COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA Politics and Arabic program offers an interdisciplinary approach, combining in-depth study of global politics with intensive Arabic language learning and cultural understanding. In the first year, students establish foundational knowledge through mandatory modules such as History and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa and Arabic Language 1 and 2, while optional modules include the History and Sociopolitics of Palestine/Israel, Introduction to Islam, Cultural Anthropology of the Middle East and North Africa, and a range of politics modules covering comparative politics, British politics, and the fundamentals of political analysis. In the second year, students continue developing advanced Arabic skills through Arabic Language 3 and 4, and explore regional and thematic topics with optional modules in Arab and Jewish nationalisms, gender politics, modern Islamic thought, and postcolonial Arab world literature, alongside politics modules including security studies, quantitative politics, and contemporary British political developments. In the third year, students consolidate their language learning with Media and Business Arabic and Arabic Language 5, while optional modules allow for exploration of contemporary debates in Islam, modern Arabic literature, North African societies, European Union politics, nationalism, gender and politics, and British electoral behaviour. Students may also undertake a dissertation in Modern Languages and Cultures. Across all years, the program develops linguistic proficiency, critical thinking, research skills, and analytical capabilities, preparing graduates for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, policy analysis, media, and global political consultancy, or for further postgraduate study.