Regional studies: Asia/Africa (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)

The Bachelor's programme in Regional Studies Asia/Africa at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is multidisciplinary and multiregional, covering the regions of Africa, East, South, and Southeast Asia, as well as Central Asia. Students acquire fundamental knowledge in three key areas: language and communication (including linguistics, sociolinguistics, and philology), culture and identity (literary studies, religious studies, cultural studies, and ethnology), and society and transformation (historical, ethnological, and social science perspectives).

Mono-bachelor students can choose a regional focus.

You will learn to analyze regional developments using sound methodologies, apply relevant theories, and form their own scholarly judgments. Furthermore, you will develop skills in research, analysis, academic writing, and presentation. Gender studies issues are also integrated into the curriculum. Thus, the programme comprehensively prepares students for independent academic work and critical engagement with the cultures and societies of Asia and Africa.

You will acquire fundamental language skills to communicate fluently both orally and in writing and to develop strong reading comprehension.

Languages/choice of language

The first semester begins with a mandatory introductory week, during which, among other things, the available languages ​​are presented in more detail. You can find information about the current language offerings in the course catalogue in AGNES and at the HU Language Centre. Courses will only take place if a minimum number of students have registered.

At the Department of Asian and African Studies, we teach the following languages:

¹ If you choose Japanese, we recommend acquiring a knowledge of the Hiragana and Katakana alphabets before beginning the course.
² Not permanently available.
³ Offered in collaboration with the Language Centre and recognised as an external language course on the B.A.

Registration for one of the offered African or Asian languages ​​takes place online via the AGNES portal during the introductory week.

Students who already possess knowledge of African or Asian languages ​​can obtain information about the recognition procedures from the study subject counselling in the respective departments.

Mandatory modules (120 CP)

1. Core curriculum

2. Language training

You will complete 4 consecutive language modules of one of the languages offered at the department of Asian and African Studies. You can change the language, under the condition that no examination was not finally passed.

3. Advanced curriculum

4. Graduation

Mandatory elective modules (30 CP)

1. Advanced curriculum

Choose 2 of the following modules: 

2. Practical experience

Choose 1 of the following modules: 

General elective modules (30 CP)

In addition to specialised study, Students acquire subject-specific, non-specialist and interdisciplinary key qualifications of 30 CP. The general elective modules can be chosen from the module catalogues of other subjects or central institutions (e.g. Language Centre, Career Center).

Semester abroad

A study-related stay abroad, preferably in a region of the study program, is strongly recommended and should be planned no earlier than after the basic studies (1st–2nd semester).

General elective course offerings (ÜWP) for students coming from other courses of studies