Welcome to the Southwest Asian and North African Studies Group!

The Southwest Asian and North African Studies (SWANA) Group is an interdisciplinary group of faculty and scholars at the University of Iowa whose research and teaching focuses on the region. Members are scholars in such disciplines as history, religious studies, literature, linguistics, translation, engineering, and public health. The SWANA Group works to create collaborative opportunities for faculty, staff, and students, across disciplines, in teaching, research, and outreach. The group members will cooperate to expand curricular offerings, promote research and artistic activity, and organize lectures, film series, exhibitions, and symposia. We intend to connect with partners across the university and the wider community.