Course summary

Students on the BA Languages and Cultures (Middle East, Africa, South and Southeast Asia) combined degree will be introduced to the cultures and societies of Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and South East Asia, through the study of languages, film, literature and cultural studies. In the first year, students are equipped with a broader understanding of these regions in order to gain a vital comparative perspective. Language is crucial to the understanding of culture and therefore all students will be required to choose from a range of languages in their first year of study. We encourage students to further develop their language skills as the degree progresses. Students will have the option to spend a year abroad to gain cultural and linguistic fluency in languages including Swahili, Amharic, Arabic, Yoruba and Zulu. Students will gain critical insight into the history, politics, anthropology, economy, development, languages and cultures of Africa and the Black Diaspora. Students will also get the opportunity to engage with their own understanding of contemporary themes including Migration, Colonialism, economic change, climate change and popular culture.