In the modularized two-subject bachelor’s degree program, Oriental Studies can be chosen either as a first subject or as a second subject. The first subject differs from the second subject in that a Bachelor’s thesis must be written and an eight-week language course abroad must be completed. Instead of the language course abroad, two translation courses can also be completed on site in Erlangen. In the first subject, the learning of a second oriental language is also obligatory, usually for two semesters. Regularly offered are: Turkish, Hebrew, Persian. Students in the first subject must complete nine modules and students in the second subject must complete eight modules (= teaching and learning units that are self-contained in terms of time and content, with examinations to accompany the course of study).

The modules are

• Arabic I-IV
• History of the Islamic World
• Religions of the Orient
• second oriental language
• Arabic literature
• Arabic linguistics and dialectology.

During the first four semesters, students acquire a basic knowledge of the Arabic language and a broad base of fundamental knowledge in Oriental Studies. After the first year of study (i.e., after the second semester), students take a foundation and orientation exam, which is considered passed if they have successfully completed the two modules Arabic I and II. The second study phase (fifth and sixth semesters) is characterized by the deepening of methodological competence and language skills. Within the framework of the bachelor thesis, students are instructed in independent scientific work.

• Curiosity for getting to know initially foreign cultural areas
• Interest in philological, historical and theological issues
• linguistic talent
• perseverance and pleasure in working intensively with texts

The occupational fields presented here for graduates of the bachelor’s degree program in Oriental Studies represent only a small selection of potential fields of work, for example

• in the intercultural field at the intersection of business, politics and culture (tourism industry, public relations or in national and international institutions)
• in the field of administrations, associations and companies, especially at the intersection of Europe and the Middle East
• in development aid, economic and political consulting, security policy, migration and integration policy
• as a regional analyst for public institutions, private foundations, companies, banks and international organizations
• in foreign language teaching and political education
• (after further, in-depth studies) in research with specialization in one aspect of the subject

When attending the seminars, constant cooperation, i.e. constant preparation and follow-up, is mandatory.
Arabic, the main language of this subject, is a fascinating but equally demanding language in many respects and requires intensive study.
In advanced study, intensive preparation time is to be expected when studying difficult foreign language texts.