Master of Arts in Politics and Society of the Contemporary Middle East

Programme Overview

The programme trains students in critical thinking and gives them the ability to apply this to current events and debates in and about the region. The programme also aims to educate students in social sciences theories and various research methodologies, as well as provide opportunities for the application of methodological skills.

We use a comprehensive definition of the MENA region to include 24 countries: 21 members of the Arab League (Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen), in addition to Iran, Israel/Occupied territories and Turkey. Students shall study the populations, societies, politics, contemporary history of these countries. Particular emphasis is given to the processes, norms and flows that continuously shape the Middle East, such as migration, refugeeship, legal, political, social and economic conditions as well as cultural and gender constructs.

In terms of teaching, the programme is based on a close connection to research within Middle Eastern Studies. Besides lectures and seminar-based teaching, the programme has an emphasis on supervision and mentoring. During the programme, students conduct independent field work under supervision and are trained to academically review the work of other students.

Furthermore, the programme offers one course relating to the current trends in the Middle East and diasporic groups with origins in the region.

The programme provides a basis for third-cycle studies as well as professional careers in areas such diplomacy, aid and development work, work linked to migration, integration and societal development as well as educational, journalistic and cultural work with a connection to the Middle Eastern and diasporic contexts.

Degree

After completing the programme, students will acquire a Degree of Master (120 credits) of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies, with a major in Middle Eastern Studies.