CURRICULUM ON EAST ASIA The primary goal of the East Asia curriculum is to train experts in the study of Far Eastern civilizations in their various linguistic, literary, historical, political, historical-artistic, and philosophical-religious aspects. Scholars trained in this way will be able to achieve a high level of specialisation in their research activities, demonstrating the ability to use the sources available in the original language and adequately mastering the means of critical exposition. In the literary field, doctoral students will be able to conduct analyses of classical and modern literary works in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, starting with the textual and philological examination of one or more writings. As part of their training, candidates will be able to present their innovative research in an international context of meetings and conferences, in order to share and verify their results with scholars from other countries, both Western and Asian. CURRICULUM IN ARABIC, IRANIAN AND ISLAMIC STUDIES It aims at training scholars and professionals with expertise in disciplines related to the history, cultures and languages of the countries belonging to the space of the historical development of Islam – as a religion as well as an institutional and cultural system –, with the inclusion of its religious, ethnical and linguistic minorities. It is oriented in particular towards linguistic, literary and historical research projects in the domain of Arabic and Iranian studies; however, it welcomes research and specializations tied to competence in other Islamic languages (Turkish, Urdu, Berber; Bambara, etc.). The curriculum provides a multidisciplinary approach: linguistic, philological and literary on the one hand, historical and socio- anthropological on the other hand. It supports PhD students’ international contacts, through collaboration and co-tutoring agreements with foreign universities and research centres. CURRICULUM ON THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT AND CENTRAL ASIA The course aims to train experts in the history and culture of the Indian Subcontinent and Central Asia. Three different profiles, based on a shared background, are offered: a) Language & culture (Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Sanskrit, ancient Iranian languages, in relation to philosophical, religious and philological disciplines); b) History (Ancient history, Modern and Contemporary history); c) Archaeology & Art History. Proficiency in at least one of the languages specified above is considered essential for all profiles. Proficiency in both written and spoken English is required, along with a working understanding of at least one other language, such as French or German. Proficiency in the Russian language is necessary for conducting research in the West Central Asia region. There are scheduled seminars on the region's history and culture in addition to a study abroad experience at accredited research institutions.