a bit of info about the course
BA Arabic and Islamic Studies
This four-year programme is intended to give students a solid grounding in Modern Standard and classical Arabic, familiarity with the core textual tradition of Islam, a broad knowledge of Islamic history and some insight into the methodology of religious studies. The third year is spent at a university in the Middle East.
Study Programme
In the first year the programme's major component is the intensive study of Modern Standard Arabic; an introductory course in the study of Islam makes up the year.
The second year continues the study of Modern Standard Arabic and at the same time introduces the student to Islamic texts. A third course is taken in Islamic studies and a fourth chosen from the lists of options and approved floaters.
The third year of the degree is spent at an Arab university in the Middle East, where students study the colloquial language as well as Modern Standard Arabic, and write an extended essay.
In the final year language study is continued at the advanced level. To continue the first-hand experience of the primary sources the choice of one of two units in Islamic text-reading is compulsory. The third and fourth units are selected from the list of options; students who wish to specialize in Islamic studies are able to opt for further text-reading courses in this field. There is also an opportunity to write an extended essay (ISP).
Course Information
Modern language teaching involves class work, language-laboratory teaching, computer-assisted learning (CALL) and independent study. Introductory and intermediate courses in Arabic language use a wide variety of learning experiences and techniques in large and small groups. Most other units are taught in small classes. Assessment is by a combination of written examination, oral examination (where appropriate) and coursework.
Single Honours
Year 1
Arabic 1 (core* course; 3 units)
Introduction to Islam
* Core signifies a course that must be passed to allow progression to the following year
Year 2
Arabic 2 (core* course)
Introduction to early Islamic texts
The Muslim world: unity in diversity
Introduction to classical Arabic literature OR another approved unit from lists (b) and (c) OR another approved unit ("floater")
* Core signifies a course that must be passed to allow progression to the following year
Year 3
Year abroad in Damascus or Alexandria
Arabic language
Colloquial language
Extended essay
Year 4
Arabic 4
Qur'an and Hadith studies OR Islamic texts
Two other approved units from lists (b) and (c) or one such unit and another approved unit ("floater")
Further Information
Pre-entry reading:
Muhammad, Martin Lings
Understanding the Qur'an, M Abdel Haleem
An Introduction to Islam, David Warnes
Year Abroad
Year 3, in Alexandria or Damascus
Duration
4 Years
Career Opportunities
Students graduating with this degree have opportunities to work in further research in Arabic or Islamic Studies, Education, the Arab and Islamic media, Islamic centres, the BBC, in the Press, the Civil Service and non-governmental organisations.
UCAS Code
QT96 BA/ArlslSt
Entry Requirements
Entry from 2008 on, minimum requirement: A-levels: ABB; IB: 36 points with 5/6/6 at Higher Level; UCAS: 320 points (from 3 A-levels excluding General Studies)
Subjects Required/Preferred
A good pass in a foreign language at A-level, or equivalent, is preferred
Interview Policy
Candidates with "non-standard" qualifications may be invited for interview
Administered By
Department of the Languages and Cultures of Near and Middle East
Email
ha4@soas.ac.uk
a bit of info about the course