BA Middle Eastern Studies and ...

The BA Middle Eastern Studies and another subject three-year degree allows for the study of the Middle East in a broad context, with the possibility of focusing on culture, history or literature. In the two-subject degree students take each year t60 credits in Middle Eastern Studies and 60 credits in their other subject. Students take one module in a Middle Eastern language in each year of their studies, either one language at progressive levels or more than one language at basic level.

In year 1 students take an overview module on Middle Eastern history and literature or an introductory module on Arabic or Israeli culture.

In year 2 the language study is supplemented by a module on the modern literatures of the Middle East or a module on the Muslim world.

In year 3 students take the compulsory language module and write a 10,000 word undergraduate dissertation (Independent Study Project) on an approved Middle Eastern topic of their choice.

Learn a language as part of this programme

Degree programmes at SOAS - including this one - can include language courses in more than forty African and Asian languages. It is SOAS students’ command of an African or Asian language which sets SOAS apart from other universities.

Choose ONE of the following modules. This module will be considered core and must be passed in order to proceed to the following year of study.

• Literatures of the Near and Middle East
• Introduction to Arabic Culture
• Introduction to Israeli Culture

Choose a further 30 credits from the list above OR 30 credits in a language at a suitable level OR modules to the value of 30 credits from the list of options below.

60 credits are taken in the other subject

Choose ONE of the following modules. This module will be considered core and must be passed in order to proceed to the following year of study.

• The Muslim World: Unity in Diversity
• Nation and Nationalism in Middle Eastern fiction (in Translation)

Choose a further 30 credits from the list above OR 30 credits in a language at a suitable level OR modules to the value of 30 credits from the list of options below.

60 credits are taken in the other subject

Choose modules to the value of 30 credits from the list below.

• Independent Study Project in Middle Eastern Studies
• Independent Study Project in Arabic Studies
• Independent Study Project in Hebrew/Israeli Studies
• Independent Study Project in Persian Studies
• Cinemas of the Middle East and North Africa 1
• Cinemas of the Middle East and North Africa 2

Choose further modules to the value of 30 credits from the list above (but not a second ISP), OR a language module OR 30 credits from the list of options below.

60 credits are taken in the other subject

• Arabic 100
• Arabic 200
• Arabic 300
• Arabic 2
• Arabic 500
• Arabic 4
• Qur'anic Arabic
• Modern Hebrew Language: Elementary
• Modern Hebrew Language: Intermediate
• Modern Hebrew Language: Advanced
• Elementary Written Persian
• Elementary Persian Texts
• Intermediate Persian Language
• Advanced Persian Language
• Elementary Written Turkish
• Intermediate Modern Turkish Language
• Advanced Turkish Language
• Structure of Abkhaz

Before selecting a module, student's must first check that it is at the correct level. They must also ensure that they meet any pre-requisites.

• H130 Introduction to the History of the Near and Middle East
• R150 Introduction to Judaism
• R130 Introduction to Islam
• Persian Poetry in Translation
• Middle Persian
• Ottoman Turkish Language
• Introduction to Sufism
• Israeli History and the Israel-Palestine Conflict
• Jerusalem: A City in Conflict
• Themes in the Art and Archaeology of the Near and Middle East
• Art and Material Culture of the Islamic World: 7th to 14th Centuries
• War and Peace in the Eastern Mediterranean: Art and Architecure of Medieval Syria and Palestine
• Ottoman Art and Architecture (14th-17th centuries)
• Mosque and Palace in the Muslim World
• Art and Architecture of Medieval Islamic Turkey: the Seljuks and their Neighbours
• Mosaics, Manuscripts, and Wall Painting in Islamic Art
• Islamic Law
• H246 Cities of Paradise and Empire
• H248 The Making of the Modern Middle East
• Shi'a Islam: Religious Authority and Community Identity
• Developments in Muslim Religious Thought
• Messianic Movements in Muslim History
• International Relations of the Middle East
• Zoroastrianism in the Ancient and Modern Worlds
• Eastern Christianity
• Orthodox Christianity
• Daily Life of Jews in Antiquity
• The Role and Representation of Women in Judaism
• Identity and Language in Hebrew literature
• Economic development of the modern Middle East

• BA Middle Eastern Studies and ... Programme Specifications 2012/13 (pdf; 33kb)

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules