Oriental and Islamic Studies, Bachelor 2 subject

Oriental and Islamic Studies

... looks into questions such as ...

What are the origins of Islam and the Quran? What is the relationship between religion and culture in Islam? How does Islam affect government and politics? How did rationality and sciences develop in Islam? What do Oriental literatures contribute to world literature?

„
People who opt to pursue this degree should enjoy learning Arabic [...]. If you hang in there, you will soon realise how great it is to occasionally understand Arabic speakers in the street.
“

Vanessa Isabel Poggenburg, Bachelor of Art read more ...
„
You should have an affinity for language
“

Selcan Başoğul, Master of Arts read more ...

What made you choose this degree programme?

Seeing as I’ve always been interested in Islam as a religion and in the societies that have been shaped by it, the degree course presented the perfect opportunity to pursue my interests and, at the same time, to acquire well-founded knowledge.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

The main topics explored in the degree programme are indeed very interesting; I would, however, wish for more topical issues to be integrated into the curriculum. I would also welcome seminars focusing on theological subjects. The language courses are more difficult than expected, but the lessons are very well structured and easy to follow.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

If you have found a subject that meets your own interests and is potentially relevant for your own life, then the preparation and revision of lectures and seminars is a lot of fun.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

Definitively studying the Arabic language.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

At the moment, I see myself most likely in the civil service or in an integration office.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

People who opt to pursue this degree should enjoy learning Arabic, because this constitutes the main focus in the first four semesters of the course and shouldn’t be underestimated. If you hang in there, you will soon realise how great it is to occasionally understand Arabic speakers in the street.

Selcan Başoğul is a second-year student of Oriental and Islamic Studies. She is pursuing the Master of Arts, the Minor degree.

What made you choose this degree programme?

The description of the degree course was very appealing and the curriculum reflected my interests. I’ve always been fascinated by Islamic society, history, culture and the life of Muslims in Germany. The degree course provided the perfect opportunity for expanding my expertise.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

The pace of the language courses is very demanding and should not be underestimated. I would’ve also hoped for the curriculum to include more contemporary topics dealing with the Islamic world today. Preparing for seminars is sometimes tedious, because my own interests in the discipline are not one hundred per cent congruent with the lectures and seminars provided by the professors.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

Preparing presentations is always a good opportunity for reading up on those topics that I always wanted to study in more depth. I contribute enthusiastically to discussions if professors and lecturers leave room for dialogue in their courses or seminars. I also enjoy reading the kind of texts and literature that I need for my degree course in my spare time, thus killing two birds with one stone.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

In order to register for the final exams, you’ll have to successfully complete all 4 Arabic language courses. It’s important to stick to the study and revision plan, because if you don’t, you might easily lose focus and won’t be able to follow the lessons. This is quite a challenge, especially if you have other important deadlines and duties at the same time (part-time job, volunteering work).

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

I can imagine holding a consulting or advisory position in the field of integration/intercultural education.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

You should have an affinity for language, because if you don’t, you’re likely to find your degree course rather unsatisfactory.
In my experience, volunteering work is a great motivational factor, and it also boosts personal growth. The important thing is to keep up-to-date with regard to the subject matters covered in the degree course, to keep yourself informed, to read a lot, and to interact with your fellow students.

Degree programmes

What's it all about?

This degree programme is unique, because ...

it provides an insight into the religious, cultural and historical principles of the Islamic world as well as into the languages and literatures of the Near East/North Africa.

It provides the opportunity to specialise in the following fields

History of Islamic faith and religious practice
History of Muslim countries and societies
Contemporary history of the Near and Middle East
Oriental literatures (Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Urdu)
History of science and education in the Islamic world
Arabic philology

Course schedule

Module handbook

Who is suited?

Those who wish to enrol in this degree programme,

have:

good foreign-language skills
an interest in history, culture and politics
Latin proficiency certificate

enjoy:

languages and cultures, history and politics, travelling

struggle through:

foreign languages and literature
alien social structures, alien culture and politics
understanding social conflicts and political crises

Graduates from this degree programme frequently work

in universities and research institutes
in adult education and teacher training
in the press trade
in political and cultural foundations
in the civil service with focus on integration

And else?

An internship ...

is recommended. It is done in the 4th semester.
Duration: 4-6 weeks

Studying abroad ...

is recommended. It is done in the 5th semester.
Duration: 3-6 months

Where do I find help?

Academic advisory office

Nils Berenbrink
Building, Room: GB 2/136
Phone: +49 (0)234 / 32-25121
Email: nils.berenbrink@rub.de
Website academic advisory office

Contact students

Fachschaft Orientalistik
Building, Room: GB 2/133
Phone: +49 (0)234 / 32-21760
Email: fs-orient@rub.de

Internet

Degree programmes' website

Profile

Degree:	Bachelor of Arts
Start:	Winter- and summer semester
Duration:	6 semesters
Classroom language:	German

2-Subject Bachelor Programme: This degree programme requires a second subject.
Table of combinations

Detailed information for international applicants

Bookmark and recommend

Bookmark degree programme

Your bookmarks

Financing your studies

Rent, food, social insurance – all these and more need to be paid for during your studies. But where will the money come from?

University sports

More than 80 types of sport for a healthy life-work balance: university sports at RUB.

How to enrol at Ruhr-Universität Bochum

In this video, Leyla shows you how the enrolment process works at Ruhr-Universität Bochum.

Watch video clip

Study Portal