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How Exams Work at ISME

Each module concludes with one examination—but here's the thing: ISME modules are designed to give you maximum flexibility. The two courses in a module offer complementary perspectives rather than a fixed sequence, so you can reach the module's learning goals through many different combinations.

Taking Your Exams

You'll typically write your exam with one of the instructors from the courses you took in that module. The exam topic usually connects closely to that course's themes or methods, and you'll agree on the topic together with your examiner.

Think of exams as opportunities: Each written assignment is a chance to explore different topics, develop your writing, maybe even experiment with formats. Use them to shape your own path through ISME.

Your Examinations

Studying the Middle East
Written assignment, 5000 words (pass/fail)

Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Written assignment, 5000 words (graded)

Reading the Middle East // Reading the Middle East Through Its Languages
No examination

Your chosen two modules (Histories // Traditions // Languages // Literatures)
Written assignment, 5000 words each (graded)

Complementary Area

  • Research Perspectives: Project outline, approx. 5 pages (pass/fail)
  • Internship: Internship report, approx. 5 pages (pass/fail)
  • Modules from other programs: Follow their exam regulations

Communicating Research
Presentation, approx. 10 minutes (pass/fail)

Important: Always Check ISME Regulations

In consolidation courses especially, you'll study alongside students from other programs who may have different exam requirements. Always check ISME's examination regulations for the module you're enrolled in—not what your classmates are doing!

If a lecturer mentions a different exam format, point them to our regulations or contact us at isme@geschkult.fu-berlin.de.

Understanding Your Grades

Some exams are pass/fail, others are graded (1.0–5.0). The graded ones count toward your final ISME grade, weighted by ECTS.

The grading scale:

  • 1.0–1.5 = Very Good
  • 1.6–2.5 = Good
  • 2.6–3.5 = Satisfactory
  • 3.6–4.0 = Sufficient
  • 4.1+ = Not Passed

Your overall grade combines your graded module exams and your master's thesis.

Questions? isme@geschkult.fu-berlin.de

No, only failed examinations can be repeated. 

No, if you take two module examinations for the same module, the one that was examined first will count. 

Yes! That's exactly the point. Try out different topics, different writing styles, explore what interests you. These papers help you figure out what you want to research more deeply.

Talk to your instructor! Most are open to you exploring related topics or bringing in your own interests, as long as it connects to the module's themes.

No! Your paper usually focuses on one course—whichever one you found most interesting or relevant to your work. The two courses in a module complement each other, but you don't need to force them together.

Ignore them! You're in different programs. Some might be doing oral exams or presentations while you're writing a paper. Always check what ISME requires for that module in our regulations.

You pick which instructor you want to work with from the two courses you took. Then you and that instructor agree on a topic together—usually something connected to their course.

Just one exam per module, even though you take two courses.

Studying the Middle East: 5000-word paper (pass/fail)

Interdisciplinary Perspectives: 5000-word paper (graded—this one counts!)

Reading the Middle East / Through Its Languages: No exam (just show up and participate)

Your two advanced modules (Histories / Traditions / Languages / Literatures): 5000-word papers each (graded—these count!)

Research Perspectives: ~5-page project outline (pass/fail)

Internship: ~5-page report (pass/fail)

Communicating Research: 10-minute presentation (pass/fail)

Modules from other departments: Whatever their regulations say

You can retake it, but contact us right away at isme@geschkult.fu-berlin.de so we can talk through the timeline and process.

ISME regulations win. Sometimes instructors aren't familiar with every program's requirements. Just politely show them our regulations, or email us at isme@geschkult.fu-berlin.de and we'll clarify.

1.0 is perfect, 4.0 is barely passing, 5.0 is failing. You'll get grades like 1.7, 2.3, 3.0, etc.

Only the graded ones:

  • Interdisciplinary Perspectives
  • Your two advanced modules
  • Maybe modules from other programs you have counted for the complementary area of studies, in case they are graded according to the relevant regulations
  • Your master's thesis

The pass/fail exams just need to be completed—they don't bring your grade up or down.

Mentoring
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