Degree Programmes

Master's Degree - Arab World: Language and Society

This Master's programme is a cultural studies programme. Depending on the branch chosen, the focus is on the societies, thought and religions of the Arab world, or on the Arabic language. A third branch allows the specialization in the cultures and languages of ancient and modern South Arabia. The aim of the MA programme is a good knowledge of modern developments in the Arab World in its entirety, with special emphasis on various forms of Muslim religiosity, as well as language competence in Arabic up to level C1. As for the branch focusing on language, linguistic and cultural-historical topics related to both Classical and Modern Standard Arabic and the various Arabic dialects are taken into account. The curriculum offers a wide range of choices and thus allows individual specialization in various subjects. These range from Arabic philosophy and the Islamic history of ideas to current security policy, social discourse, and Arab dialectology. It is also possible to study one semester at an educational institution in the Arab world.

Doctorate

A doctorate in Arabic Studies is possible within the curriculum for the "Doctoral Studies of Philosophy in Humanities and Cultural Studies". In principle, there is no restriction to certain subject areas. However, it is advisable and desirable to write the dissertation in a field that falls under the research focus of the currently available supervisors. These are in particular (1) Arabic language with a focus on its currently spoken varieties (Veronika Ritt-Benmimoun with a focus on Maghreb and areal linguistics and Stephan Procházka with a focus on the dialects of the East and comparative typological issues) and (2) Arab intellectual history, particularly philosophy, Kalām and medicine (Elvira Wakelnig).

We recommend all those interested in a doctorate in Arabic Studies to contact one of the supervisors in advance, enclosing the "Description of the dissertation project" (see below). 

All administrative matters including detailed information on admission procedures can be found on the website of the "Doctoral Centre" of the DL Research Service and Promotion of Young Researchers.

In any case, the "description of the dissertation project" is essential. This contains the questions and objectives of the intended dissertation and the current state of research (state-of-the-art).Length: 2 to 4 pages plus approx. 1 page of references.
For further details see:
https://doktorat.univie.ac.at/fileadmin/user_upload/z_doktorat/Dokumente/Zulassung/3.GEIWI_Dissertationsvorhaben_Final-Jun2018.pdf