Language skills
Programme length
One year - 60 ECTS
Study mode
Face-to-face learning
Application status
You must apply for a major before you can apply for a minor.
- Do you want to learn Arabic?
- Would you like to learn more about the Middle East?
- Do you want to study Middle Eastern history and literature?
- Do you want to understand the history of Islam from the medieval period to the modern day?
This is a 60 ECTS minor, meaning that you will also need to complete a 120 ECTS major in another subject to graduate with a BA degree.
The programme aims to promote interest in and understanding of the Middle East and its culture in a broad sense, as well as to provide students with a basic level of Arabic, which is the main language of the region.
The programme explores the Middle East from ancient times with special emphasis on the ascent of Islam in the seventh century, the emergence of the Islamic Caliphate in the Middle Ages, and the development into the modern era.
Students will be presented with a thorough overview of the history and culture of the Middle East, its literature, scholarship and arts, with the goal of shedding light on the modern day.
Main topics:
- The history of the Middle East
- Literature
- Islamic societies
Matriculation examination
Students take all the compulsory courses in the programme, 60 ECTS in total.
Programme structure
Check below to see how the programme is structured.
This programme does not offer specialisations.
- Year unspecified
- Fall
- History of the Middle East I
- Arabic I
- Middle Eastern Literature
- Spring 1
- History of the Middle East II
- Arabic II
- Al-Andalus: Muslims in Spain 711-1492
Year unspecified | Fall
History of the Middle East I (MAF101G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course surveys the history of the Middle East from ancient times to the medieval period. Topics include the emergence of Egypt and Sumerians and other peoples of the so-called 'cradle of civilization'. Special emphasis will be on the emergence of Islam in the seventh century, and ascent of the Islamic empire in the following centuries. Among the subjects discussed are the prophet Muhammad and his successors, the creation of the Quran, the Caliphates of the Ummayyads and the Abassids and the 'golden age' of Islam. Teaching language is Icelandic but reading materials are mostly in English.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Year unspecified | Fall
Arabic I (MAF102G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The first two or three weeks of the course are focused on the study of the Arabic alphabet and its sounds. After this, the focus shifts onto key grammar points, simple sentences and vocabulary, along with the practice of listening and oral skills. Attendance and homework are of great importance in this course. The course is taught in Icelandic.
This course is a prerequisite for MAF204G Arabic II.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Year unspecified | Fall
Middle Eastern Literature (MAF108G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This is a survey course on the literature of the Middle East, and its literary history from the earliest period in Sumer up until the 21st century.
Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Year unspecified | Spring 1
History of the Middle East II (MAF203G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course is a continuation of the course History of the Middle East I, which is however not a prerequisite for this course. It is possible to take both courses or either one. Here we will address the development of the Middle East since 1300, especially its relationship with the West. Among subjects discussed will be the rise of the Ottomans and the Safavids, European colonialism and its effects on Middle Eastern culture and politics, the rise of nationalism and the emergence of modern states, and several conflicts that have shaped and continue shaping the region until this day. Teaching language is Icelandic but reading materials are mostly in English.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Arabic II (MAF204G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course continues to develop aspects of the Arabic language introduced in Arabic I. Students are expected to have a firm command of the Arabic alphabet and pronunciation and emphasis will be put on reading, writing, listening, and oral expression. Further attention will be given to grammatical structures and the use of dictionaries. Attendance and homework are of great importance in this course. The course is taught in English.
A prerequisite for this course is MAF102G: Arabic I.
Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Al-Andalus: Muslims in Spain 711-1492 (MAF207G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course examines eight centuries of Muslim history in the Iberian Peninsula. Topics include: the Muslim conquest in 711, the emirate and its flourishing period in the following centuries, arts, literature, architecture and scholarship, the importance of the Arabic language and translations of Arabic works to Latin. We will also explore how European views on Islam and Muslims were in part shaped by their acquaintance with the Muslims in Spain, and how Christians managaed to win territory and ultimately claim dominance over the Iberian Peninsula. The course is taught in Icelandic.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Year unspecified
- Fall
- MAF101GHistory of the Middle East IMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
This course surveys the history of the Middle East from ancient times to the medieval period. Topics include the emergence of Egypt and Sumerians and other peoples of the so-called 'cradle of civilization'. Special emphasis will be on the emergence of Islam in the seventh century, and ascent of the Islamic empire in the following centuries. Among the subjects discussed are the prophet Muhammad and his successors, the creation of the Quran, the Caliphates of the Ummayyads and the Abassids and the 'golden age' of Islam. Teaching language is Icelandic but reading materials are mostly in English.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesMAF102GArabic IMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe first two or three weeks of the course are focused on the study of the Arabic alphabet and its sounds. After this, the focus shifts onto key grammar points, simple sentences and vocabulary, along with the practice of listening and oral skills. Attendance and homework are of great importance in this course. The course is taught in Icelandic.
This course is a prerequisite for MAF204G Arabic II.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesMAF108GMiddle Eastern LiteratureMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis is a survey course on the literature of the Middle East, and its literary history from the earliest period in Sumer up until the 21st century.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
MAF203GHistory of the Middle East IIMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is a continuation of the course History of the Middle East I, which is however not a prerequisite for this course. It is possible to take both courses or either one. Here we will address the development of the Middle East since 1300, especially its relationship with the West. Among subjects discussed will be the rise of the Ottomans and the Safavids, European colonialism and its effects on Middle Eastern culture and politics, the rise of nationalism and the emergence of modern states, and several conflicts that have shaped and continue shaping the region until this day. Teaching language is Icelandic but reading materials are mostly in English.
PrerequisitesMAF204GArabic IIMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course continues to develop aspects of the Arabic language introduced in Arabic I. Students are expected to have a firm command of the Arabic alphabet and pronunciation and emphasis will be put on reading, writing, listening, and oral expression. Further attention will be given to grammatical structures and the use of dictionaries. Attendance and homework are of great importance in this course. The course is taught in English.
A prerequisite for this course is MAF102G: Arabic I.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesMAF207GAl-Andalus: Muslims in Spain 711-1492Mandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course examines eight centuries of Muslim history in the Iberian Peninsula. Topics include: the Muslim conquest in 711, the emirate and its flourishing period in the following centuries, arts, literature, architecture and scholarship, the importance of the Arabic language and translations of Arabic works to Latin. We will also explore how European views on Islam and Muslims were in part shaped by their acquaintance with the Muslims in Spain, and how Christians managaed to win territory and ultimately claim dominance over the Iberian Peninsula. The course is taught in Icelandic.
Prerequisites
The University of Iceland collaborates with over 400 universities worldwide. This provides a unique opportunity to pursue part of your studies at an international university thus gaining added experience and fresh insight into your field of study.
Students generally have the opportunity to join an exchange programme, internship, or summer courses. However, exchanges are always subject to faculty approval.
Students have the opportunity to have courses evaluated as part of their studies at the University of Iceland, so their stay does not have to affect the duration of their studies.
Multicultural societies rely on people who have an understanding of other cultures.
An education in this area can open up opportunities in:
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This list is not exhaustive.
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- Members currently include students of Italian, French, German, Spanish, Danish, Chinese and Russian
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