Arabic and Japanese

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.

Japanese

Core modules in your first year will develop your Japanese skills. You’ll also choose from optional modules on Japanese and East Asian culture and history. This will prepare you to study in Japan the following year, where you’ll build your language skills and gain first-hand experience of the culture. When you return you’ll take advanced language classes and choose from a wider range of optional modules on aspects of Japanese and East Asian politics, history and culture.

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 Japanese Language (1) 20 credits
• Basic Japanese Language (2) 20 credits

Optional modules

• Japan in War and Peace 10 credits
• Japan: History and International Politics 10 credits
• Japan: A Cultural History from Buddhism to Murakami Haruki 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 Japan 120 credits

Year 4

Compulsory modules

• Advanced Arabic Grammar and Translation 20 credits
• Essential Skills in Practical Arabic 20 credits
• Japanese 2A: Written Communication Skills 20 credits
• Japanese 2B: Spoken Communication Skills 20 credits

Optional modules

• Culture and Society in the Arab World 20 credits
• Modern Middle Eastern History 20 credits
• China Since 1979 20 credits