Note on Terminology:
The term “SWANA” (Southwest Asia and North Africa) has recently gained popularity among
scholars as an alternative to “MENA” (Middle East and North Africa). For this course’s assignments,
please use the term SWANA.
Word limit 800-1000.
In this assignment, you are required to answer the question: What is your relationship to the
SWANA region? This reflexive exercise allows you to explore and articulate your connection to
Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA), whether direct or indirect. There are no wrong answers,
and you may approach the question from various perspectives. Below are some suggested themes
you can consider when crafting your response:
1. For people unfamiliar with SWANA cultures:
• Reflect on how you have encountered the SWANA region through media or other
representations. What kinds of portrayals have you seen? Were they centred on
specific themes or images?
• Consider how these representations made you feel. Were they primarily fictional
(e.g., movies, TV shows, novels) or non-fictional (e.g., news, documentaries)? Were
they about the region itself or its diaspora (such as Muslims, Arabs, Iranians, or
other SWANA communities in North America or Europe)?
• If you have visited the region, describe your experience. How did the reality of your
visit compare to the representations you encountered? Offer a critique of these
representations.
2. For people from the SWANA region:
• Explore your direct or indirect connection to the region. How has your relationship
with the SWANA region shifted over time and in different contexts?
• Discuss how you navigate your identity and relationship to the region while living in
North America. How do media and cultural portrayals of SWANA in the West align or
differ from your lived experience?
• You may wish to compare cultural productions from the SWANA diaspora with those
from the region itself. Offer a critique of any representations you choose to address.ANTH322 Fall 2024
2
Rubric
7% Relevance: Ensure your answer directly addresses the question and clearly presents your
position (positionality) regarding the SWANA region.
3% Context: Provide context for your relationship to the region. For instance, if your knowledge
comes from films, mention the specific film or specific scene. If your family is from the region,
describe that context.
3% Critical Thinking: Demonstrate your ability to engage in critical thinking and self-reflection in
your response. For example, highlight any tensions or contradictions you noticed in your experience
with the region or its representations.
2% Language: Your submission should have clear sentences, proper spelling and grammar, and a
coherent structure without repetition.