Middle East Studies
Associate of Arts (AA) Political Science, Economics, Global Studies, and Law and Society · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
The Middle East Studies Program involves the study of the history, politics, cultures, religions and languages of one of the most complex and critical regions of the world. Some of the questions which students will encounter in courses in this program include: What are the main tenets of the major religions of the area? What is the history of the peoples of this region? What are the political systems of these countries like? Why is the region so critical to world politics? What are the cultural differences in Middle Eastern cultures, within the Middle East and between the Middle East and the West and the East.
The Middle East Studies major also seeks to understand the question of democratization, political violence, the role of religion and ideology, the role of tradition and history in shaping the physical and psychological make-up of the region. The Program will be complemented with a Study Abroad component offering students a hands-on experience of life and culture and tradition and history of the Middle East.
The Associate in Arts in Middle East Studies degree (AA in Middle East Studies) is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with a solid foundation to transition to a Baccalaureate Degree in Middle East Studies at UCSB or at any of the other UC or CSU campuses offering a similar major.
Requirements
Associate Degree Graduation Requirements
Complete all of the following:
- All Major Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the major requirements must be completed through SBCC).
- One of the following General Education options:
- OPTION 1: SBCC General Education pattern OR
- OPTION 2: Cal-GETC pattern
- A minimum of 60 semester units of degree-applicable college credit (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher and C1000 and higher).
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in degree-applicable coursework.
- A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Required Core | ||
| ART 216 | Survey Of Islamic Art And Architecture | 3 |
| GEOG 107 | Geography of The Middle East/North Africa and Southwest Asia | 3 |
| HIST 138 | History of the Modern Middle East | 3 |
| POLS 136 | Middle East Government And Politics | 3 |
| List A - Complete 9 units of electives from the following: | 9-10 | |
| ANTH 103 | Introduction To Cultural Anthropology | |
| orANTH 109 | Comparative World Cultures | |
| ARBC 101 | Beginning Modern Standard Arabic I | |
| ARBC 102 | Beginning Modern Standard Arabic II | |
| GLST 101 | Introduction to Global Studies | |
| GLST 102 | Global Problems | |
| PHIL 102 | Comparative World Religions | |
| POLS 121 | International Politics | |
| orPOLS 121H | International Politics, Honors | |
| POLS 131 | Comparative Politics | |
| Total Units | 21.00-22.00 | |
Learning Outcomes
- Distinguish between the main tenets of the major religions of the Middle East
- Explain the differences and similarities between the political systems of the Middle East
- Correlate the role of religion, ideology and culture to the notions of modernization and democratization in the Middle East
Recommended Sequence
Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.
How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.