Semitic Studies

What makes this programme unique is its strong emphasis on modern Semitic languages and its focus on religious minorities in the West Asia and North Africa. Students engage with cutting-edge international research in Semitic Studies, preparing for careers in academia, cultural institutions, international organisations, and other fields related to the region. The programme fosters interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments at Freie Universität Berlin, as well as with partner universities and institutions in Germany and beyond that specialise in Semitic Studies and the Christian Orient. Additionally, it maintains strong connections with Semitic-speaking communities in Berlin. Semitic Studies at the Institute of Semitic Studies is actively involved in major research initiatives, including the Berlin Graduate School Muslim Cultures and Societies. The programme also benefits from Berlin’s extensive network of institutions focused on the WANA region, including: The Pergamon Museum, home to the Museum of the Ancient Near East and the Museum of Islamic Art The Egyptian Museum, housing invaluable artifacts from ancient Egypt The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation’s State Library, with its renowned Oriental Department (including the Turfan Collection) The House of World Cultures, a leading centre for global arts and cultural exchange The MA in Semitic Studies offers a diverse selection of courses covering Semitic languages, linguistics, and cultural history. Students can explore: The Aramaic language across 3,000 years, from Old Aramaic to modern dialects, including Biblical Aramaic, Syriac, North-Eastern Neo-Aramaic (NENA) dialects, and Turoyo Aramaic linguistics and dialectology, providing insights into the diversity and evolution of Aramaic varieties Syriac Studies, focusing on the language, literature, and cultural heritage of Syriac Christianity Oriental Christianity, examining the history, traditions, and languages of Christian communities in the Middle East Arabic linguistics and dialectology, with a particular emphasis on spoken varieties A linguistic approach to Biblical Hebrew, analysing its structure and historical development Ugaritic, exploring one of the earliest attested Northwest Semitic languages Comparative Semitics, studying the relationships between Semitic languages and their common roots Semitic philology, delving into the textual traditions and literary history of Semitic languages The MA in Semitic Studies is a two-year, tuition-free, full-time Master's programme taught in English. It builds on the knowledge gained in a Bachelor's programme, offering a deeper exploration of the languages, cultures and history of the West Asia-North Africa (WANA) region.