Cambridge University Reporter


Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Tripos, Part IA, 2009

The Faculty Board of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies give notice that the form of the examination for the following papers for Part IA of the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Tripos, which will be held for the first time in 2009, will be as follows:

East Asian Studies

EAS.1. Introduction to East Asian history

This paper consists of at least fifteen questions and is divided into three sections. Students must answer one question from each section. All questions will be of equal value.

Chinese Studies

C.1. Modern Chinese translation and writing 1

This paper tests candidates' ability to manipulate modern Chinese. The paper consists of three sections, all of which must be attempted: the first contains questions on grammatical aspects of the Chinese language; the second, sentences for translation into Chinese; and the third, a topic for an essay in Chinese.

C.2. Modern Chinese texts 1

This paper tests candidates' comprehension of simple Chinese texts. Candidates will be asked to translate three passages into English. All the questions are of equal value.

C.3. Literary Chinese 1

The paper is divided into three sections, all of which must be attempted. Section one contains passages of pre-Qin literature for translation into English. Section two contains sentences in literary Chinese for translation into English, and candidates will also be asked to comment on the grammar of the sentences. Section three contains three passages of pre-Qin literature in English translation for comment.

Japanese Studies

J.1. Modern Japanese 1

This paper consists of three questions: question one contains twelve sentences for translation into Japanese; question two contains a passage for translation into Japanese; question three requires students to write a composition in Japanese.

J.2. Japanese grammar and translation

This paper consists of two sections. In Section A, candidates are required to answer questions that test their knowledge of Japanese grammar. In Section B, candidates are required to translate one unseen passage from Japanese into English. Both sections must be attempted.

J.3. Modern Japanese texts 1

This paper consists of two sections. In Section A, candidates are required to translate from Japanese into English passages taken from texts read in class during the Easter Term. Knowledge of Japanese grammar may also be tested in the form of questions attached to one or more passages. In Section B, candidates are required to translate one unseen passage from Japanese to English. Both sections must be attempted.

Middle Eastern Studies

Arabic Studies

MES.1. Arabic language A

MES.2. Arabic language B

Paper 1: This paper will contain three questions, all of which must be answered: two passages of Arabic with questions (30 marks each) and one passage of Arabic for translation into English (40 marks).

Paper 2: This paper consists of two sections: a one and a half hour written examination and an oral examination. The written examination will contain a choice of titles for a piece of writing in Arabic (30 marks) and short questions on grammar (20 marks).

The oral examination will consist of:

(a) Listening comprehension (20 marks)

(b) Role play (15 marks)

(c) Discussion (15 marks)

Persian Studies

MES.3. Persian language

This paper will consist of two parts: an oral exam (50 marks) and a written paper (50 marks). The written paper will consist of three sections: Section A will contain passages of Persian for translation into English (15 marks); Section B will contain a choice of topics for a composition of about 100 words (20 marks) in Persian; and Section C will contain questions on Persian grammar (15 marks).

The oral exam will consist of two sections: a dictation (20 marks) and a presentation (30 marks).

Hebrew Studies

MES.4. Hebrew language A

This paper will consist of two sections. In Section A, question one will contain three grammar questions (5 marks each), question two will contain a passage of Hebrew for vocalization (10 marks) and translation into English (10 marks), and question three will contain a passage in English for translation into pointed biblical Hebrew (25 marks). In Section B, there will be one question containing two seen passages for translation into English and for comment (20 marks for each passage). All questions must be answered.

MES.5. Hebrew language B

This paper will consist of three questions, all of which must be answered. There is also a compulsory oral. Question one will contain five grammar questions (5 marks each), question two will contain one unseen passage for translation into English (15 marks), and question three will contain two seen passages for translation into English and for comment (15 marks each).

The oral will consist of (a) a listening comprehension test (10 marks); (b) a pronunciation and sight-reading test (10 marks); (c) a conversation test (10 marks).

Middle Eastern Studies

MES.6. Introduction to the history and culture of the Middle East

This paper consists of eight essay questions of which candidates will be required to answer three. All questions will carry equal marks.

MES.7. Introduction to the contemporary Middle East

This paper consists of eight essay questions of which candidates must answer three. All questions will carry equal marks.