Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures - Courses

Program Overview

This interdisciplinary program combines language study with the history, politics, and cultures of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Students gain proficiency in two languages and explore the complex relationships between these regions, including their historical, religious, and cultural connections. The program prepares graduates for careers in international relations, journalism, diplomacy, and other fields requiring a deep understanding of global affairs.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This degree program combines the study of languages with the history, politics, cultures, and religions of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of the current debates about the cultures, histories, and religious affairs of the societies of the Middle East and their relationships with Europe. The course is designed to provide students with skills and knowledge in two languages and their regional histories and cultures. Students choose one of Arabic, Hebrew, and Turkish and one from French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, and Polish. With the exception of French, any of these can be studied at beginners level.

Outline:

First and Second Years

Students' field of study will be divided into three areas: Their European language and the history and culture relating to their European language. The history and formation of Europe and the history of the Middle East and North Africa, including politics and religion. The relationship between the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, and Jewish and Islamic civilizations. In the second year, students continue their European language, start a Middle Eastern language (Arabic, Hebrew, and Turkish), and take additional classes on historical and contemporary perspectives on Europe, the Middle East, and also their relations. Students can also choose to continue their study of the ancient world as well as Jewish and Islamic civilizations.

Third and Fourth Years

Students spend the third year abroad. Living and studying overseas provides skills and experience preparing students to work in a global context. Students can spend one or two semesters at a leading European university. There is also the option to spend a semester at a prestigious Middle Eastern or North African university. In Year 4, students may choose to continue both their European and Middle Eastern languages or choose to continue just one language. A wide range of subjects related to Middle Eastern and North African history, religion, and society, the Jewish and Islamic worlds, and ancient literature and cultures are offered to final-year students as well as courses related to the study of their European language; these build on the knowledge gained in the previous years.

Careers:

The in-depth study of languages and intercultural competencies has never been more relevant. Ever-advancing AI may indeed replace a basic command of a foreign language, but fluent critical thinkers are, and will remain, in ever higher demand. The two languages you obtain from this course are likely to prove popular with a range of employers. This program prepares students for a career that demands a deeper understanding of regional cultures and politics. Now that many multinational companies are choosing Ireland as a base for Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, students could work in multinationals, global tech, and NGOs. Our graduates secure successful careers in international relations, journalism, and diplomacy and are well placed to continue to further study in international relations, languages, history, cultural studies, or international business and marketing.

Other:

• Students can tailor their classes to develop their knowledge and skills in the areas that most interest them.
• There is a great demand for graduates with a deep understanding of the complex historical relationships between Europe and its neighbors.
• Unique to this course is the study of the cultural interconnections that shape modern strategic and political interactions.
• The course is designed in a way that allows students to explore periods and places of interest from the ancient world through the present day.