California Studies

College of Liberal & Creative Arts

Dean: Andrew Harris

California Studies Program

SCI 222
Phone: 415-338-1625
Coordinator: Phillip Dreyfus

Program

Program Scope

California Studies is a multi-disciplinary program whose purpose is to study the consensus and conflict, unity and diversity, and continuity and change that characterize the many cultures, social structures, and artistic and creative expressions, as well as the earth and geosciences, 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, Latina/Latino 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 SF State

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 major offers the possibility of pursuing a California-focused elective program. For details, see the Bachelor of Arts in American Studies section of this Bulletin.

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.