Arabic and Ancient Greek - MA (Hons)

The University of Edinburgh

Classical Greek heritage has been enormously important for Islamic thought. Via Arabic, it has also been of considerable importance to Western thought since the 12th century CE. The long-standing links between Arabic, ancient Greek, and associated civilisations make this an excellent joint honours combination.Today, 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. There are sizeable communities of Arabic speakers in Western Europe and Latin America.You do not need any prior knowledge of Arabic or ancient Greek to take our programme, though we can accommodate students with some experience of either language.By Year 3, all students will have the language skills to spend the year studying in a country in which Arabic is spoken.Your studies will give you the skills to access a wide range of source material in its original language. You will have the opportunity to read texts from archaic Greece down to Late Antiquity and Byzantium in various contexts, including political, religious and philosophical material. Your Arabic study will open the door to one of the world's most fascinating and varied regions and to the rich intellectual heritage of Islam. As well as the Middle East, our joint honours programme will develop your knowledge and understanding of the literature, culture and history of the classical and Islamic Mediterranean.**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.Your final two years will be your honours years. You will spend Year 3 abroad, gaining a lived experience of Arabic and Middle Eastern cultures. Year 4 will be tailored to your interests in specific topics or approaches to Arabic literature, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, and Ancient Greek. You will also further develop your Arabic language and translation skills.**Programme benefits*** Learn in an historic city where Arabic has been taught since the 18th century.* Study over four years, including one abroad.* Combine the study of ancient and modern languages.* Join societies related to what you are studying.* Delve into fantastic libraries and collections.

School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures