American Studies majors may use their 24 elective units to specialize in the study of California. The California Studies focus provides students with the skills to interpret history and political processes, the 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 mutable and dynamic California landscape. Students complete the California Studies focus within the American Studies major by taking at least 24 units in a wide range of courses designed to give a multidisciplinary understanding of the state. 3 BIOL 395 Intro. Marine Ecology 4 MSCI 331 Marine Botany 4 MSCI 375 Intro.
Students select one course from each of three components.
Aspects of the Humanities include courses focusing on the application of knowledge, theories, and methods from the study of California within various academic disciplines as well as such applied settings as health, education, communications, and social movements. Sociological Aspects include courses focusing on the institutions, norms and social forces that shape society, history and culture in California. Scientific Aspects include courses focusing on the physical aspects of the state of California. The California State University system requires that students develop an informed understanding of the historical development of American institutions and ideals, the Constitution of the United States, the operation of representative democratic government under that Constitution, and the processes of California state and local government. The California state and local government requirement may be met by only two courses, both of which are part of the California Studies Program.