Overview
What is Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures?
This degree programme combines the study of languages with the history, politics, cultures and religions of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. You 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 you 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.
Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures: The course for you?
The course suits those interested in current debates about global issues and international politics. You can explore the connections between regions and peoples, religions and politics, societies and cultures, literature and history and look beyond the narrow focus of Europe.
There is a great demand for graduates with a deep understanding of the complex historical relationships between Europe and its neighbours. 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 you to explore periods and places of interest from the ancient world through to the present day.
Graduate skills and career opportunities
The in-depth study of languages and intercultural competencies has never been more relevant. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) makes it easier for companies and organisations to establish contact with foreign partners, further advancing globalisation, there is an increased need for high-level multilingual staff who can manage international teams, take legal responsibility for translations, and conduct multicultural negotiations. 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 programme prepares you for a career that demand a deeper understanding of regional cultures and politics. Now that many multinational companies are choosing Ireland as base for Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, you 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.
Your degree and what you’ll study
Each year students take a variety of classes that include language, history and culture. You can tailor your classes to develop your knowledge and skills in the areas that most interest you.
First and second years
Your field of study will be divided into three areas:
1. Your European language and the history and culture relating to your European language.
2. The history and formation of Europe and the history of the Middle East and North Africa, including politics and religion.
3. The relationship between the Middle East, North Africa and Europe, and Jewish and Islamic civilisations.
In 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. You can also choose to continue your study of the ancient world as well as Jewish and Islamic civilisations.
Third and fourth years
Students spend third year abroad. Living and studying overseas provides skills and experience preparing you to work in a global context. You 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. Students also undertake a piece of independent research on a topic of their choice (Capstone project).
We use a mix of traditional and innovative continuous assessment methods such as essays, project work, presentations, book reviews and dossiers, podcast creation. It is ensured that students can demonstrate a high degree of proficiency in their chosen language(s). Final year students write a Capstone project (piece of independent research on a topic of your choice)
There are QQI/FET routes available for this course. Please see www.cao.ie for details.
Click here for further information on modules/subject.
Study abroad
Immersing yourself in the language and culture of another people is not only an enormously fun and formative experience, it is also one of the most valuable ways of achieving fluency and getting to know about the local people, politics, history and culture. For more information on study abroad destinations and requirements visit: http://www.tcd.ie/study/study-abroad
Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University Dual B.A. Programme
Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures is also available within the Dual B.A. Programme between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University. Please note: The Dual B.A. is only open to Single Honours students. Joint Honours students cannot apply to the Dual B.A.. For more details, see https://tcd.gs.columbia.edu
Applicants to the Dual BA Programme must apply by 2nd January 2024 for September 2024 entry. The admissions process includes a review of the applicant’s academic history, letters of recommendation, an essay, and an interview conducted in English. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) can be submitted but are not required for 2024 entry. Applications are reviewed by a joint committee with representatives from both Institutions. EU applicants to the Dual BA Programme must also apply to and receive an offer from their chosen programme at Trinity through the Central Applications Office (CAO)
