California Studies

College of Behavioral and Social Studies
Dean: Joel J. Kassiola

California Studies Program
SCI 231
415-405-0580, 338-2046
Fax: 415-338-0530
E-mail: calstudy@sfsu.edu
Director: Lee Davis

Library Liaison—Mays

Program

Minor in California Studies

Program Scope

California Studies is a multi-disciplinary program whose purpose it is to study the consensus and conflict, unity and diversity, and the continuity and change that characterize the many cultures, artistic and creative expressions, earth and geosciences, as well as social structures, of past and present California.

Students pursuing this minor may draw upon the strengths of many departments offering courses on the various dimensions of California; in particular, Africana Studies, American Indian Studies, American Studies, Anthropology, Asian American Studies, Biology, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, History, Hospitality Management, Humanities, Meteorology, Political Science, Raza Studies and Recreation, Parks, and Tourism. Certain core courses are required to obtain the minor, with additional elective courses to be chosen by the student.

Each student should emerge from the minor with a grasp of California history and political processes, a knowledge and appreciation of the rich diversity of California cultures, creative arts, and literatures, an informed view of California's environmental richness and ecological relationships, and a continuing interest in the dynamic California landscape.

Affiliated Programs at SFSU

Liberal Studies

The liberal studies major offers a pattern of courses that emphasize California studies. For details, see the Liberal Studies section of this Bulletin.

American Studies

The American studies program offers a rich range of courses in a California-focused elective program. For details, see the Bachelor of Arts in American Studies section of this Bulletin.

General Education Cluster in California Studies

There is a General Education cluster in Segment III called "California Cultures and Environments." Students select one course from each of three components: California Artistic and Cultural Landscapes, California Social Landscapes, and California Environmental Landscapes.

Students who select this cluster may take an additional four courses to acquire the California Studies Minor. The minor appears on the SFSU diploma along with the major degree, while the GE cluster is not listed on the diploma.

Career Outlook

The Minor in California Studies prepares students for regional and local application of their major fields of study to the immediate world in which they live, the state of California. A foundation in California studies is beneficial to those pursuing teaching credentials and careers in business, public policy, public administration, state government, and public history. The minor is also excellent preparation for those pursuing advanced degrees in the social sciences, humanities, earth sciences, or arts.

MINOR IN CALIFORNIA STUDIES