Frank Becker

Prof. Dr. Frank Becker is a faculty member at the University of Duisburg-Essen's Faculty of Humanities, where he has taught modern and contemporary history since 2011. He studied history, German studies, philosophy, and education at the University of Münster, earning his doctorate in 1992 and habilitation in 1998.

• Research Focus: Political culture, war and society, theoretical and methodological questions, nationalism, religion, cultural ambiguity, physical culture, and industrial work.
• Academic Roles: Member of the Faculty Council and Senate Commission QVK; editor of the series Kontingenzgeschichten (with Stefan Brakensiek and Benjamin Scheller).

His work explores ambiguity and contingency in historical contexts, spanning from 19th-century German-French conflicts to 20th-century labor policies. Recent articles and books analyze gender norms, media representations, and cultural symbols across periods like the Weimar Republic and post-war Germany.

Publications reveal a thematic emphasis on war's societal impact, industrial labor, and sport as political symbolism. He investigates how historical actors navigated uncertainty and constructed national identities.

Scientific Awards:

• Werner Hahlweg Prize (Second Prize)
• University of Münster's Young Researcher Award

Prof. Becker contributes to DFG Research Training Group 1919 (Precaution, Foresight, Prediction) and Research Group 2600 (Ambiguity and Distinction). His courses include seminars on modern history, social and economic history, and theoretical modules on space-time dynamics.