1. Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures
  2. School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
  3. Undergraduate
  4. Modern Languages and International Relations (Arabic)

Modern Languages and International Relations (Arabic)

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied if you choose Arabic as your language pathway.

For information on typical modules for International Relations, please check the course page.

These modules may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

  • Beginning Arabic 1 (20 credits) – This module offers students an opportunity to progress from the level of a total beginner to (A1 according to the CEFR scale or half a GCSE) in the four skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) in Modern Standard Arabic. On completion of this module you will be able to understand simple instructions, respond appropriately in everyday situations, express yourself using limited vocabulary and formulaic expressions and use the target language in a limited number of contexts so that it can be understood by a sympathetic native speaker. You will also develop an understanding of the structure of the language and the culture of the countries where the target language is spoken. You will be taught by enthusiastic and competent teachers who have well-established reputation in teaching Arabic as a foreign language.

  • Beginning Arabic 2 (20 credits) – This module will help you to progress from A1 to A2 according to the CEFR scale (GCSE) in the four skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) in Modern Standard Arabic. On the completion of this module you will be able to understand simple instructions in Arabic, respond appropriately in everyday situations, collect information from short texts in the target language, and express yourself in limited vocabulary. You will also develop awareness on the Arabic culture and the Arab world. The module will also enable you to compare the Arabic structure and grammatical elements to other languages.

  • Studying the Middle East: Culture, History, Politics and Religion (20 credits) – The Middle East as an area of interest is the focus of much media attention. This module surveys and attempts to study the Middle East not only as a geopolitical entity, but also as a multi-cultural, multi-religious, multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic region.

  • Politics, Culture and Society (20 credits) - What are the key debates that shape the practice of politics at international level? How can theory helps us better understand and analyse the practice of politics in the world today? How can awareness of differing cultural and intercultural perspectives help us better understand contemporary international politics? This module will introduce these themes and explore them in relation to a range of issues drawn from around the world. Because they are shaped by the current research interests of the staff teaching the module, the precise topics covered will vary from year to year.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

  • Arabic Year Abroad (120 credits)  

Year 3

Compulsory modules

  • Advanced Arabic Grammar and Translation (20 credits) – The module will train you in how to translate contemporary texts from and into Arabic. It will also acquaint you with the grammatical skills that will enable you to write in a fluent and effective style, and to comprehend Arabic texts. On completion of this module you will be familiar with the grammar rules as well as the function of Arabic grammar in texts. You will also acquire the skills to translate different genres of texts from and into Arabic.

  • Essential Skills in Practical Arabic (20 credits) – This module will equip you with the skills to comprehend and analyse texts critically. It will also help you sharpen your writing skills through weekly writing practice. Also, the module will give you an opportunity to strengthen your oral and aural skills. By the end of this module your four language skills will have improved immensely.

Optional modules

  • Palestine and the Arab-Israeli Conflict (20 credits)

  • Arab Media, Politics and Society (20 credits)

  • Cultures of the Arab Middle East and North Africa (20 credits)

  • Modern Middle Eastern History (20 credits)

  • The Politics of Race, Gender, and Sexuality in the Middle East (20 credits)

  • Global Environmental Humanities (20 credits)

Year 4

Compulsory modules

  • Advanced Skills in Arabic Language (20 credits) – The module will introduce you to different genres of advanced Arabic texts. Also, it will help you to enhance your oral and aural skills.This module will train you in how to interpret and analyse critically different genre of Arabic texts. The focus is mainly on the function of language in texts.

  • Final Year Project - Dissertation, Extended Translation, or Digital Documentary (e.g. Podcast) (40 credits) - This may be produced in either English or, subject to the approval of the Module Leader and project supervisor, the Target Language. Lectures and workshops provide the skills training necessary, whereas more specific guidance is provided through one to one supervision with a member of staff.

Optional modules

  • Arabic Stylistics (20 credits)

  • Islam and Modernity (20 credits)

  • Middle Eastern Politics: Regimes, Societies and Conflict (20 credits)

  • Performing Islam: Piety and Environment in Dialogue (20 credits)

  • Advanced Media Arabic: Translation Skills in Text Typology (20 credits)

  • Representing the Holocaust: Transgression and the Taboo (20 credits)

  • Contemporary World Literature (20 credits)

  • Material Cultures and Cultures of Consumption (20 credits)

  • Adventures of the Imagination: Crime and the Fantastic Across Continents (20 credits)

  • Decolonial Approaches (20 credits)

  • Social Movements across Cultures (20 credits)

  • Minoritised Languages, Dialects and Cultures from Past to Present (20 credits)

  • Linguists into Schools (20 credits)