Arabic, Islamic and Semitic Studies
Arabic, Islamic and Semitic Studies (M.A.)
The degree program focuses on Arabic from both a linguistic and a cultural perspective. Particular attention is paid to the role of Arabic as the linguistic-religious and linguistic-cultural cradle of Islam.
- Degree
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Duration of studies in semester
- 4
- Start of degree program
- Summer semester, Winter semester
- Study location
- Erlangen
- Number of students
- 1-50
- Subject group
- Language and Cultural Studies
- Special ways to study
- Part-time degree program
- Teaching language
- completely in German
- Admission Requirements
- Qualification assessment
What is the degree program about?
The Master’s degree program AIS (Arabic-Islamic-Semitic studies) at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität focuses on Arabic as a language and textual culture. In particular, this approach acknowledges the role of Arabic as the linguistic-literary cradle of Islam. Students explore the subject from various different angles:
- Looking at the linguistic family to which Arabic belongs (semitic), and the cultures of semitic languages (e.g. Aramaic, Hebrew) with which the intellectual Arabic world has had changing relationships over the course of history, and exploring the impact this has had on the emergence and development of Islam.
- Looking at the Qur’an and the historical context of its origin, Qur’an hermeneutics and Qur’an interpretation (traditional and modern).
- Looking at texts and literature to explore Arabic-Islamic culture as a whole, focusing in particular on prose literature and poetry that are not classed as religious Islamic works in the true sense of the word. Particular attention is paid to Arabic philosophy and the textual culture of Christian and Jewish texts written in Arabic.
The AIS Master’s degree program covers the following specializations, that can largely be combined via what is known as “contextualization modules”:
- Arabic literature (obligatory module): The philology of classical and modern Arabic poetry and prose, cultural history and political frameworks, textual history and textual criticism.
- Arabic-semitic studies (elective module): Vernacular Arabic grammar and modern linguistic approaches to Arabic; the Arabic language in its semitic and Afroasiatic context; introduction to Hebrew (biblical and modern) and comparison of the Arabic and Hebrew languages; Jewish-Arabic language and culture.
- Islamic studies (elective module): Qur’an and Qur’an hermeneutics – philological analysis of the Qur’an text and its historical-critical context; historical and modern interpretations of the Qur’an; social and cultural history of the Arabic-Islamic world with particular attention to Arabic philosophy; training in mediation between the internal Islamic perspective and the external secular or academic perspective during interdisciplinary teaching units.
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Students choose one of two specializations (compulsory elective modules):
- Arabic-semitic studies or
- Islamic studies.
There are also compulsory modules that have to be taken by students in both specializations. Modules known as “contextualization modules” (see 2nd and 3rd semester) can be used to incorporate either modules from the other specialization or teaching units from other degree programs.
1st semester
Both specializations
Research methods and source analysisSpecialization Arabic-semitic studies
Arabic linguistics; second semitic languageSpecialization Islamic studies
Qur’an and context; social and cultural history2nd semester
Both specializations
Classical Arabian literature; contextualization module ISpecialization Arabic-semitic studies
Semitic linguisticsSpecialization Islamic studies
Qur’an and modernity3rd semester
Both specializations
Modern Arabic literature; contextualization module II, project module4th semester
Both specializations
Research colloquium; Master’s thesis -
Openings for graduates are available in the following areas:
- In intercultural fields, where economics, politics and culture meet (tourism, public relations or national/international institutions)
- In administration, associations and companies, particularly in areas concerned with Europe and the Middle East
- In development aid, as a business or politics consultant, in security policy, migration and integration
- Regional analyst at public institutions, private foundations, companies, banks, international organizations and journalism
- In the diplomatic service
- In language teaching and politics education
- In research
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- Admission requirements (first semester)
- Qualification assessment
- Application deadline winter semester
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15.07.
- Application deadline summer semester
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15.01.
- Content-related admission requirements
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This Master’s degree program is open to graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in subjects relating to the Arabic world, to Islam or to the Orient in the broader sense, e.g. Arabic Studies; Oriental Studies; Middle Eastern Studies; Religious Studies focusing on Islam; Linguistics focusing on Arabic, Semitic studies, languages and cultures of the Islamic world; African Studies focusing on Arabic/Islam. Provided they have a good knowledge of Arabic (see admission requirements), graduates with a degree in Jewish Studies may also be admitted to the program.
If you are interested in this Master’s degree program and have a degree in a different subject, or obtained your degree abroad, please contact the degree program coordinator. More information about admission requirements is available below.
- Applicants with a minimum grade of “gut” (good – 2.5) in their previous degree qualify for admission; applicants with an average grade of 2.51 to 3.00 will be required to attend an individual admission interview.
- For applicants currently in the final semester of a Bachelor’s degree program, proof of 140 ECTS credits is sufficient.
- Proficiency in Arabic equivalent to at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (proof of completing Arabic courses accounting for 40 ECTS credits or UNIcert level II).
Language skills
- German language skills for international applicants
- DSH 2 or equivalent
- General language skills
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Language skills in Arabic at least on level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (proof of Arabic courses amounting to at least 40 ECTS credits or equivalent language certificates, e.g. UNIcert level II or higher).
Do you need help or more information?
Our Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) is the central point of contact for all questions about studying and starting a degree programme. Our Student Service Centres and subject advisors support you in planning your studies.