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.

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

Complete all Department Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement with a C or better in each course.  Candidates for a Certificate of Achievement are required to complete at least 20% of the department requirements through SBCC.

1. Distinguish between the main tenets of the major religions of the Middle East.
2. Explain the differences and similarities between the political systems of the Middle East.
3. Correlate the role of religion, ideology and culture to the notions of modernization and democratization in the Middle East.