Arabic and Chinese

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.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Beginning Arabic 1 20 credits
• Beginning Arabic 2 20 credits
• Early and Medieval Islamic History 20 credits
• Basic Chinese Language 1 20 credits
• Basic Chinese Language 2 20 credits

Optional modules

• History and Culture of Imperial China 20 credits
• History and Culture of Early Imperial China 10 credits
• Modern China 10 credits
• Chinese Culture in the Twentieth Century 10 credits
• Foundations of East Asia 20 credits
• Introduction to Religious and Philosophical Texts of East Asia 20 credits
• Introduction to East Asian Religions 20 credits
• LCS Academic Essentials 5 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Arabic Year Abroad 120 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Year Abroad in China 120 credits

Year 4

Compulsory modules

• Advanced Arabic Grammar and Translation 20 credits
• Essential Skills in Practical Arabic 20 credits
• Chinese 2A 20 credits
• Chinese 2B 20 credits

Optional modules

• Arab Media, Politics and Society 20 credits
• Culture and Society in the Arab World 20 credits
• Modern Middle Eastern History