Arabistik (weiterführend)

This (postgraduate) study takes place at universities. Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and practice rooms, language labs, and libraries. Learning also occurs at home (e.g., preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments; possibly participating in online courses).

Standard study duration: 2-4 semesters.

Study costs include enrollment and administrative fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the Studierendenwerk (student services organization), student body, semester ticket). If applicable, tuition fees may apply for 'long-term students,' for a second (postgraduate) degree, or after exhausting a set study credit. Additionally, there are expenses for learning materials and study needs (e.g., specialized literature, excursions) and student health insurance contributions (usually when exceeding the age limit of 25 or certain income limits). For information on funding opportunities, refer to Deutsches Studierendenwerk - Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten and the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG) (Federal Education Promotion Act).

Modules may include: Arabic Literature in its Aesthetic Dimensions, Arabic Literature and its Social Dimensions, Advanced Arabic Language Proficiency, Specialized Arabic Translation, History, Society and Politics, Quran, Tafsir, Hadith, Cultural and Intellectual History of the Arab World, Methods and Research Approaches, Text and Tradition. Practical study content includes, if applicable, internships (e.g., in an educational institution) and semesters abroad.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Courses: Attend lectures and seminars in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester; if applicable, participate in online courses from home. Practical exercises: For example, conduct phonetics exercises in the language lab. Independent work: Prepare for and review courses, research in libraries, prepare presentations, complete assignments (even during lecture-free periods). Scientific research: Deepen skills in academic work. Organization and planning: Plan the (postgraduate) study independently, adhere to specified study periods, and submit study and examination performances on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). Career preparation: If applicable, complete internships (e.g., in an educational institution), prepare for entry into professional life.

The following (postgraduate) study fields can be alternatives for Arabic Studies (postgraduate): Language and Literature Sciences Field: General and Comparative Literature (postgraduate), General and Comparative Linguistics (postgraduate), Interpreting (postgraduate), Translation (postgraduate), Computational Linguistics (postgraduate), Near and Middle Eastern Studies (postgraduate), Islamic Studies (postgraduate), Semitic Studies (postgraduate), Egyptology (postgraduate). Commonality: Working with language; applying linguistic, literary-historical, and literary-theoretical methods. Social Sciences Field: General and Comparative Cultural Studies (postgraduate), Intercultural Communication (postgraduate). Commonality: Acquiring knowledge about language, culture and communication.

Universities typically require the following (undergraduate) degrees as prerequisites: Arabic Studies (undergraduate), Islamic Studies (undergraduate), Near and Middle Eastern Studies (undergraduate), Semitic Studies (undergraduate).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. Topics such as public relations, media and information literacy, and international relations are relevant. Practical experiences, such as internships in an educational institution, specifically prepare one for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university): Hochschulen in Deutschland - Hochschulsuche des Hochschulkompass (Universities in Germany - University Search with Hochschulkompass).

This (postgraduate) study field deepens knowledge gained from an (undergraduate) degree and, if applicable, professional experience. Students usually specialize in specific topics, such as Arabic Literature and Culture or Semitic Studies. This study leads to a second university degree. This field of study can sometimes be combined with other subjects. Arabic Studies (postgraduate) is also available as a part-time degree program.

Examples: Arabic Studies, Islamic Studies, Semitic Studies (Master); Arabic Studies (Islamic Studies) (Master); Arabic Studies (Master); Modern Arabic Politics, Society and Culture (Master).

Depending on the university, Arabic Studies (advanced) can be combined with subjects such as: General and Comparative Linguistics (advanced), Archaeology (advanced), German as a Second/Foreign Language (advanced), German Studies (advanced), History (advanced), Art History (advanced), Philosophy, Ethics (advanced), Political Science (advanced), Religious Studies (advanced), Sociology (advanced).

Master's graduates in Arabic Studies can find various career opportunities in the private sector, such as art and cultural management or press and public relations. Those aiming for an academic career at a university (Hochschule) typically need to pursue a doctorate. A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector and research.

In 1728, the first chair for Arabic Studies was established in Leipzig, initially with a theological focus. From 1795 to 1836, Silvestre de Sacy and Heinrich Leberecht Fleischer laid the foundation for modern Arabic Studies, encompassing language, religion, philosophy, society, and the history of the cultural region. In 1845, the German Oriental Society was founded, institutionalizing the study (Studium) of Asian, African, and Oceanic languages. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, reforming the European higher education landscape with goals such as creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing study (Studium) programs and degrees (introducing Bachelor's and Master's programs), and improving the mobility of students and lecturers.

Degree Awarded: Master of Arts (M.A.)

No remuneration is received during the study (Studium) program. Compensation may be agreed upon for practical phases or internships.

At the federal level (Bundesebene), the Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) as amended on 19.01.1999 and last changed by the law of 15.11.2019 applies. There are also joint structural guidelines of the states (Bundesland) for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's programs (KMK resolution of 10.10.2003) and the Qualification Framework for German Higher Education Degrees (KMK resolution of 16.02.2017). At the state level (Landesebene), higher education laws in conjunction with administrative regulations, for example, on the accreditation of study (Studium) programs, qualification, or university admission regulations are relevant. At the university level (Hochschulebene), the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective study (Studium) programs apply.

The prerequisite for this study (Studium) program is a first professionally qualifying higher education degree; typically, an undergraduate study (Studium) in Arabic Studies is required. Depending on the university (Hochschule), an internal selection process takes place. Selection criteria include, for example, academic performance in the first professionally qualifying study (Studium) program. Generally, proficiency in English and, if applicable, other language skills (e.g., in Ancient Greek, French, Hebrew, Latin, Russian) must be demonstrated.