Arabic and Chinese BA

A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you’ll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You’ll study one of our cornerstone modules in Year 1 to draw your two subjects together, and apply your knowledge and skills to a major research project in either subject in your final year.

Arabic

You’ll spend your first year studying core modules that develop your Arabic language skills and introduce you to Arab and Islamic history. All of this will prepare you for your time abroad, when you’ll study in an Arabic-speaking country to experience the local culture. When you return, you’ll take advanced language classes and study translation, as well as choosing from options such as Arabic literature, Middle East politics and Islamic Studies.

Chinese

In your first year core modules will develop your Chinese language skills. You’ll also choose from optional modules introducing Chinese history, culture and religious traditions. Then you’ll spend a year studying in China to improve your language skills and experience the local culture, and return to advanced language classes over the next two years. You’ll also choose from optional modules from Cantonese to Sino-Japanese relations.

Modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Beginning Arabic 1
• Beginning Arabic 2
• Early and Medieval Islamic History
• Basic Chinese Language 1
• Basic Chinese Language 2

Optional modules

• History and Culture of Imperial China
• History and Culture of Early Imperial China
• Modern China
• Chinese Culture in the Twentieth Century
• Foundations of East Asia
• Introduction to Religious and Philosophical Texts of East Asia
• Introduction to East Asian Religions
• LCS Academic Essentials

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Arabic Year Abroad

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Year Abroad in China

Year 4

Compulsory modules

• Advanced Arabic Grammar and Translation
• Essential Skills in Practical Arabic
• Chinese 2A
• Chinese 2B

Optional modules

• Arab Media, Politics and Society
• Culture and Society in the Arab World
• Modern Middle Eastern History
• China Since 1979
• The Making of Modern Thailand
• Religion in China

Year 5

Compulsory modules

You are required to study ONE of the following Final Year Project modules.

• Advanced Skills in Arabic Language
• Chinese 3: Advanced Skills
• Final Year Project: Dissertation
• Final Year Project: Extended Essay
• Final Year Project: Translation
• Final Year Project: Extended Translation
• Final Year Project: Digital Documentary

Optional modules

• Arabic Stylistics
• Middle Eastern Politics: Regimes, Societies and Conflict
• Advanced Media Arabic: Translation Skills in Text Typology
• Modern Documentary Chinese: Society and Development
• Contemporary Chinese Literature
• Chinese Language for International Trade and Business