School of Oriental and African Studies

School of Oriental and African Studies is a prestigious institution located in London, United Kingdom, specializing in the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It is part of the University of London and is known for its expertise in Oriental studies, African studies, and International relations. The institution has a long history of academic excellence, with notable alumni including Eric Hobsbawm, Aung San Suu Kyi, and Zhang Weiwei. It has also been associated with prominent figures such as Noam Chomsky, Edward Said, and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak.

● History

The institution was founded in 1916, with the support of George V of the United Kingdom, Lord Curzon, and Lord Reay, to promote the study of Oriental languages and cultures. During World War I, the institution played a significant role in training British Army officers in Arabic language and Islamic studies. In the 1920s and 1930s, the institution expanded its curriculum to include Chinese language and Japanese language, with the help of scholars such as Arthur Waley and Reginald Johnston. The institution has also been influenced by the work of Bernard Lewis, Albert Hourani, and Samuel Huntington.

● Academics

The institution offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including BA and MA degrees in African studies, Asian studies, International relations, and Development studies. Students can also pursue PhD research in various fields, such as Economics, Politics, Anthropology, and Sociology. The institution is known for its expertise in Language teaching, with courses in Arabic language, Chinese language, Japanese language, and Swahili language. Notable scholars associated with the institution include Joseph Schumpeter, Karl Popper, and Isaiah Berlin.

● Research

The institution is home to several research centers, including the Centre of African Studies, the Centre of South Asian Studies, and the Centre of Near and Middle Eastern Studies. These centers conduct research on various topics, such as Globalization, Development studies, and International relations, in collaboration with institutions like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations. The institution has also been involved in research projects with Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, and University of Oxford. Scholars such as Amartya Sen, Joseph Stiglitz, and Jeffrey Sachs have been associated with the institution's research activities.

● Campus

The institution is located in the Bloomsbury area of London, near other prestigious institutions like the British Museum, the British Library, and University College London. The campus is home to several buildings, including the Brunei Gallery, which hosts exhibitions and events related to Asian art and African art. The institution also has a large library with a collection of over 1.5 million items, including rare books and manuscripts related to Oriental studies and African studies. The campus is close to other cultural institutions, such as the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, and the British Film Institute.

● Notable_alumni_and_faculty

The institution has a long list of notable alumni, including Aung San Suu Kyi, Eric Hobsbawm, and Zhang Weiwei. Other notable alumni include Dambisa Moyo, Ha-Joon Chang, and Noreena Hertz. The institution has also been home to prominent faculty members, such as Noam Chomsky, Edward Said, and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak. Scholars like Slavoj Žižek, Judith Butler, and Homi K. Bhabha have also been associated with the institution. The institution has also been associated with notable figures such as Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Malala Yousafzai.

● Organisation_and_administration

The institution is part of the University of London and is governed by a Council and a Senate. The institution is also a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the European University Association. The institution has partnerships with several other institutions, including Peking University, University of Tokyo, and University of Cape Town. The institution is also accredited by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and the Higher Education Funding Council for England. The institution has also been recognized by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings.

● Student_life

The institution has a diverse student body, with students from over 100 countries. The institution offers a range of student services, including language support, academic advising, and career counseling. Students can also participate in various extracurricular activities, such as sports teams, cultural clubs, and volunteer work. The institution is also home to several student organizations, including the African Society, the Asian Society, and the Middle East Society. The institution has also been associated with notable events, such as the London Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, and the G20 summit. The institution is close to other student attractions, such as the West End, the Camden Market, and the Notting Hill Carnival. Category:University of London