Overview
What is Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures?
In this programme students will study the history, politics, cultures and religions of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. They will explore the societies of the Middle East and North Africa and their relationships with Europe and gain in-depth knowledge of current debates. Students also study two languages and the cultures and societies of those countries. They can choose one from: Arabic; Hebrew; Turkish; and one from; French; Spanish; German; Italian; Russian; Polish. With the exception of French, any of these can be studied at beginner’s level. You will spend the third year abroad. Living and studying overseas provides skills and experience, preparing you to work in a global context.
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 a 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 year
In your first year, you take classes in:
- Your European language and the history and culture relating to your 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 civilisations.
Second year
Students continue their European language, and also start a Middle Eastern language. Additionally, you take a range of modules in history, culture and politics. Through these, students can also continue to study the ancient world and deepen their understanding of Jewish and Islamic civilisations.
Third and fourth years
Students spend third year abroad.
In the fourth year you can continue both your languages, or only one of them. You also write a dissertation (Capstone project), an original piece of research written under the guidance of a supervisor. Optional modules allow you to specialise in a wide range of subjects, such as: Middle Eastern and North African history, religion and society; the Jewish and Islamic worlds; ancient literature and cultures; and the culture and history accompanying your European language.
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/subjects.
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: www.tcd.ie/global/mobility/outbound/
Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University Dual Degree Programme
Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures is also available within the Dual Degree Programme between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University. Please note: The Dual Degree is only open to Single Honours students. Joint Honours students cannot apply to the Dual Degree. For more details, see https://tcd.gs.columbia.edu
