Minor in California Studies
College of Liberal & Creative Arts
Interim Dean: Dr. Sophie Clavier
California Studies Program
Humanities Building, Room 410
Phone: (415) 338-1830
Coordinator: Jose Acacio De Barros
Program Scope
The Minor in 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, Earth and Climate Sciences, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Geography, History, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Humanities, 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, 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.
California Studies Minor - 21-23 units
All coursework used to satisfy the requirements of the minor must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
California History (3 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 450 | History of California | 3 |
California Artistic and Cultural Landscapes (3 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select one: | 3 | |
| Bay Area Culture | ||
| Food, Wine, and Culture in California | ||
| San Francisco | ||
| Biography of a City: United States Cities (topic course) | ||
| California Culture | ||
California Social and Ethnic Landscapes (3-4 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select one: | 3 | |
| Bay Area Culture | ||
| Asian Americans in California | ||
| Kalifia: The Black Heritage of California | ||
| Perspectives of Native California Indians | ||
| Archaeology of California | ||
| Latina/os in California | ||
| Latina/o Politics | ||
| California Politics and Government | ||
| San Francisco Political Issues | ||
California Environmental Landscapes (3-4 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select one: | 3 | |
| Bay Area Environments | ||
| Nature Study | ||
| Geology of the National Parks | ||
| California Weather Events | ||
| Geography of California | ||
| San Francisco Bay Area Environmental Issues | ||
Electives (9 units)
Select courses from at least two of the categories above.