Minor in California Studies

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. 

California Studies Mission Statement

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.

Map of California

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.

General Requirements for the California Studies Minor (21 units)

Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.

Core Requirement (3 units)

  • HIST 450 History of California

California Artistic and Cultural Landscapes (3 units)

Choose one of the following:

  • HUM 376 Biography of a City: San Francisco
  • HUM 375 Biography of a City: Los Angeles [topic course]
  • HUM 450/AMST 410 California Culture
  • HTM 421 California Food, Wine and Culture

California Social and Ethnic Landscapes (3 units)

Choose one the following:

  • AFRS 312 Kalifia: The Black Heritage of California
  • AIS 410 Perspectives of Native California Indians
  • ANTH 356 Archaeology of California
  • AA S 510 Asian Americans in California
  • PLSI 473 California Politics and Government (4)
  • PLSI 475 San Francisco Political Issues (4)
  • LTNS 315 Latina/os in California
  • LTNS 660 Latina/o Politics

California Environmental Landscapes (3 units)

Choose one of the following:

  • BIOL 300 Nature Study
  • ERTH 320 Geology of California
  • ERTH 325 Geology of the National Parks
  • ERTH 360 California Weather Events
  • GEOG 552 Geography of California
  • GEOG 651 San Francisco Bay Area Environmental Issues

Electives (9 units)

Select 9 additional units from at least two of the above categories.