Film and Media Studies
Certificate of Achievement (C) Film and Media Studies · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
Film and media have profound impacts on how we view the world and ourselves. Film and Media Studies explores the theory, criticism and history of motion pictures and of continually evolving media platforms that shape and influence our everyday lives.
The Film and Media Studies department at Santa Barbara City College offers a wide variety of courses designed for film majors and interested non-majors who wish to enhance their knowledge and appreciation of film and media as part of their undergraduate education. Students are exposed to a vast array of films from the classic to the contemporary, including both American and international works.
SBCC students are able to immerse themselves in film and media research and analysis in an academic setting, as well as in current film industry practices. The Film and Media Studies program offers a vast survey of courses on-campus and online, internationally through Study Abroad and at film festivals, such as the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, AFI Fest in Hollywood and the Los Angeles International Film Festival. Students also have the opportunity to gain practical work experience through the Film and Media Studies internship program.
The required courses in the Film and Media Studies track are designed to provide students with an introduction to film and media literature, criticism and theory; a basic knowledge of film history and the motion picture industry; and a familiarity with major directors, actors and practitioners of cinema. Electives enhance this course of study by exposing students to the principles, technology and techniques of motion picture and media production.
The Film and Media Studies Certificate of Achievement has been developed in accordance with Santa Barbara City College’s core principles, mission statement and institutional learning outcomes. The program is fully supported by the SBCC Academic Senate and Curriculum Advisory Committee, as well as the SBCC administration and Board of Trustees.
Requirements
Certificate of Achievement Requirements
Complete all Major Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. Candidates for a Certificate of Achievement are required to complete at least 20% of the major requirements 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.