About Critical Middle East/Southwest and North Africa Studies
The Critical Middle East / South West Asia and North Africa Studies Certificate of Achievement and Associates in Arts Degree introduces you to an analysis of the history, politics, society, culture, and religions of the Middle East / South West Asia and North Africa (SWANA) with attention to major events in the region and their representations and impacts across the Diaspora, especially in the United States. The program integrates area studies, ethnic studies, gender studies, and interdisciplinary methodologies.
Explore Potential Careers
The program appeals to diverse students, including international students who plan careers in many areas in the Humanities and Social Sciences with an emphasis in the Middle East / SWANA such as Religious Studies, International Relations, International Law, Global Studies, Political Science, Ethnic Studies, History, Language and Literature.
Program Options
Click on the degree or certificate you're interested in earning to see a sample map of courses to take to complete your goal from start to finish.
Please note that the course maps provided are just an example to help you get started. Please meet with a counselor to personalize the plan to you and your Academic goals.
View Requirements in College Catalog
Semester 1
| Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Notes |
| IDST 29 |
Islam: Identity & Culture |
3 |
|
| Major Requirement Elective (Diversity & Social Justice) |
See Counselor |
2 |
|
| ENGL 1A + 1AS |
University-Parallel Reading and Composition + Support |
4 - 6 |
|
| ÃÈ·µ¼º½ Area A |
Communication/Analytical Thinking |
3 |
|
Total Units: 12 - 14
Semester 2
| Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Notes |
| IDST 30 |
Demystifying the Middle East |
3 |
|
| POLS 45 |
Governments and Politics of the Middle East |
3 |
|
| ÃÈ·µ¼º½ Area E |
Humanities |
3 |
|
| ÃÈ·µ¼º½ Math Requirement |
See Counselor |
3 - 5 |
|
Total Units: 12 - 14
Semester 3
| Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Notes |
| IDST 31 |
Women and Gender in the Middle East |
3 |
|
| Major Requirement Elective (Social Justice) |
See Counselor |
3 |
|
| ÃÈ·µ¼º½ Area C |
Natural Sciences |
3 - 4 |
|
| ÃÈ·µ¼º½ Area F |
United States History and Government |
3 |
|
| ÃÈ·µ¼º½ Area H |
Ethnic Studies, Women’s and Gender Studies, or LGBTQ Studies |
3 |
|
Total Units: 15 - 16
Semester 4
| Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Notes |
| IDST 81B |
Diversity and Social Justice: Anti-Semitism/Anti-Arabism |
1 |
|
| Major Requirement Elective |
See Counselor |
3 |
|
| ÃÈ·µ¼º½ Area G1 |
Health Knowledge |
3 |
|
| ÃÈ·µ¼º½ Area G2 |
Physical Skills |
1 - 2 |
|
| Major Requirement Elective |
See Counselor |
3 |
|
| Degree Applicable Elective |
See Counselor |
3 |
|
| Degree Applicable Elective |
See Counselor |
4 |
|
Total Units: 18+
View Requirements in College Catalog
Required Courses:
| Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
Notes |
| IDST 29 |
Islam: Identity & Culture |
3 |
|
| IDST 30 |
Demystifying the Middle East |
3 |
|
| IDST 31 |
Women and Gender in the Middle East |
3 |
|
| IDST 81B |
Diversity and Social Justice: Anti-Semitism/Anti-Arabism |
1 |
|
| POLS 45 |
Governments and Politics of Middle East |
3 |
|
Total Units: 13
Transfer Options
The programs required 3 unit courses are the University of California and California State University transferable, and collectively meet graduation area requirements in D-Social Sciences, E-Humanities, and H1-Diversity.
Have questions about transfer? Visit the Transfer Center for help, transfer information, and/or to speak with college representatives.
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Calligraphy
Image credit: N. Chatterjee
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Islamic geometry
Image credit: N. Chatterjee
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CMES-SWANA Eid Celebration
Image credit: Lauren Muller
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Columns Hagia Sophia
Image credit: N. Chaterjee
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Hall of Two Sisters
Image credit: N. Chatterjee
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Islamic arabesque
Image credit: N. Chatterjee
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Islamic carpet
Image credit: N. Chatterjee
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Professors Alexander and Jandali
Image credit: Lauren Muller
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2011 Revolutions
Image credit: Wikimedia commons
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SWANA map
Image credit: Wikimedia commons
