Statutes and Ordinances of the University of Cambridge
CHAPTER IV
pp. 277–290
PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONS AND TRIPOS EXAMINATIONS

The Ordinances contained in this Chapter are Ordinances of the General Board

In this section

TRIPOS EXAMINATIONS

ASIAN AND MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES TRIPOS

General

Three Parts.

1. The Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Tripos shall consist of three Parts: Part Ia, Part Ib, and Part II.

Standing of candidates.

2. The following may present themselves as candidates for honours in Part Ia:

  1. (a)a student who has not obtained honours in an Honours Examination, provided that he or she has kept one term and that three complete terms have not passed after his or her first term of residence;
  2. (b)a student who has obtained honours in an Honours Examination, in the year next after so obtaining honours, provided that twelve complete terms have not passed after his or her first term of residence.

3. The following may present themselves as candidates for honours in Part Ib:19

  1. (a)a student who has obtained honours in Part Ia of the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Tripos, in the year after so obtaining honours;
  2. (b)any other student, provided that he or she has kept one term and that twelve complete terms have not passed after his or her first term of residence, and subject to the prior approval of the Faculty Board of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.

4. The following may present themselves as candidates for honours in Part II:19

  1. (a)a student who has previously obtained honours in Part Ib of the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Tripos under Regulation 3(a), in the year next but one after so obtaining honours, provided that he or she has kept seven terms and that fifteen complete terms have not passed after his or her first term of residence;
  2. (b)a student who has previously obtained honours in Part Ib of the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Tripos under Regulation 3(b), in the year next but one after so obtaining honours, provided that he or she has kept five terms and that fifteen complete terms have not passed after his or her first term of residence;
  3. (c)a student who has previously obtained honours in any Honours Examination, other than Part Ia or Part Ib of the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Tripos, in the year next but one after so obtaining honours, provided that he or she has kept seven terms and that fifteen complete terms have not passed after his or her first term of residence, and subject to the prior approval of the Faculty Board.

5. No student shall be a candidate for more than one Part, or for any Part and also for another Honours Examination, in the same term.

6. No student who has been a candidate for any Part shall again be a candidate for the same Part. No candidate shall offer a paper he or she has previously offered in any other Honours Examination.

Supplementary regulations.

7. The Faculty Board shall have the power to issue from time to time supplementary regulations defining or limiting all or any of the subjects of the examination, and to modify, alter or withdraw such supplementary regulations, provided that due care is taken to give sufficient notice of any change.

Additional papers.

8. The Faculty Board shall have the power to prescribe, not later than the end of the Easter Term in the year next but one before the examination to which they apply, a number of additional papers to be offered to candidates in each subject of both Part Ib and Part II of the examination, providing that (i) the Faculty Board are not required to offer additional papers in Part Ib and (ii) at least two papers shall be prescribed in each subject in Part II. When giving notice of the additional papers, the Faculty Board shall prescribe the mode of examination for each paper and any restrictions on the combination of papers that any candidate may offer. The Faculty Board shall have the power of subsequently issuing amendments if they have due reason for so doing and if they are satisfied that no student’s preparation for the examination is adversely affected.

Examiners and Assessors.

9. There shall be a separate body of Examiners for each Part. The Faculty Board shall nominate such number of Examiners for each Part as they may deem sufficient. For each body of Examiners, the Faculty Board shall also have power to nominate one or more Assessors to assist the Examiners.

10. The Examiners shall set, and shall be responsible for marking, all written papers except papers from another Tripos, and shall also mark dissertations submitted under Regulations 22 and 23. If required to do so, Assessors shall propose questions in the subject or subjects assigned to them, shall review the answers of candidates to those questions, and shall report as required to the Examiners. An Assessor may be summoned, for the purpose of consultation and advice, to meetings of the relevant body of Examiners, but shall not be entitled to vote.

11. The subject matter for each oral examination shall be approved by the body of Examiners for the corresponding Part. Two Examiners or Assessors shall conduct the oral examination of each candidate.

12. The Examiners shall have regard to the style and method of candidates’ answers and shall give credit for excellence in these respects. They shall give due credit for the performance of candidates in the oral examinations. The Examiners shall be empowered to examine any candidate viva voce.

Class-lists.

13. The names of those candidates who deserve honours in each Part shall be placed in three classes, of which the second shall be divided into two divisions. The names in the first and third classes and in each division of the second class shall be arranged in alphabetical order. Each class-list shall also indicate the subject or subjects which each candidate has offered in the examination. A mark of distinction may be awarded for special excellence.

Part Ia

Scheme of examination for Part Ia.

14. The subjects of examination in Part Ia shall be as follows:

  East Asian Studies

  Middle Eastern Studies  

  Middle Eastern Studies with a Modern Language

Each candidate shall offer one subject.

15. The papers for the examination in Part Ia shall be as follows:

 EAS.1

Introduction to East Asian history

 C.1

 C.2

 C.3

Modern Chinese translation and writing 1

Modern Chinese texts 1

Literary Chinese 1

 J.1

 J.2

 J.3

Modern Japanese 1

Japanese grammar and translation

Modern Japanese texts 1

 MES.1

 MES.2

 MES.3

 MES.4

 MES.5

 MES.6

 MES.7

Arabic language A

Arabic language B (one and a half hour written examination)

Persian language

Hebrew language A

Hebrew language B

Introduction to the history and culture of the Middle East

Introduction to the contemporary Middle East

 X.1

Akkadian I (Paper ARC4 of Part I of the Human, Social, and Political Sciences Tripos)

 X.2

Egyptian language I (Paper ARC5 of Part I of the Human, Social, and Political Sciences Tripos)

Unless otherwise specified, all papers consist of a three-hour written examination.

16. There shall be separate examinations for each subject, as specified below:

  1. (a)East Asian Studies
  2. Candidates shall offer:
  3. (i)Paper EAS.1;
  4. (ii)eitherPapers C.1–3 and an oral examination in Chinese;
  5. orPapers J.1–3 and an oral examination in Japanese.
  6. The oral examination shall be offered under conditions set out by the Faculty Board from time to time.
  7. (b)Middle Eastern Studies
  8. Candidates shall offer:
  9. either(i)Papers MES.1 and MES.2;
  10. (ii)one paper chosen from MES.6–7;
  11. (iii)one further paper chosen from MES.3–7 and X.1–2;
  12. or(i)two papers chosen from MES.3–5;
  13. (ii)one paper chosen from MES.6–7;
  14. (iii)one further paper chosen from MES.6–7 and X.1–2.
  15. Candidates offering any of Papers MES.2, MES.3, and MES.5 shall also offer an oral examination associated with that paper and under conditions set out by the Faculty Board from time to time. Candidates offering two of these papers shall offer two oral examinations.
  16. (c)Middle Eastern Studies with a Modern Language
  17. Candidates shall offer:
  18. (i)eitherPapers MES.1 and MES.2;
  19. orone paper chosen from MES.3–5, and one paper chosen from MES.6–7;
  20. (ii)Papers B1 and B2 and oral examination B in one of the modern languages set for Part Ia of the Modern and Medieval Languages Tripos;
  21. (iii)one paper chosen from among the papers in Schedule Ia of the Modern and Medieval Languages Tripos.
  22. Candidates offering any of Papers MES.2, MES.3, and MES.5 shall also offer an oral examination associated with that paper and under conditions set out by the Faculty Board from time to time.

Part Ib

Scheme of examination for Part Ib.

17. The subjects of examination in Part Ib shall be as follows:

  East Asian Studies

  Middle Eastern Studies

  Middle Eastern Studies with a Modern Language

Each candidate shall offer one subject.

18. The papers for the examination in Part Ib shall be as follows:

 AMES.1

Cinema East

 C.4

 C.5

 C.6

 C.7

 C.8

Modern Chinese translation and writing 2

Modern Chinese texts 2

Literary Chinese 2

History of dynastic China

Globalization in China, 1850 to the present (an essay of 8,000 words, to be submitted not later than the first day of Full Easter Term)

 J.4

 J.5

 J.6

 J.7

 J.8

 J.9

 J.10

Modern Japanese 2

Modern Japanese texts 2

Japanese history

Literary Japanese

Japanese literary modernity

Japanese society

Japanese politics

 MES.11

 MES.12

 MES.13

 MES.14

 MES.15

 MES.16

 MES.17

 MES.18

 MES.19

 MES.20

Intermediate Arabic

Intermediate Persian

Intermediate Hebrew

Literary Arabic

Literary Persian

Hebrew literature

The formation of Islam

Topics in Hebrew studies

The formation of the modern Middle East

Contemporary Middle Eastern politics and society

 X.3

Structures and meanings (Paper 2 of the Linguistics Tripos)

 X.4

Life, thought, and worship of modern Judaism (Paper B14 of the Theological and Religious Studies Tripos)

 X.5

Introduction to Islam (Paper B15 of the Theological and Religious Studies Tripos)

 X.6

Akkadian language II (Paper M1 of Parts IIa and IIb of the Archaeological and Anthropological Tripos)20

 X.7

Egyptian language II (Paper E1 of Parts IIa and IIb of the Archaeological and Anthropological Tripos)21

 X.8

Sounds and words (Paper 1 of the Linguistics Tripos)

 X.13

Language, brain, and society (Paper 3 of the Linguistics Tripos)

Unless otherwise specified, all papers consist of a three-hour written examination.

19. There shall be separate examinations for each subject, as specified below:

  1. (a)East Asian Studies
  2. Candidates shall offer:
  3. either(i)Papers C.4–6;
  4. (ii)one paper chosen from C.7–8;
  5. (iii)one further paper chosen from C.7–8, J.6, J.8–10, AMES.1, X.3, and the additional papers announced by the Faculty Board under Regulation 8;
  6. (iv)an oral examination in Chinese; 
  7. or(i)Papers J.4–6;
  8. (ii)one paper chosen from J.7–10;
  9. (iii)one further paper chosen from J.7–10, C.7–8, AMES.1, X.3, and the additional papers announced by the Faculty Board under Regulation 8;
  10. (iv)an oral examination in Japanese.
  11. The oral examination shall be offered under conditions set out by the Faculty Board from time to time.
  12. (b)Middle Eastern Studies
  13. Candidates shall offer:
  14. (i)one paper chosen from Papers MES.11–13;
  15. (ii)either(a)four further papers chosen from MES.11–20, AMES.1, X.3–8, and X.13, and the additional papers announced by the Faculty Board under Regulation 8, providing that no more than two papers may be chosen (i) from Papers MES.11–13 or (ii) from Papers X.3–8 and X.13 and that no candidate may offer both Papers X.6 and X.7;
  16. or(b)one paper from MES.1, 3–5, and three further papers chosen from MES.14–20, AMES.1, and X.3–5, 8, 13 and the additional papers announced by the Faculty Board under Regulation 8, providing that no more than two papers may be chosen from Papers X.3–5, X.8, and X.13 and that no paper previously offered in Part Ia may be offered in Part Ib.
  17. Candidates offering any of Papers MES.3, 5, 11–13 shall also offer an oral examination associated with that paper and under conditions set out by the Faculty Board from time to time. Candidates offering two of the papers shall offer two oral examinations.
  18. (c)Middle Eastern Studies with a Modern Language
  19. Candidates shall offer:
  20. (i)one paper chosen from Papers MES.11–13;
  21. (ii)one paper chosen from MES.14–20, AMES.1, and any additional papers announced by the Faculty Board under Regulation 8;
  22. (iii)three further papers chosen from: MES.14–20, AMES.1, X.3–5, X.8, X.13, Paper B3 in one of the modern languages set for Part Ib of the Modern and Medieval Languages Tripos, and any papers not marked with an asterisk in Schedule Ib of the Modern and Medieval Languages Tripos, providing that no more than one paper may be chosen from X.3–5, X8, X13.22
  23. Candidates offering any of Papers MES.11–13 shall also offer an oral examination associated with that paper and under conditions set out by the Faculty Board from time to time.

Part II

Scheme of examination for Part II.

20. The subjects of examination in Part II shall be as follows:

  Chinese

  Chinese with Japanese

  Japanese

  Japanese with Chinese

  Middle Eastern Studies

  Middle Eastern Studies with a Modern Language

Each candidate shall offer one subject.

21. The papers for the examination in Part II shall be as follows:

 C.11

Modern Chinese translation and writing 3

 C.12

Modern Chinese texts 3

 C.13

Literary Chinese 3

 J.11

Modern Japanese 3

 J.12

Modern Japanese texts 3

 MES.31

Advanced Arabic

 MES.32

Advanced Persian

 MES.33

Advanced Hebrew

 MES.34

Themes in Arabic literature

 MES.35

Themes in Persian literature

 MES.36

Themes in Hebrew literature

Unless otherwise specified, all papers consist of a three-hour written examination.

22. There shall be separate examinations for each subject, as specified below:

  1. (a)Chinese
  2. Candidates shall offer:
  3. (i)Papers C.11–13;
  4. (ii)two papers chosen from the papers announced by the Faculty Board under Regulation 8;
  5. (iii)a dissertation, under conditions set out in Regulation 23.
  6. Candidates shall also offer an oral examination, under conditions set out by the Faculty Board from time to time.
  7. (b)Chinese with Japanese
  8. Candidates shall offer:
  9. (i)Papers J.4–5 from Part Ib of the Tripos;
  10. (ii)Paper C.12;
  11. (iii)eitherPaper C.11;
  12. orPaper C.13;
  13. (iv)two papers chosen from the papers announced by the Faculty Board under Regulation 8.
  14. Candidates shall also offer a Japanese oral examination, under conditions set out by the Faculty Board from time to time.
  15. (c)Japanese
  16. Candidates shall offer:
  17. (i)Papers J.11–12;
  18. (ii)two papers chosen from the papers announced by the Faculty Board under Regulation 8;
  19. (iii)a dissertation, under conditions set out in Regulation 23.
  20. Candidates shall also offer an oral examination, under conditions set out by the Faculty Board from time to time.
  21. (d)Japanese with Chinese
  22. Candidates shall offer:
  23. (i)Papers C.4–5 from Part Ib of the Tripos;
  24. (ii)Paper J.12;
  25. (iii)three papers chosen from the papers announced by the Faculty Board under Regulation 8.
  26. Candidates shall also offer a Chinese oral examination, under conditions set out by the Faculty Board from time to time.
  27. (e)Middle Eastern Studies
  28. Candidates shall offer:
  29. (i)one paper chosen from Papers MES.31–33;
  30. (ii)either(a)three further papers chosen from MES.31–36 and the additional papers announced by the Faculty Board under Regulation 8, providing that no more than two papers may be chosen (i) from Papers MES.31–33 or (ii) from those papers offered by other Faculties;
  31. or(b)one paper chosen from MES.11–13 and two papers chosen from MES.34–36 and the additional papers announced by the Faculty Board under Regulation 8, providing that no more than two papers may be chosen from those papers offered by other Faculties, and that no paper previously offered in Part Ib may be offered in Part II.
  32. (iii)a dissertation, under conditions set out in Regulation 23.
  33. Candidates offering any of Papers MES.11–13, 31–33 shall also offer an oral examination associated with that paper and under conditions set out by the Faculty Board from time to time. Candidates offering two of the papers shall offer two oral examinations.
  34. (f)Middle Eastern Studies with a Modern Language
  35. Candidates shall offer:
  36. (i)one paper chosen from Papers MES.31–33;
  37. (ii)three papers chosen from: MES.34–36, the additional papers announced by the Faculty Board under Regulation 8, Paper C1 or C2 in one of the modern languages set for Part II of the Modern and Medieval Languages Tripos, and papers from Schedule II of the Modern and Medieval Languages Tripos;
  38. (iii)eithera dissertation, under conditions set out in Regulation 23;
  39. ora dissertation under conditions set out for the optional dissertation in Regulation 27(i) of the Modern and Medieval Languages Tripos.
  40. Candidates offering any of Papers MES.31–33 shall also offer an oral examination associated with that paper and under conditions set out by the Faculty Board from time to time.
Period abroad.

23. Any candidate submitting a dissertation under Regulation 22 shall be required to have spent a period of at least eight months, since matriculation, in a country or countries deemed appropriate by the Faculty Board and under conditions approved for this purpose by the Faculty Board,23 providing that the Faculty Board may waive this requirement under exceptional circumstances.

A candidate who is required to submit a dissertation under Regulation 22 shall submit the proposed title, together with a statement of the papers to be offered in the examination, to the Secretary of the Faculty Board so as to arrive not later than the division of the Michaelmas Term next preceding the examination. Each candidate must obtain the approval of the proposed title by the Faculty Board not later than the end of that term. A dissertation, which shall be of not more than 12,000 words in length (inclusive of notes and appendices), should show evidence of reading, judgement, and power of exposition, but not necessarily evidence of original research, and must give full references to the sources used. One electronic and two paper copies of each dissertation, marked with the candidate’s examination number, shall be submitted in a format specified by the Faculty Board from time to time to the Secretary of the Faculty Board so as to arrive not later than the third day of the Full Easter Term in which the examination is to be held.

Each candidate will be required to sign a declaration that the dissertation is his or her own work, unaided except as may be specified in the declaration, and that it does not contain material that has already been used to any substantial extent for a comparable purpose. Each copy of the dissertation shall be accompanied by a summary of not more than 300 words in English, except that a candidate offering a dissertation under Regulation 22(a) (Chinese) shall furnish instead a summary in Chinese of not less than 600 characters. The maximum marks allocated to the dissertation shall be one quarter of the maximum marks for the examination as a whole.

Parts Ia, Ib, and II

Other subjects.

24. The Faculty Board shall have power to grant permission to a candidate for any Part of the Tripos to offer in the examination a subject or language other than those specified in Regulations 14, 17, and 20, provided that the Board are satisfied:

  1. (a)that any language which is thus offered possesses a literature adequate for the purposes of examination;
  2. (b)that the general scope of a subject which is thus offered is similar to that of the subjects specified in Regulations 14, 17, and 20;
  3. (c)that the requisite teaching can be provided.

Applications for such permission shall be made through the candidate’s Tutor to the Secretary of the Faculty Board at the earliest possible date and in no circumstances later than the following dates:

the division of the Easter Term in the year next preceding the examination, for a candidate taking Part Ia or Part Ib;

the division of the Easter Term in the year next but one preceding the examination, for a candidate taking Part II.

For subjects offered under this regulation the Faculty Board shall have power to determine the papers to be set, in general conformity with the provisions of Regulations 16, 19, and 22.

25. Not later than the division of Full Michaelmas Term each year the Secretary of the Faculty Board shall inform the Registrary of any subjects for which permission has been granted under Regulation 24, together with the names of the candidates to whom such permission has been granted.

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS

Amended by Notice (Reporter, 2012–13, p. 153)

Part Ia

EAS.1. Introduction to East Asian history

The course covers the history of East Asia thematically from the earliest times to the present, focusing on China, Japan, and Korea. Students will read literature, historical monographs, and primary sources to familiarize themselves with various types of historical evidence.

C.1. Modern Chinese translation and writing 1

This course is to enable students to use basic elements of Chinese grammar correctly, use Chinese over a range of everyday situations, write basic Chinese and translate English into Chinese at the sentence level, and write simple essays in Chinese.

C.2. Modern Chinese texts 1

Modern Chinese is taught intensively throughout the year, and in this paper students are required to translate passages in modern Chinese into English. This paper is mainly designed to assess the student’s ability in understanding and translating simple Chinese texts.

C.3. Literary Chinese 1

An introduction to the literary Chinese language. The course introduces students to basic vocabulary, syntax, and grammar of the classical period. Excursions are made into the etymology of graphs, the origins of common proverbs and set phrases as well as the intellectual world behind the selected text passages.

J.1. Modern Japanese 1

The course aims to teach students modern Japanese with primary emphasis on reading and writing. The textbook used for this purpose is Bowring and Laurie, Introduction to Modern Japanese. In the Michaelmas and Lent Terms students undergo an intensive study of the grammar of modern Japanese. In the Easter Term the course focuses on the development of students’ listening and speaking skills.

J.2. Japanese grammar and translation

This paper is taught in conjunction with J.1 in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms and separately in the Easter Term. It also draws upon skills learned in tackling the texts in J.3, both in terms of ability to construe Japanese texts and in terms of understanding of grammatical patterns.

J.3. Modern Japanese texts 1

The reading of one or two short stories in order to put into practice the skills and knowledge learned in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms.

MES.1. Arabic language A

MES.2. Arabic language B

These two papers are taught as a single course. The textbook is Al-Kitaab fii Ta’allum al-’Arabiyya Part I. The aim is to equip students to read, write, and hold conversations in simple Arabic. All the basic grammar is covered.

MES.3. Persian language

This paper introduces students to Persian grammar and the written and oral use of the language (listening and comprehension practice in the language laboratory). Reading classes expose students to the language in action and to a variety of usages of the grammatical rules.

Paper MES.4. Hebrew language A

In this course students are introduced to the language of the Hebrew Bible. First term: after introduction to basic vocabulary and orthography (consonants and vowel points), students commence a biblical text (Jonah), during the reading of which they are gradually introduced to grammar and deal with translational and interpretive issues. Second term: the focus will be on a philologically and linguistically oriented reading of Genesis 1–4 (and possibly related texts) along with the integration of secondary literature dealing with pertinent issues of both a linguistic and non-linguistic nature.

Paper MES.5. Hebrew language B

In this course, students acquire competence in spoken and written Modern Hebrew. Classes will cover Modern Hebrew grammar and representative texts from Modern Hebrew literature. All students doing this course also do an introductory course on Biblical Hebrew grammar in the Michaelmas Term and are required to answer one question on this in the examination.

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

This paper provides an introduction to the history of the Middle East and the political, religious, and cultural developments of the different regions and periods. It aims to familiarize the student with the sources of information available and with the main themes that will arise in studying Middle Eastern societies in subsequent years of the Tripos. The course consists primarily of lectures.

Paper MES.7. Introduction to the contemporary Middle East

This paper provides a critical introduction to the politics, language, and culture of contemporary Middle Eastern societies. It starts with a theoretical and methodological introduction to the politics of knowledge about the Middle East, and then focuses on the historical advent of modernity in this region. In the second term, the course explores the languages and dialects of Middle Eastern societies in their political and cultural contexts. The final section of the course examines the region from the anthropological perspective, and will focus on language, gender, and social hierarchies.

Part Ib

AMES.1. Cinema East

The course provides students with the opportunity to explore the film traditions of East Asia through a number of possible themes, including modernity, identity and nation, and genre. These broad concerns encompass common themes of comparative significance, such as gender, city and countryside, love, marriage, and family and violence and are expressed in genres such as melodrama. Each student will give two presentations and write two essays (1,500–2,000 words) each term, one on each of the four sections of the course; feedback on these will be given in supervisions or in group discussions.

C.4. Modern Chinese translation and writing 2

This course aims to develop the students’ ability to translate English texts into Chinese and to write Chinese compositions of various styles, such as letters, messages, notices, narration.

C.5. Modern Chinese texts 2

This course enables students to read modern Chinese writings, both literary and non-literary. Information about authors, the background, and the linguistic and stylistic features of the texts is provided as appropriate. The purpose is to give students experience of intensive and extensive reading. Students read unabridged texts from beginning to end, thus increasing their vocabulary and familiarity with modern written Chinese and advancing their understanding of aspects of Chinese historical and cultural experience in 20th-century and contemporary China.

C.6. Literary Chinese 2

An introduction to selected works of poetry, prose, and fiction in literary Chinese. The course draws on texts ranging from early medieval to late imperial times. Students are introduced to the basic features of grammar and genre and the intellectual and historical background of the readings in question.

C.7. History of dynastic China

The history of dynastic China from the Qin through Qing periods. The course, consisting of lectures and essay seminars, introduces students to the formative political, social, economic, religious, and cultural features that defined the Chinese empire.

C.8. Globalization in China, 1850 to the present

The history of globalization in China from the Taiping Rebellion in the mid nineteenth century until today. For the century after 1850, it will examine the rise of the large vibrant port cities that resulted from the rapid expansion of foreign trade and became centres of social, political, and cultural change. It will also analyse Chinese migration, the emergence of Chinese forms of modernity, the rise of resistance movements to Western financial imperialism, and the effects of revolution and warfare. China’s current phase of globalization will be placed against the background of this earlier phase of globalization.

J.4. Modern Japanese 2

The main aims of this course are that students: (a) acquire the ability to understand intermediate written and spoken Japanese; (b) acquire the ability to express themselves in Japanese in a limited range of topics; (c) increase competence in written skills.

J.5. Modern Japanese texts 2

Reading selected twentieth-century Japanese literary and non-literary texts, with attention to style and content, the aim being to gain proficiency in reading, pronouncing, translating, and interpreting modern prose.

J.6. Japanese history

Topics in the history of Japan in the 19th and 20th centuries. In order to analyse Japan’s current relations with its Asian counterparts, the course also examines Japan’s shifting self-image and foreign relations over the centuries, with particular focus on China.

J.7. Literary Japanese

An introduction to the grammar of literary, pre-modern Japanese, followed by readings of simple prose and poetry. Some essay work on aspects of classical literature is also required.

J.8. Japanese literary modernity

An introduction to modern and contemporary Japanese fiction. The course covers a number of topics, including the aesthetics and politics of literary modernity, colonial writing, the development of women’s fiction, or Japanese postmodernity, while studying in some detail works of representative writers from the late Meiji era to recent decades.

J.9. Japanese society

An introduction to Japanese society, its current phenomena and their historical and cultural background. Starting from our own images and influential descriptions of Japanese society, this course will investigate family, demography, education, work, and leisure, as well as life stages and different aspects of daily (and nightly) life of the various social groups.

J.10. Japanese politics

An introduction to post-1945 Japanese politics examining Japan’s political parties and institutions from a comparative perspective. In considering the distinctiveness of the Japanese political system, it addresses a number of central issues including Japan’s economic growth, central-local government relations, the legal system, and the politics of defence and foreign policy. The paper pays particular attention to the nature of domestic political change since the mid 1990s as well as the economic and security policy challenges for a country that is increasingly active both globally and regionally. In analysing Japan’s politics comparatively, the paper also addresses the issues of authorization and democratization in Korea, Korea’s post-1945 political economy, and the security aspects of the Korean peninsula.

Paper MES.11. Intermediate Arabic

The aim of this course is to consolidate students’ understanding of Arabic grammar and expand their vocabulary so that they can confidently read a range of Arabic materials such as newspaper and magazine articles, and to develop their speaking and listening skills. The textbook Al-Kitaab Part 2 and many other authentic materials are used.

MES.12. Intermediate Persian

This paper consists of language work, building on the grammar, instruction in composition (letter writing, essays), and in the students’ oral/conversational skills. In addition, the students read a variety of texts in modern Persian as language exercises, for translation and vocabulary build-up.

MES.13. Intermediate Hebrew

This paper enables students to improve their grasp of Hebrew and to develop competence in the critical reading of Hebrew texts. There will be two sections containing questions on classical Hebrew and Modern Hebrew respectively. Candidates taking the Modern Hebrew option will have an oral as part of their paper.

Paper MES.14. Literary Arabic

This paper introduces students to a variety of Arabic literary texts to enhance their understanding of textual analysis and linguistic expression.

MES.15. Literary Persian

This paper provides an introduction to Persian literary texts, using a selection of readings from early to modern prose writers and poets. The objective is both to introduce major classical Persian authors and to see the written language in action as a vehicle for literary expression.

Paper MES.16. Hebrew literature

In this course students have the opportunity to study a special topic based on texts chosen from within Hebrew literature from both the classical and modern periods.

Paper MES.17. The formation of Islam

A thematic survey of Islamic history in the first four centuries dealing with key aspects of the religious, political, social, and cultural evolution of classical Muslim societies. The course will include introductions to the Qur’an, Hadith, and Islamic law as well as a variety of historical texts reflecting the world view of Muslims of this era.

Paper MES.18. Topics in Hebrew studies

This course will enable students to study special topics in such areas as Hebrew language, literature, history, and culture.

MES.19. The formation of the modern Middle East

This paper examines in some detail key moments in the formation of the modern Middle East, across regions and addressing various themes, with an emphasis on developing an understanding of periods of transition and conflict that have shaped and defined modern societies in the region since the nineteenth century. Lectures focus on Iran and Israel up to the late twentieth century, and the Arab world before and after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.

Paper MES.20. Contemporary Middle Eastern politics and society

This paper examines in some detail the political and social dynamics of the contemporary and modern Middle East from an anthropological perspective, focusing on particular regions or themes.

Part II

C.11. Modern Chinese translation and writing 3

This course enables students (a) to use an extensive range of Chinese vocabulary, idioms, and expressions in translation into Chinese and in Chinese essay writing, (b) to produce appropriate degrees of formality in translating and writing, and (c) to write in Chinese on various topics and in different styles.

C.12. Modern Chinese texts 3

The course continues the work done in the acquisition of the modern Chinese language in previous years. Students will be presented with various types of texts, ranging from modern and contemporary fiction, newspapers, and articles on contemporary China, to scholarly writings and government documents.

C.13. Literary Chinese 3

This course introduces advanced selections of poetry, prose, and fiction in literary Chinese. The course draws on texts ranging from early medieval to late imperial times. Students will be introduced to features of grammar and genre as well as the intellectual and historical background of the readings in question.

J.11. Modern Japanese 3

The main aims of the course are that students: (a) acquire the ability to understand advanced written and spoken Japanese; (b) acquire the ability to discuss, in Japanese, a wide range of topics; (c) increase competence in written skills.

J.12. Modern Japanese texts 3

This course consists of reading texts in advanced modern Japanese with much attention given not only to grammar and syntax but also to context. Supplementary reading will also be expected.

MES.31. Advanced Arabic

This paper aims to develop students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Students are introduced to a range of academic and literary texts in order to develop their ability to follow complex discussions and improve their understanding of linguistic structures. Classes run completely in Arabic.

MES.32. Advanced Persian

This paper aims to develop students’ reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The students will write essays and prepare presentations in Persian.

MES.33. Advanced Hebrew

This paper enables students to develop their skills in writing and translating Hebrew and in critically assessing passages of Hebrew literature. There will be two sections containing questions on classical Hebrew and Modern Hebrew respectively. Candidates taking the Modern Hebrew option will have an oral as part of their paper.

MES.34. Themes in Arabic literature

This paper introduces students to a selection of advanced texts to enhance their understanding of textual analysis and linguistic expression and to develop their knowledge of literary historical and critical approaches. One or more types of Arabic writing from one or more periods will be the focus of sustained study.

MES.35. Themes in Persian literature

This paper uses a selection of either classical or contemporary Persian poetry and prose, to study the treatment of particular themes and rhetoric techniques.

MES.36. Themes in Hebrew literature

This paper focuses on themes of interest and importance in Hebrew literature.

Additional papers available for examination under Regulation 8

The papers available will be drawn from the following lists:

EAS.2. The East Asian region

A seminar-based course that extends the comparative approach adopted in EAS.1. It concentrates on thematic and policy issues relevant to understanding Japan, the Korean peninsula, China (broadly defined), and also Southeast Asia, as well as the role of the United States in East Asia. The course runs over two terms and draws explicitly on historical research and social science methodology in addressing how best to conceptualize ‘East Asia’ as a region. Topics addressed will vary from year to year, depending on the research interests of the teaching officers involved, but an indicative list of subjects covered in the course would include some, but not necessarily all of the following issues: the Cold War as a historical phenomenon; conflict and war in East Asia and contemporary security challenges; comparative models of economic development in East Asia and the role of ‘plan-rational’ policy-making; the role of the nation-state and competing models of historical identity; multilateralism, the emergence of trans-national actors and economic integration in East Asia; political legitimacy, contrasting models of authoritarian rule, and democratization as a political movement; demographic change; energy and environmental policy and technological change.

EAS.3. The Korean wave24

This course examines the contemporary form of East Asian cultural production known as the ‘Korean wave.’ Since the mid-1990s, South Korean pop culture has enjoyed tremendous popularity throughout Asia. This phenomenon marks an unusual moment in East Asian history as the economic rise of China has not led to Chinese cultural hegemony. By studying the Korean wave, it is possible to come to a better understanding of the dynamics of East Asia in the era of globalization and the possibility of the emergence of a pan-Asian identity. This paper focuses on two of the principal genres of the Korean wave, television dramas and cinema. Through a detailed study of representative works, it will examine issues such as Korean national identity, collective memory, melodrama, the Confucian family in the modern world, and the globalization of media cultures. Social and historical contexts, changes in film production and patterns of consumption, and the development of the Korean film industry on the global stage will be considered, as well as the key aspects of genre and film style.

C.14. Advanced Chinese texts

This course involves the intensive study of texts that are specifically linked to the special subject that the student has chosen.

C.15. The Chinese tradition

While never constant and always debated, in the course of Chinese history certain fundamental approaches emerged toward government, organizing society, prosecuting warfare, communicating, pursuing personal profit, and thinking about the supernatural. This lecture course will examine these approaches, discuss their historical development, and analyse how they still impact on China today. Topics may include the role of Confucianism in traditional China and its revival today, Chinese attitudes towards human and natural environments, aesthetics and the arts, religious practices, popular mobilizations against authority, attitudes toward poverty, wealth, redistribution and consumption, the organization of commerce, and governmentality.

C.16. Early and imperial China

This is an advanced, seminar-based, course with alternate modules on early and medieval China and late imperial China. The paper engages students in an in-depth study of the central socio-religious, philosophical, and socio-economic paradigms that shaped early and dynastic Chinese society. Students are asked to work with key primary sources of the period concerned and examine related secondary scholarship. The paper seeks to identify the origins of ideas, social practices, and institutions that have permeated traditional Chinese society and have shaped the Chinese tradition up to the present day. Thematic rubrics explored in this paper may vary and cover topics such as cosmology and correlative thought, the Confucian classics, the Buddhist and the Daoist traditions, sacrificial religion, food culture, ritual and law, perceptions of the body and medicine, writing and print culture, agriculture and mercantile culture, urban and local culture.

C.17. Modern Chinese literature

The course aims to introduce undergraduates to the field of modern Chinese literature as it evolved through the 20th century and up to the present. Literature, whether popular or elite, has had a vital place in modern experience. In the first term students become familiar with some of the major canonical writers and issues. Teaching in the second term is organized around a particular topic: possible examples are post-Mao and contemporary fiction; fiction and film in Republican popular culture; Chinese modernism.

C.18. China and warfare

The Taiping Rebellion, the Sino-Japanese War of 1894–95, the Allied Invasion of 1900, the warlord wars of the 1910 and 1920s, the War of Resistance against Japan from 1931 to 1945, the Chinese-Communist Civil War of 1945 to 1946, and the Korean War from 1950 to 1953 all have impacted on China’s historical development in modern times. This course will examine these wars themselves, but will focus on their cultural, social, and political effects. It will also analyse their impact on dominant ideas Chinese have about themselves, their relations with other countries, and their position in the world.

C.19. Chinese linguistics

This course is designed to acquaint students with the nature and workings of the Chinese language and to help them establish a linguistic framework for the description and analysis of Chinese. It will enable students to understand and explain typological and syntactic differences between Chinese and English on the basis of linguistic theories, and to introduce them to some contentious issues in the study of the Chinese language.

C.20. Contemporary Chinese society

An introduction to key socio-political and cultural developments in reform-era China (from the early 1980s to the present), while situating them in the historical contexts of the late Imperial and Maoist periods. Topics covered will include Chinese political culture, kinship and marriage, reproduction and family planning, gender and sexuality, urban and rural lives, ethnic minorities, religion, state and society, nationalism, migration, the Chinese diaspora, etc. The analytical approaches are drawn from anthropology, political science, sociology, and cultural studies.

J.13. Advanced Japanese texts

This course involves the intensive study of texts that are specifically linked to the special subject that the student has chosen.

J.14. Classical Japanese texts

The course focuses on texts of the Tokugawa period and requires previous knowledge of classical Japanese (J.7).

J.15. Modern Japanese cultural history

This seminar-style course will explore a range of topics in the sociology, history, and cultural representation of Japan’s minority communities. Particular attention will be paid to Burakumin and Zainichi Korean communities, and to the forms of cultural expression developed by their writers. The seminars will be supplemented by screening and study of both documentary and narrative films. The course may include an optional component covering readings in Japanese.

J.16. Tokugawa Japan

This course will focus on the cultures of print in the Tokugawa period, with special reference to the novels, almanacs, conduct books, maps, and local histories in the University Library. Students will gain familiarity with raw texts and their calligraphic forms and will study the production and consumption of commercial print in the Tokugawa period.

J.17. Modern Japanese history

This course will be run in seminar style with weekly discussions and student presentations. Topics will vary depending on the year but may include: propaganda and social mobilization, Sino-Japanese relations, post-War Japanese political and social development, food and culture, as well as comedy and Japan’s relations within East Asia. The focus will be on primary text readings in English and Japanese.

J.18. Japanese politics and international relations

This is an advanced seminar-based course focusing on Japan’s 20th-century international relations. The precise focus will vary from year to year, but in each instance the emphasis will be on situating the study of Japan within the disciplinary context of International Relations and Diplomatic History, and will involve working with both secondary and primary source material. The course will consider aspects of Japan’s key bilateral relations in East Asia and globally, as well as a number of important thematic issues, including, but not necessarily limited to regional security, alliance relations, political economy, resource and trade policy, and debates over national identity.

J.19. Contemporary Japanese society

This is an advanced seminar-based course focusing on contemporary Japanese society. The focus will vary from year to year, such as questions of learning and education, family, time, space, gender or the like, investigating these topics from a wide range of angles. In each instance the emphasis will be on situating the study of Japan within the disciplinary context of Social Anthropology and Sociology. The course is aimed at deepening students’ understanding of (selected aspects of) Japanese society as well as developing research and writing skills. It will involve working with both secondary and primary source material.

K.1. Readings in elementary Korean

This course will cover the basic grammar of modern written Korean with a view to developing reading fluency. Students will mainly be reading materials in hangul script, but some texts in mixed script (with Chinese characters) will also be used.

MES.37. History of the pre-modern Middle East25

This paper examines in some detail aspects of the history of Middle East, either in a particular region and period, or addressing particular themes, with an emphasis on developing an understanding of the evolution of Middle East history and the periods of transition that have shaped and defined the pre-modern societies in the region.

MES.38. History of the modern Middle East

This paper explores Islamic reform and piety in the twentieth century. It does so from the complementary perspectives of anthropology and intellectual history. Modernist Islamic thinkers in this period grappled with the question ‘what is Islam?’ and ‘how should we read the Quran?’ Their thought inspired and informed social and political movements in the Arab world and beyond which have been concerned with the right way to understand and practice Islam. Students will read three Arabic texts by modernist Islamic thinkers, and consider anthropological and ethnographic analyses of relevant issues including history, ritual, and secularism. Students not taking Arabic will be provided with translations in class.

MES.39. Special subject in the pre-modern Middle East25

This paper provides a focused analysis of a particular subject relating to the pre-modern Middle East.

MES.40. Special subject in the contemporary Middle East25

This paper provides a focused analysis of a particular subject relating to the contemporary Middle East. Students may choose one of two subjects which will be announced by the Faculty Board.

MES.41. Comparative Semitic linguistics25,185

This paper offers the opportunity for students of the Semitic languages to contextualize their language work within the larger field of comparative Semitic linguistics.

X.9. Judaism II (Paper C8 of the Theological and Religious Studies Tripos)

This paper will consider the life, thought, and worship of medieval and modern Judaism. The Faculty Board of Divinity may from time to time prescribe subjects and texts for special study.

X.10. Islam II (Paper C9 of the Theological and Religious Studies Tripos)

This paper will deal with two advanced topics in Islamic studies specified from time to time by the Faculty Board of Divinity. The Board may also from time to time prescribe texts for special study.

X.11. Judaism and philosophy (Paper D2(c) of the Theological and Religious Studies Tripos)

The Faculty Board of Divinity may from time to time prescribe texts for special study.

Footnotes

  1. 19. See also the regulations for Affiliated Students.a b
  2. 20. Paper X.6 can only be taken at Part Ib if a candidate has taken Paper X.1 at Part Ia.a
  3. 21. Paper X.7 can only be taken at Part Ib if a candidate has taken Paper X.2 at Part Ia.a
  4. 22. With the approval of the Faculty Board of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, a candidate who takes a paper listed in the Schedule which is marked with a dagger may submit a portfolio of essays under the conditions set out in Regulation 23 of the Modern and Medieval Languages Tripos.a
  5. 23. During the period spent abroad students will normally be required either to follow an appropriate course of study or to undertake some suitable form of employment; in either case the Faculty Board’s approval will be required.a
  6. 24. Not available for examination in 2014.a
  7. 25. These papers are also available to candidates for Part II of the Modern and Medieval Languages Tripos; see p. 389.a b c d
  8. 185. This paper is also available to candidates for the Linguistics Tripos; see p. 366.a