Course summary

On this course, you’ll learn to speak Arabic, one of the world’s major languages, whilst also building your understanding of the cultural, historical, political and religious contexts that have shaped the Middle East, North Africa and the wider Muslim world. You’ll gain a firm grounding in spoken and written Arabic which is then strengthened further by spending a year in an Arabic-speaking country. You’ll study theology, history, philosophy, sociology and political science; you’ll also learn about postcolonial theory, decoloniality and critical Muslim studies (which has been pioneered at the University of Leeds). In addition to Arabic, you’ll also have the option to study Turkish and Persian. Language variety is embedded into the course, and you’ll also have an opportunity to develop skills in Egyptian, Moroccan and Levantine dialects. To broaden and deepen your knowledge, you’ll be able to access a wide range of co-curricular activities, such as Qur’anic Arabic and the ‘Amimiyyah seminars (readings of classical Islamic madrasah texts), offered by the School's Iqbal Centre for Critical Muslim Studies. You’ll also spend your second year in an Arabic-speaking country. This course combines languages, humanities (religious studies, history, literature, performance), area studies and social science. Learn from tutors who are recognised nationally and internationally as leaders in Arabic language studies. AIMES (Arabic, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies) at Leeds is also renowned for leading the design and development of Arabic language textbooks. Enhance your ability to be self-reflective and critical, and to become a considered and informed thinker. Explore important themes such as cultural prejudice, politics, sexuality, gender and race. Learn from leading experts in critical areas such as international relations; Arabic linguistics; Islamic law and legal theory; Muslim reformist thought; Islamophobia; and Muslim intellectual history.