A division of the main Russian university, whose history spans two and a half centuries. An institute where they study more than 25 languages, including Sanskrit and Swahili, and train professional Africanists and Orientalists in the field of political science, history, philology and economics. Graduates of the Institute of Asian and African countries are specialists in the study of the regions of the African-Asian world and interaction with them.
How it all began
The first steps towards the creation of an independent oriental division of MV Lomonosov State University were taken during the years of World War II. Oriental branches opened at the historical and philological faculties.
In 1956, the Institute of Oriental Languages was created on their basis. In the 70s. he acquired his modern name. The course was designed for 6 years with relevant practices in the countries of the language being studied.
Over the years, thousands of specialists have been trained, leading scientific and teaching activities, who have become employees of the media, diplomatic services, political and public organizations.
Address ISSA MSU: Moscow, Mokhovaya street, 11, building 1.
Institute structure
Today, the institute trains specialists in four main areas in the field of African studies and oriental studies. This is reflected in the structure of the institute. ISSA MSU applicants can choose one of 4 departments: historical, political, philological or socio-economic.
There are 5 departments in the historical department, two of which were opened back in 1944. Employees of the departments specialize in the study of the history of China, South Asia, Japan, the countries of the East and Southeast Asia.
The most extensive branch of the institute is philological. Under his auspices, there are eight departments dealing with the problems of Japanese, Arabic, Iranian, Chinese, Turkic, Indian, Mongolian, Korean, Western European literature and literature.
The socio-economic department specializes in international relations in the field of economics and economic geography of the countries of Africa and Asia.
The political science department has the following departments: countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia; African studies, Jewish studies; political science of the East; comprehensive training.
UNESCO Chair and Interuniversity Faculty
In the structure of ISSA MSU, in addition to the main departments, there are also two not quite ordinary units.
"Orientalism and Africanism: modern teaching teaching methods" - UNESCO Chair. Her research and educational work is carried out in accordance with the strategic objectives of the organization formulated in 2015. Among the main priorities is the dialogue of cultures of the East and the West.
The department organizes paid short-term modular courses (2-3 weeks) in the summer. This is a series of lectures on country studies for students of foreign universities, schools of the Russian language. The master's program "Russia in the World Around" is being prepared for implementation.
Also on the basis of the Institute there is an inter-university faculty for the study of the Chinese language. The training program is designed for 6 semesters. Classes are held twice a week. After completing the course and passing the exam, a certificate is issued. Education is free.
Educational levels
The Institute operates under the programs of higher education (bachelor's and master's degrees), additional and postgraduate education. The institute operates postgraduate and doctoral studies.
The admission committee of ISSA MSU in its section on the institute’s website reports that admission is made on a competitive basis based on the results of entrance tests. For admission, you must provide the results of the exam in history, foreign and Russian languages, pass an additional entrance test in history. Training is provided on a budgetary and contractual basis.
The institute has a number of continuing education, retraining, continuing education programs, as well as language courses. You can get additional qualifications as a translator in the field of professional communication.
In addition, an admission for additional education in general education programs is open: Oriental languages; Persian language; Chinese. Trainees receive a certificate.
Preparatory courses and the School of Young Orientalist work for applicants.
ISA MSU: Master's program
This level of education appeared at the institute in 1994. Students could make a choice between specialty and training according to the new system. The final transition to the European system (4 years of undergraduate + 2 years of master's program) took place in 2008. Having enrolled in a magistracy, you can continue your education or get a second degree at ISSA MSU.
Masters training is conducted in the direction of Orientalism and Africanism. Entrance tests include: Eastern foreign language; geography (African-Asian region). The main training profiles in the master's program:
- literature of the respective countries;
- story;
- politics and international relations;
- languages;
- economy.
In addition, there is a specialization in a particular language profile. It can be Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Turkish, Persian, Korean, Arabic, Hebrew, Hindi, etc. The term of study is two years. The total complexity is more than 4000 academic hours, including independent work.
Studying proccess
The institute provides full-time training. Applicants undergo a single competition upon admission. Distribution by language groups and profiles occurs after enrollment. According to reviews of ISSA Moscow State University, the distribution mainly depends on the results of the exam in the Western European language, but in most cases the applicant falls into the group indicated in the application upon admission.
The high level of the educational process is ensured by the teaching staff of the institute. Today it is more than 300 high-level specialists, 56 doctors and 110 candidates of sciences. Well-known scientists from the USA, Europe, Asia and Africa are also invited to read the courses. Open speeches of foreign experts, diplomats and politicians are held.
In the educational process, technical means are widely used for conducting language classes. Most audiences are equipped with computer and multimedia equipment. There are several language laboratories and rooms equipped with specialized interactive tools.
At the disposal of students - more than 80 thousand publications and manuals of the library of the institute.
Scientific activity
At ISSA MSU, several major research areas and schools are developing. Priority areas of basic research: history and theory of oriental literature; historical development trends in Asia and Africa; international relations, economics and politics; Eastern linguistics.
In the graduate school of the Institute, training is carried out in 4 profiles:
- world economy;
- political institutions and processes;
- General history;
- literature of foreign countries.
There is also a dissertation council on two philological specialties (foreign literature and languages).
Conferences, forums and round tables of various levels are annually held, in which teachers, graduate students and students take part.
Publishing houses of three peer-reviewed scientific journals operate on the basis of the institute.
Research centers and laboratories
The importance of research practice is confirmed by the presence at the institute of more than ten actively operating centers, laboratories, and societies. To date, the following work as part of ISSA MSU:
- experimental laboratory of phonetics;
- International Center for Korean Studies;
- Laboratory of Oriental Culture;
- Center for the Study of the Caucasus and Central Asia;
- Malaysian-Indonesian Studies Society;
- Center for Islamic Studies and Arabistics;
- African History Center;
- Society for Cultural Relations with Iran;
- Center for Religious Studies;
- laboratory of technical training aids;
- Center for Buddhist Studies;
- Center for Vietnamese Studies.
International activity
This area of work is one of the priority for ISSA MSU. The scope of international cooperation includes: the organization of conferences and seminars on oriental studies; joint projects and research with foreign colleagues; exchange programs for students and teachers.
Having successfully completed testing in specialized departments, talented students get the opportunity to take an internship (5-10 months) in one of the foreign partner universities. In addition to language practice, during such internships research tasks in specialization are solved. A similar internship at the institute can pass foreign students. Double degree programs are being developed.
Active cooperation has been established with 30 foreign universities (Germany, France, Vietnam, China, etc.). Relations with Lebanon and Egypt resumed.
Institute staff are members of a number of large international scientific organizations.
student life
Testimonials from ISSA MSU students indicate the richness of both academic and extracurricular life.
Much attention is paid to attracting students to research. On the basis of the institute are the Council of Young Scientists and the Scientific Society of Students. During the year, a whole series of scientific events (conferences, forums, festivals) is held, many of which have become traditional.
Having entered the institute, you can also become a member of the student committee or council. Their tasks include protecting the interests of students, attracting them to sports, health, cultural, social, and social practices.
Every year a calendar of events is compiled (concerts, tours, performances, flash mobs).
ISSA MSU: university reviews
In forming the ranking of a university, the conditions of admission, the nature of the educational process, and the demand for future graduates in the labor market are of great importance.
You can find many reviews about this institute, and most of them are positive. A high level of teaching, the ability to learn a rare language, and undergo an internship abroad are noted. However, most respondents emphasize that studying here is not easy, but interesting.
The range of the future professional sphere is quite wide: from teaching to politics.