Understand California and prepare for its future. With a minor in California studies, you will learn across a variety of departments to get a holistic picture of the Golden State.
Why Minor in California Studies?
If California were its own country, it would have one of the world's largest economies. The most populous U.S. state, California also has a diverse population, as no race or ethnic group makes up a majority. The state also contains industries from technology to farming to entertainment.
How did the Golden State come to be? What are the problems it faces today? What is its future? A California Studies minor helps to answer these questions. This interdisciplinary program includes courses from a variety of departments to get a comprehensive view of the state. You'll study California's history, geology, politics and more. With your knowledge, you'll be able to be a leader in California and its many industries.
Why Study California Studies at CSUN?
Breadth and Depth
The California Studies minor highlights the strength of CSUN's academic programs. This interdisciplinary program draws from departments from geography to history and beyond. By learning from our excellent faculty, you will have a complete, cohesive study of the state.
Internship Program
Connect your classroom learning with the real world through our internship program. You'll earn class credit while gaining professional skills. In the past five years, we have placed over 100 students in internships at 70 different institutions. Your internship may be with museums, archives or cultural centers.
Conference Attendance
As part of the program, you will have the opportunity to attend regional conferences on California Studies, featuring leading scholars. You will also find opportunities to grow your network at these events.
What You'll Learn
Because the minor in California studies is an interdisciplinary program, you will take classes from across CSUN's departments. In doing so, you will receive in-depth knowledge of the state in many fields. You will learn about California's history, geography, biology and more. You will also complete a research course and an internship.
You will take the following required courses:
- Geography of California
- History of California
You will also study a people group of California in one of the following courses:
- History of Asians in America
- Anthropology of Native California and the Southwest
- Contemporary Issues of the Chicana
You will also complete a research course in which you will collect, analyze and present data. You can choose between:
- Anthropology Field Study
- Senior Seminar in Chicana/o studies
- Geography of California
- History of California
- Urban Studies fieldwork
Additionally you will complete an internship opportunity. Your internship may be with museums, archives or cultural centers.
You will also take an elective course to complete your major. Courses include:
- Plants and animals of Southern California
- History of the Chicano
- History of Los Angeles
- State and Local Government
Connected to the community
The Center for Southern California Studies (CSCS) sponsors programs and research that improve the local community. Join us to contribute to research projects and find student leadership opportunities.