Arabic and Social Anthropology - MA (Hons)

The University of Edinburgh

Arabic is the main language of more than 350 million people inhabiting a huge swathe of land extending from the Atlantic to the Persian Gulf. It is the sixth most widely spoken language in the world and is one of the six official languages of the United Nations.Combining Arabic with Social Anthropology, you will learn the Arabic language while studying human behaviour and ideas in a range of contexts:* social* cultural* religious* political**Arabic**Our programme is designed to give you a thorough grounding in both classical and modern Arabic. You will develop skills in writing, reading, listening to and speaking the language.Through your studies, you will learn to understand, interpret and discuss original material. These range from pre-Islamic poetry and Islamic religious texts to contemporary sources, Arabic novels, newspapers, and television.You do not currently need to know any Arabic, as Year 1 courses are designed for beginners. Our programme is not for native speakers, but we do welcome heritage language learners. We can also accommodate students with some prior experience of studying Arabic through exemptions from introductory language study. By Year 3, all students will have the language skills to spend the year studying in a country in which Arabic is spoken.Our courses open the door to a fascinating and varied region, shining a light on its history, societies, politics and cultures. You will study aspects of the Arabic-speaking world, past and present.**Social Anthropology**At the heart of Social Anthropology is the common humanity that underlies the world's many different societies.The discipline overlaps with sociology, human geography, and development studies, and is also closely linked to history and philosophy.On our courses, you will learn what anthropology contributes to some of the most important issues facing us today.You will also build up the theoretical tools and practical techniques to engage in your own original anthropological research (either library-based or involving fieldwork).**How long it takes to complete this degree programme**This programme is studied over 4 years, including a Year Abroad. This enables us to build choice and flexibility into your studies, giving you time to explore options, find what you like and build your skills.Your first two years will be your pre-honours years. They will give you a good grounding in your subjects. In addition to studying core courses, you will broaden your education and skill set by choosing option courses.Your final two years will be your honours years. You will spend Year 3 abroad, gaining lived experience of Arabic and Middle Eastern cultures. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in specific topics or approaches to the study of Arabic and Social Anthropology. You will also further develop your Arabic language and translation skills.**Programme benefits*** Learn in an historic, capital city where Arabic has been taught since the 18th century.* Study over four years, including one abroad.* Become fluent in one of the UN's six official languages.* Try out different subjects in your first two years.* Join societies related to what you are studying.* Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.

School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures