Black Studies
Associate of Arts (AA) American Ethnic Studies · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
The Department of American Ethnic Studies provides a major in Black Studies. The Black Studies major is geared to increase our awareness and understanding of the Black experience. The Black Studies major examines the history, culture, contributions and problems of this community. It is the department's belief that, through an examination of the heritage and contributions of the Afro-American experience, one can appreciate ones own heritage.
Requirements
Associate Degree Graduation Requirements
Complete all of the following:
- All Major Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the major requirements must be completed through SBCC).
- One of the following General Education options:
- OPTION 1: SBCC General Education pattern OR
- OPTION 2: Cal-GETC pattern
- A minimum of 60 semester units of degree-applicable college credit (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher and C1000 and higher).
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in degree-applicable coursework.
- A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Required Core | ||
| BLST 101 | The African-American In U.S. History To World War II | 3-4 |
| orBLST 102 | The African-American In U.S. History, From Civil Rights Movement To Present | |
| orBLST 102H | The African-American in U.S. History, from Civil Rights to Present, Honors | |
| BLST 103 | African-American Culture | 3 |
| BLST 111 | The African-American Music Experience | 3 |
| BLST 113 | African-American And Afro-Caribbean Literature In The U.S. | 3 |
| CHST 101 | Mexican-American (Chicano) History In The U.S. | 3 |
| orNATA 101 | American Indian: Past and Present | |
| orASAM 101 | Comparative Asian-American History, 1849-1965 | |
| ETHS 117 | Cultural Diversity In Film | 3 |
| orETHS 107/SOC 107 | Racism In America | |
| Total Units | 18.00-19.00 | |
Learning Outcomes
Students will explain the development of racism within U.S. and its impact on America.
Students will be able to explain that American history is not just a history of whites, but that African Americans have also made many important contributions to the development of U.S. social, political, cultural, and economic institutions.
Students will create an intellectual setting in which participants from all communities can gain a knowledge of the Black world, assisting them in embracing diversity in their development into productive, lifelong learners, citizens, and activists seeking to improve their communities, their nations, and the world.
Students will present an analysis that displays their knowledge and understanding of the diverse history, cultural linkages, and social geography of people of African heritage in Africa and the Diaspora.
Recommended Sequence
Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.
How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.