In the modular two-subject Bachelor’s degree program, you can choose Oriental Studies as either your first or your second subject. When taken as a first subject, students must write their Bachelor’s thesis in the subject and complete an 8-week language course abroad. Two translation courses in Erlangen can be taken instead of the language course abroad. When taken as a first subject, students must also learn a second Oriental language, usually for two semesters. Turkish, Hebrew and Persian are offered on a regular basis. As a first subject, students have to complete nine modules (teaching and learning units that are self-contained with examinations taken during the program) or eight modules when taken as a second subject.

The modules are as follows:

• Arabic I-IV
• History of the Islamic World
• Religions of the Orient
• Second Oriental language
• Arabic literature
• Arabic linguistics and dialectology

In the first four semesters, students acquire basic knowledge of the Arabic language and a broad base of fundamental knowledge in Oriental Studies Students must take a preliminary examination (“Grundlagen- und Orientierungsprüfung”) by the end of the second semester. This is deemed as having been passed when students have passed the modules Arabic I and II successfully. The second phase of the degree program (3rd to 6th semesters) is characterized by more in-depth study of methodological and language skills. In the context of the Bachelor’s thesis, students are encouraged to start conducting independent scientific work.

• Curiosity and the desire to learn more about cultural regions that are initially foreign
• Interest in philological, historical and theological questions
• Talent for languages
• Stamina and interest in working intensively with texts

The career fields for graduates of the Oriental Studies degree program listed below are only a selection of potential openings, for example

• 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
• As a regional analyst in public institutions, private foundations, companies, banks and international organizations
• In language teaching and politics education
• (After further study), in research with a specialization on one aspect of the subject

Consistent participation in seminars, i.e. constant preparation and follow-up, is absolutely essential.

Arabic, which is the main language of this subject, is a fascinating language in many ways, but also a challenging one that requires intensive study.

During advanced stages of the degree program, students must expect periods of intense preparation when examining difficult foreign-language texts.