Film and Media Studies
Associate of Arts (AA) Film and Media Studies · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
The Film and Media Studies major, leading to an AA degree, focuses on historical and critical studies in the field of film and related media. The program is designed to introduce students to film literature and criticism and to provide them with a basic knowledge of motion picture history, including the work of major American and international directors. Electives enhance this course of study by exposing students to the principles, technology and techniques of motion picture production. The goal of the program is to encourage a critical attitude toward moving image media through theoretical studies, critical analysis and historical and cross-cultural examination.
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 | ||
| FS 101 | Introduction to Film Studies | 3-4 |
| orFS 101H | Introduction to Film Studies, Honors | |
| FS 104 | American Film to 1960's | 3 |
| FS 107 | Contemporary American Film | 3 |
| FS 110 | World Cinema to 1960's | 3 |
| FS 111 | Contemporary World Cinema | 3 |
| FS 116 | Gender and Sexuality in Film | 3 |
| FS 118 | Film Genres | 3 |
| FS 120 | Visionary Filmmakers | 3 |
| FS 121 | Documentary Film | 3 |
| FS 173/ENG 173 | Screenwriting I | 3 |
| List A - Complete one course from the following: | 2-3 | |
| FP 185 | Directing For The Camera | |
| FS 105 | Introduction to Television Studies | |
| FS 108A | Film Festival Studies | |
| FS 109 | Film and Cultural Criticism | |
| FS 112A | French Film | |
| FS 112B | Art Cinema | |
| FS 112C | Spanish and Latin American Film | |
| FS 113 | Experimental Film | |
| FS 114 | History of Animation | |
| FS 115 | The Vietnam War in Film | |
| FS 119 | Film Comedy | |
| FS 174 | Screenwriting II | |
| FS 179 | Screenwriting III | |
| TA 103 | Theatre Appreciation | |
| Total Units | 32.00-34.00 | |
Learning Outcomes
- Articulate and demonstrate an understanding of the history of U.S. and world cinema, in relation to filmmakers, style, movements, film industries and genres, using film terminology and standard English in written and oral presentations.
- Articulate and demonstrate an understanding of the theories and critical models of cinema, in relation to auteur studies, style, movements, genre and social ideology, using film terminology and standard English in written and oral presentations.
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.