Certain core courses are required to obtain the minor, with additional elective courses to be chosen by the student. In differing measures, 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 mutable and dynamic California landscape. Over ten courses are offered within this cluster.
Students select one course from each of three components.
Humanistic Aspects includes 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 includes courses focusing on the institutions, norms, and social forces that shape society, history, and culture in California. Scientific Aspects includes courses focusing on the physical aspects of the state of California such as geology, meteorology, and oceanography. The CSA was founded in 1990 to encourage the study and exchange of ideas about California's past and present, its diverse people, politics, economy, environment, arts, history, and literature. CSA's members grapple with some aspect of a state which is pivotal in shaping regional, national, international, and global affairs.