Middle East Studies, Associate of Arts (AA)
Program Overview
The Middle East Studies Program at Santa Barbara City College offers an Associate of Arts degree that provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, politics, cultures, religions, and languages of the Middle East. Through coursework and a study abroad component, students explore critical questions about the region and its global significance. The program consists of core courses in Islamic art, geography, history, and politics, as well as electives in anthropology, Arabic, global studies, philosophy, and comparative politics.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Middle East Studies Program at Santa Barbara City College offers an Associate of Arts degree, an interdisciplinary program that provides students with a solid foundation for transitioning to a Baccalaureate Degree in Middle East Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, or any other UC or CSU campus that offers a similar major. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the history, politics, cultures, religions, and languages of the Middle East, a complex and critical region of the world. Through coursework and a study abroad component, students will explore questions such as:
- The main tenets of the major religions of the area
- The history of the peoples of the region
- The political systems of the various countries
- The critical importance of the region to world politics
- The cultural differences within and between Middle Eastern cultures, and between the Middle East and the West and the East. The program 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.
Outline:
The Middle East Studies program consists of the following core courses:
- ART 216: Survey of Islamic Art and Architecture (3 units)
- GEOG 107: Geography of the Middle East/North Africa and Southwest Asia (3 units)
- HIST 138: History of the Modern Middle East (3 units)
- POLS 136: Middle East Government and Politics (3 units) In addition, students must complete 9 units of electives from the following list:
- ANTH 103: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- or ANTH 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
- or POLS 121H: International Politics, Honors
Santa Barbara City College
Overview:
Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) is a community college located in Santa Barbara, California. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including transfer degrees, certificates, and non-credit courses. SBCC is known for its diverse student body and its commitment to providing accessible and affordable education.
Services Offered:
SBCC provides a variety of services to its students, including:
Academic advising:
Students can receive personalized guidance on course selection, degree planning, and career exploration.Financial aid:
SBCC offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for their education.Career services:
Students can access resources to help them with job searching, resume writing, and career planning.Student support services:
SBCC provides a range of support services, such as tutoring, counseling, and disability services.Library and learning resources:
SBCC has a well-equipped library and learning center with access to books, journals, computers, and other resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
SBCC offers a vibrant campus experience with opportunities for students to get involved in:
Student clubs and organizations:
Students can join a variety of clubs and organizations based on their interests, such as academic, cultural, and recreational groups.Athletics:
SBCC has a competitive athletics program with teams in various sports.Campus events:
SBCC hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and performances.Key Reasons to Study There:
Affordable tuition:
SBCC offers a relatively low tuition rate compared to other colleges and universities.Transfer opportunities:
SBCC has strong transfer agreements with four-year universities, making it easy for students to continue their education after graduation.Small class sizes:
SBCC offers smaller class sizes, which allows for more personalized attention from instructors.Location:
SBCC is located in a beautiful and vibrant city with access to beaches, mountains, and cultural attractions.Academic Programs:
SBCC offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Arts and Humanities:
Art, Communication, English, History, Music, Philosophy, Theatre ArtsBusiness and Entrepreneurship:
Business Administration, EntrepreneurshipCulture, Society, and Human Behavior:
Anthropology, Chicano Studies, Communication, Economics, Global and International Studies, History, Law and Society, Political Science, Psychology, SociologyEnglish as a Second Language, Adult High School, GED:
ESL, Adult High School Diploma, GEDHealthcare, Wellness, and Public Service:
Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Emergency Medical Services, Social WorkIndustry and Applied Technologies:
Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Welding, Computer ScienceNature, Numbers, and Engineering:
Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, EngineeringOther:
SBCC is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), which means that it serves a significant population of Hispanic students. The college is committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.
