This unit examines the scholarly debates that have happened in the fields of Arab, Islamic and Middle East Studies from the emergence of the criticism of Orientalism in the late 1970s until today. The epistemological debates occurred within the Arab intellectual and cultural spheres will be examined, and the critical and theoretical contribution of Arab intellectuals to the arts and social sciences will be surveyed. In both seminar discussion and individual projects, students will examine case studies that will prepare them to critically engage with their research topic.

This unit is designed to enhance the students' ability to select, to read and to critically analyse primary sources in Arabic. They will achieve high proficiency in the specific Arabic terminology of their research field, and will develop written and oral skills to discuss and present academic contents in Arabic.

In this unit you begin a substantial, independent research project in Arabic Languages and Cultures. Regular meetings with a supervisor approved by the Honours Coordinator will guide your progress. You will develop a plan for researching and writing the thesis, submit an ethics application if appropriate, familiarise yourself with disciplinary conventions and standards, engage with relevant literature, theories and methodologies, submit drafts at agreed times, and give a seminar on your work.

In this unit you complete and submit your substantial independent research project in Arabic Language and Cultures. Regular meetings with a supervisor approved by the Honours Coordinator will guide your progress. You will continue to submit drafts at agreed times, and develop your expertise in relevant research methods and analytical skills as well as in the subject matter of your specialist topic.