Course Descriptions

100 Introduction to Black Studies
3 hours, 3 units
Advisory: English 51 or 56 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level W5 or R5.
Explores the origins, development and academic goals of the Black Studies discipline. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the uniqueness of Black Studies as an interdisciplinary program; and the role of Black Studies as a major addition to the Euro-American studies and the Euromerican world-view. Intended for students who wish to major in Black Studies as well as those who wish to gain general knowledge of the Black experience. Transfer Credit: CSU and/or private coll/univ.; UC.

104 Black Psychology 3 hours, 3 units
Advisory: English 51 or 56 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level W5 or R5.
An introduction to some of the psychological principles and concepts of understanding the Black experience. A course in psychology recommended for students interested in broadening their understanding of Black behavior. Transfer Credit: CSU and/or private coll/univ. UC Transfer Credit: Black Studies (BLAS) 104 combined with Chicano Studies 105 or Psychology 101: maximum credit, one course.

110 Afro-American Art 3 hours, 3 units
Advisory: English 51 or 56 with a grade of ìCî or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level W5 or R5.
An historical approach to the foundations of the Art of Black Americans from 1650 to present,  including the influence of African and European art styles and traditions. Transfer Credit: CSU and/or private coll/ univ.; UC.
Back to Top

115 Sociology from a Black Perspective 3 hours, 3 units
Advisory: English 51 or 56 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level W5 or R5.
A course which examines origins, nature, structure, and dynamics of Afro-American life through a systematic analysis of Black society and culture. Transfer Credit: CSU and/or private coll/univ. UC Transfer Credit: Black Studies (BLAS) 115 and Sociology 101 combined: maximum credit, one course.

116 Contemporary Social Problems from a Black Perspective 3 hours, 3 units
Advisory: English 51 or 56 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level W5 or R5.
A sociological analysis of institutional variation and the process of social change, and how it affects the Black American. An exploration of those group variations in life style which cannot be accounted for by social condition. Emphasizes contemporary urban situations. An examination of the relations between various racial, cultural, ethnic, and minority groups. Transfer Credit: CSU and/or private coll/univ.; UC.

120 Black Music 3 hours, 3 units
Advisory: English 51 or 56 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level W5 or R5.
An understanding and appreciation of African music and dance. Comparison and contrast of the Black experience in Africa and America as exemplified by their respective cultures. Transfer Credit: CSU and/or private coll/univ.; UC.
Back to Top

130 The Black Family 3 hours, 3 units
Advisory: English 51 or 56 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level W5 or R5.
A sociological and psychological consideration of the Black family in America. Emphasis is on the socioeconomic/political factors that impinge on the Black family structure. Transfer Credit: CSU and/or private coll/univ.; UC.

135 Introduction to Black Politics 3 hours, 3 units
Advisory: English 51 or 56 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level W5 or R5.
A survey of Black politics in America from the time the nation was founded to the present. The course will focus on the nature of the American system, the political status blacks have occupied in the system, and the role they have played in politics in general. Transfer Credit: CSU and/or private coll/univ.; UC.

140A History of the U.S., Black Perspectives
3 hours, 3 units Grade Only
Advisory: English 51 or 56 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level W5 or R5.
This course is a survey of American history from the colonial period to 1877, with emphasis on the experience of African Americans and the contributions they have made to the political, social, economic, and cultural development of the country. This course is intended for transfer students planning to major in African American Studies, history, political science, or other social sciences. The complete one-year course, 140A and 140B, satisfies the graduation requirement in American Institutions. Transfer Credit: CSU and/or private coll/univ. UC Transfer Credit: Black Studies 140AB combined with Chicano Studies 141AB, History 109, 110, or 150, 151: maximum credit, one series.
Back to Top

140B History of the U.S., Black Perspectives
3 hours, 3 units Grade Only
Advisory: English 51 or 56 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level W5 or R5.
This course covers the history of the United States from Reconstruction to the present with emphasis on African American experience and contributions. It focuses on political, social, economic, cultural, and intellectual trends, the persistence of racism, and the struggle for full equality for all Americans. NOTE: The complete one year course of Black Studies 140A and 140B satisfies the graduation requirements in American institutions and California state government. Transfer Credit: CSU and/or private coll/univ. UC Transfer Credit: Black Studies 140AB combined with Chicano Studies 141AB, History 109, 110 or 150, 151: maximum credit, one series.

145A Introduction to African History 3 hours, 3 units
Advisory: English 51 or 56 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level W5 or R5.
A study of African civilization in its broad aspects from the ancient African period through the European colonization period of the 1870s. Geographical features, early African societies, and the slave trade and its impact on Africa will be emphasized. Transfer Credit: CSU and/or private coll/univ.; UC.
Back to Top

145B Introduction to African History 3 hours, 3 units
Advisory: English 51 or 56 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level W5 or R5.
A study of African history in its broad aspects from the 1870s to the present. European colonial rule, African independence movements, nation-building after independence, and the continued struggle for decolonization in Southern Africa will be emphasized. Transfer Credit: CSU and/or private coll/univ.; UC.

150 Black Women in Literature and the Media
3 hours, 3 units
Advisory: English 51 or 56 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level W5 or R5.
Analyzes the literary achievements of Black women. Examines the images of Black women in literature and the media, past and present, including realistic self images as presented by Black women themselves. Transfer Credit: CSU and/or private coll/univ.; UC.

155 Afro-American Literature 3 hours, 3 units
Advisory: English 51 or 56 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level W5 or R5.
Surveys the literary works of Afro-Americans from 1746 to the present. Comparisons are also made to works by non-Black authors. Transfer Credit: CSU and/or private coll/univ.; UC.
Back to Top

165 Sexuality and Black Culture 3 hours, 3 units
Grade Only
Advisory: English 51 or 56 with a grade of "C" or better, or equivalent, or Assessment Skill Level W5 or R5.
Limitation on Enrollment: This course is not open to students with credit for Black Studies 265: Psychology and Social Aspects of Black Sexuality.
An in-depth examination and analysis of social and psychological factors that determine the nature of human sexuality in the Black community. Transfer Credit: CSU and/or private coll/univ. UC Transfer Credit: Black Studies (BLAS) 165 and Psychology 137: maximum credit, one course.

290 Independent Study Hours by Arrangement; 1-3 units
Limitation on Enrollment: Must obtain an Add Code from instructor for registration. For students who wish to research special projects.
This course may be taken four times with different content for a maximum of six units. Transfer Credit: CSU and/or private coll/univ.; UC transfer limitations. See a counselor.

296 Individual Instruction in Black Studies
3 hours lab, 1 unit Credit/No Credit Only
Limitation on Enrollment: Enrollment in an approved related course; Must obtain an Add Code from instructor for registration.
Uses self-paced multimedia systems to help students reach specific learning objectives, and is designed to be an adjunct course to designated courses. Transfer Credit: CSU and/or private coll/univ.

Back to Top