal-political unity. Her projects B3-48 and B3-20 bring together scholars from anthropology, religious studies, political science, and African studies to examine how social identities shape interreligious arrangements and how religious pluralism is tested and contested in specific African contexts, particularly Uganda.