Bachelor program History and Culture of the Near East
Bachelor's program History and Culture of the Near East: Major in Islamic Studies (in german)
Islamic Studies is one of five concentrations in the History and Culture of the Near East bachelor's program. The other four concentrations are Arabic Studies, Iranian Studies, Semitic Studies, and Turkish Studies. You can use the major selection wizard to learn more about our joint degree program and click through a quiz to help you choose the right major.
The focus on Islamic Studies
Despite its title, Islamic Studies is not a science of religion. Rather, it provides comprehensive knowledge about the history and cultures of the Islamic-influenced Near East from the advent of Islam to the present. In the first four semesters, our students receive intensive training in Modern High Arabic - a language that is not only understood by more than 300 million people, but also opens up access to the overwhelmingly diverse heritage of classical Arabic writing, which has evolved over a period of almost 1500 years.
The language training is accompanied by lectures and seminars on the present and history of the Muslim-influenced world, as well as introductions to the use of Islamic studies sources and cultural studies theories and methods. In the in-depth phase in the fifth and sixth semesters, modules on the history of ideas and on politics and law follow. In each of these modules, a seminar is combined with a reading course in which Arabic source texts are read and discussed.
In the Affine Area, you have the opportunity to individually take courses from all kinds of other fields of study. In the General Career Preparation area, you will complete an internship and also acquire skills that will help you enter the workforce.
Study abroad
A foreign language can only really be internalized through a longer stay abroad. That is why we support our students in finding a suitable funding program. In addition to offers such as the DAAD semester scholarships, Freie Universität Berlin has an agreement with the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, through which our students can apply for several months of intensive language training in Doha. The contact persons for the topic of a stay abroad are the Arabic lecturers of the Language Center. In addition to language courses, you also have the opportunity to complete the compulsory internship abroad. An ideal time for the stay abroad is the fifth semester after you have successfully completed the four-semester Arabic course.
Qualification goals
- Knowledge of modern High Arabic at level B1 (oral) or B2 (written) of the CEFR
- Overview of the history and cultures of the Middle East
- Insight into the diversity of Islamic Studies sources, theories and methods.
- Ability to independently familiarize oneself with further topics of the Islamic world
- Basic ability to work scientifically and conduct research
Career prospects
Graduates with Arabic language skills and cultural history education are in demand in many fields. Industries as diverse as the following come into question: Media, governmental and non-governmental international organizations, publishing, adult and continuing education, archives and libraries, tourism, etc. Of course, a successful bachelor's degree is also a prerequisite for a subsequent master's degree.
Further questions?
If you are interested in studying with us but still have unanswered questions, please contact us at any time! The staff of the secretariat or the BA representatives will be happy to answer your individual questions.
Study regulations
Current study and examination regulations (SPO 2018)
Current study and examination regulations (SPO 2018)
