Native American 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 Native American Studies. The Native American program is designed to provide an introduction to the Native American experience in North America by means of comprehensive exposure to course-work dealing with the major aspects of Indian life, including history, values, politics, literature, and art.
It is the Department's belief that, through an examination of the heritage and contributions of the heritage of others, one can appreciate ones own heritage.
The major provides preparation for transfer into four-year colleges and universities.
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 | ||
| ASAM 101 | Comparative Asian-American History, 1849-1965 | 3 |
| orBLST 101 | The African-American In U.S. History To World War II | |
| orCHST 101 | Mexican-American (Chicano) History In The U.S. | |
| NATA 101 | American Indian: Past and Present | 3 |
| NATA 102 | The Native American In 20th Century Society | 3 |
| orNATA 105 | California Tribes: The Chumash | |
| NATA 103 | Native American Cultural Heritage | 3 |
| NATA 112 | Native American Visual And Musical Art | 3 |
| NATA 113 | The Indian In Literature: Fact And Fiction | 3 |
| Total Units | 18.00 | |
Learning Outcomes
Develop a general understanding of Native North American history.
Develop a general understanding of the diversity of North American Indian culture through an in depth consideration of different Tribes and Nations.
Discover and explore how North American Indians have been affected by culture change.
Discover and learn about the diversity of Native American governments.
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.