What is Arab & Islamic studies?

Arab and Islamic Studies focuses on the predominantly Muslim regions of the Middle East and Central Asia together as a major point of attention in the post-Cold War world. The areas of coverage are: the Arab world, including North Africa, and Iran and Turkey, as well as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Arab and Islamic Studies integrates the study of Arab, Middle Eastern and Central Asian culture, civilisation, politics, history and economics, and places these within the broader framework of the changing global order. It examines the role of religion - especially Islam - and fosters the study of the most relevant languages, particularly Arabic and Persian, and looks at gender politics. It also focuses on issues pertinent to Australia's interests in, and the development of its commercial, scientific and industrial ties with these dynamic regions.

What can I study?

In 2012, CAIS is offering a Bachelor degree in Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, to be taken over 3 years full-time.

The Bachelor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies takes students through the topics, debates and developments in the Middle East and Central Asia. Students study the socio-cultural, political, historical and economic structures of these regions and develop comprehensive knowledge of their relationship to global socio-cultural, political and economic trends. In order to further engage with the history and culture of the regions, students can elect to study a Middle Eastern or Central Asian language as either a major or minor in their program. CRICOS Code: 074006D

Domestic applications are through UAC.

International applications are online.

For more information click here.

You can also pursue Middle Eastern, Central Asian & Islamic Studies under a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Asia-Pacific Studies. Check out the link below to see your study options...

Undergraduate Discipline Areas

Undergraduate courses offered in 2012

The Centre currently offers courses in Middle Eastern and Central Asian politics, a foundation course in Islam, and three of the major languages of the regions of its coverage – Arabic Program, Persian Program and Turkish Program.

The undergraduate courses offered by the Centre can comprise a significant part of an Arts major, Asia-Pacific Studies major or Business and Economics major. They are also available to students in other disciplines who are interested in gaining knowledge of the Middle East or Central Asia. Languages can be undertaken as single courses, or as a language major within the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Asia-Pacific Studies as permitted.

While a number of these courses are offered through the Centre, some of them are offered in conjunction with Political Science (ANU College of Arts & Social Science) and Asia-Pacific Studies (ANU College of Asia & Pacific). Most second year and advanced courses require that you have taken two introductory level courses in either Political Science or International Relations.