Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies I

Content


What will I learn in the MA program?

The “Arabic-Islamic Studies” master’s program deepens the student’s knowledge of the Arabic language, Islamic religion, theology, and philosophy in the premodern periods of Islam (7th to 18th century CE) as well as the literatures and the secular cultures of the Arab Middle East. Among other topics, MA students may take courses in hadith studies, ethics and education in Islam, and secular modernity in the Arab world and may choose their own area of specialization. In addition, students learn a second foreign language native to the Islamicate world. Click here for details on the structure of the MA program.


Which classes are required? (42-credit option)

This sample schedule for the 42-credit option in the “Arabic-Islamic Studies” program illustrates which modules students must take in a given semester. In the first year, students enroll in an Arabic class for advanced learners (taught over the course of two semesters) and two elective courses. The second year is devoted to a second foreign language of the Islamicate world, and the master’s thesis. In addition to the 42 credits of the Arabic-Islamic Studies MA program, a minor subject with 36 credits (or two minor subjects with 18 credits each), as well as 12 credits from the area of specialization are required (see below, “What minor subjects can I choose from?”).


Which classes are required? (78-credit option)

This sample schedule for the 78-credit option, “Arabic-Islamic Studies with Specialization in Intellectual Histories of the Arab World,” illustrates which modules students must take in a given semester. In the first year, students enroll in an Arabic class for advanced learners (taught over the course of two semesters) and six elective courses. The second year is devoted to a second foreign language of the Islamicate world, further specialization in the Arabic language and Islamic studies, and the master’s thesis.


What minor subjects can I choose from?

The 42-credit MA option, “Arabic-Islamic Studies,” requires students to choose a second subject. Particularly suitable subjects include history, Iranian studies and Turkish studies. Religious studies and political science are also popular choices. It is important to check whether preliminary courses are required for the second subject. Click here for a sample schedule.


Which module packages may I study in the MA if my core subject area is not Arabic-Islamic studies?

Students can choose between a 36-credit and an 18-credit module package of the “Intellectual Histories of the Arab World” program. Click here for further details.


Who should I contact if I have further questions?

Please contact the Institute’s student advisors. Their contact details can be found in the box on the right-hand side.