Black Studies
17 courses · San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
BLAS 100 Introduction to Black Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is an overview of the Black Studies discipline including its social and academic origins, goals and development. Emphasis is placed on providing students with an understanding of the fundamental areas of study within the field and of the interdisciplinary approach to studying the African experience in America and the world. This course is intended for students majoring in Black Studies and Ethnic Studies; and all students interested in general knowledge of the Black experience.
BLAS 104 Black Psychology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is an introduction to psychological concepts and principles as they relate to African American behaviors, perspectives and lifestyles. Emphasis is placed on comparing Euro-American theories as they have been traditionally applied to African Americans with contemporary Afri-centric theories and the ways in which they may be applied to create a greater understanding of the behaviors, lifestyles and psychological needs of African Americans. This course is intended for students majoring Black Studies and students interested in the Ethnic Studies aspects of psychology.
BLAS 110 African American Art
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is a historical survey of African American art from 1650 to present, including the influence of African, European and Native American art styles and traditions. This course is intended for students majoring in Black Studies, Ethnic Studies and Art; and all students interested in history, humanities, teaching, travel, and cultural enrichment from the Black experience.
BLAS 111 Cultural Influences on African Art
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is a survey of the cultural influences on African art and architecture from the prehistoric period to present. Emphasis is placed on cultural practices that utilize art objects in the form of ritual, oral history and performance. This course is designed for all students interested in the cultural history of Africa in relation art, art history and the humanities.
BLAS 116 Contemporary Social Problems from a Black Perspective
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is a sociological analysis of institutional racism, the process of social change and how it affects African Americans. Emphasis is placed on broad contemporary issues as they relate to African Americans, such as the prison industrial complex, gender and health care. This course is intended for Black Studies majors and anyone interested in Ethnic Studies, history, teaching and current events.
BLAS 120 Black Music
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is a study of African American musical forms and styles in historical perspective. Emphasis is placed on providing students with an appreciation for the African roots of a variety of African American music genres. This course is intended for students majoring in Black Studies and Ethnic Studies; and all students interested in the history of African American music.
BLAS 125 Dynamics of the Black Community
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is an introduction to the varying dynamics of the Black community. Emphasis is placed on creating an appreciation for the Black community's unique attributes, resources, and contributions to the larger community. Students visit Black community organizations, institutions and/or businesses to identify a critical need and to develop a corresponding action plan. This course is intended for students majoring in Black Studies and Ethnic Studies; and all students interested in understanding the dynamics of the Black community.
BLAS 130 The Black Family
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is a study of the African American family. Emphasis is placed on the socio-cultural and psychological issues surrounding the history of the Black family in America. Topics include contemporary African American dating, marriage and divorce patterns, gender roles and extended family, kin and community networks. This course is intended for students majoring in Black Studies and Ethnic Studies; and all students interested in the historical and contemporary perspective of the Black family.
BLAS 140A African American History to Reconstruction
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This survey course examines United States History from an African American lens from the Colonial period to 1877. The course content centers on the contributions, impact, and significance of African American experiences and focuses on the political, social, economic, and cultural development of the country. This course is intended for all students interested in Black Studies, Ethnic Studies, and the history of the U.S. from an African American perspective.
BLAS 140B African American History since Reconstruction to the Present
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This survey course examines United States History from an African American lens from Reconstruction to the present. The course content centers the contributions, impact and significance of African American experiences and focuses on political, social, economic, cultural, and intellectual trends, the persistence of racism, and the struggle for full equality affecting all Americans. This course is intended for all students interested in Black Studies, Ethnic Studies, and the history of the U.S. from an African American perspective.
BLAS 145A Introduction to African History
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a survey of African History from the Stone Age through the beginnings of European colonization in the 1870s. Emphasis is placed on providing students with a broad presentation of the geographical features of the continent and its connections to the rest of the world, local and regional cultural, political, economic and social institutions, slavery, European conquest and colonization, and African resistance to colonization. This course is intended for students majoring in black studies or history and for all students interested in African history.
BLAS 145B Introduction to African History
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a survey of African History from the late nineteenth century to the present. Emphasis is placed on providing students with a broad presentation of European colonization and colonial rule, African independence movements, nation-building, economic development and the continuing quest for African unity. This course is intended for students majoring in black studies or history and for all students interested in African history.
BLAS 150 Black Women in Literature, Film and the Media
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course analyzes stereotypical, contemporary and self images of Africana women in literature, film and media. This course is designed for Black Studies and Ethnic Studies majors, and all students interested in literature, film and media.
BLAS 155 African American Literature
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is a survey of African American cultural expression through language and literature in historical perspective. Emphasis is placed on the cultural, ethnic, and political dynamics that influence literary, musical and theoretical texts. Topics include African praise songs, slave narratives, African American folktales, poetry, lyrics, spirituals, raps, short stories, novels, speeches and essays. This course is for students majoring in Black Studies and Ethnic Studies; and all students interested in literature from an African American perspective.
BLAS 165 Sexuality and Black Culture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an in-depth study and analysis of the social and psychological factors that determine the nature of human sexuality in the African-American community. This course is intended for students majoring in Black Studies and Ethnic Studies; and all students interested in sexuality and the African-American community.
BLAS 175 Psycho-History of Racism and Sexism
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an analytical study of the historical and psychological impact of racism and sexism on people in American society and culture. Emphasis is placed on the impact of racism and sexism on human relations in America. This course is intended for students majoring in Black Studies and Ethnic Studies; and all students interested in addressing issues related to racism and sexism.
BLAS 290 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours other
This course is designed for students who wish to conduct additional research, a special project, or learning activities in the field of African American Studies. It is not intended to replace an existing course in the discipline. In this course students have a written contract with their instructor for activities such as: preparing problem analyses, engaging in primary research, preparing reports, and meeting with the instructor at specific intervals.