The California History Center academic program serves as the vital link in the partnership between the Foothill-De Anza Community College District and the California History Center Foundation. On average, 20 academic courses are offered each year through the CHC program. Courses are offered during the day, evening, and on weekends, and most courses are transferable to four-year institutions as electives.

California History Center - Fall Quarter 2010

The following courses will be offered Fall quarter through the California History Center. Please see the History Department class listings section of the Schedule of Classes.

You may register on-line at the De Anza College web site. For more information or questions, call the center at 408.864.8986.

Donner Party: An Exploration of Myths and Realities

Course: HIST-53X-95, 2 Units
Instructor: Mary Jo Ignoffo,  ignoffomaryjo@deanza.edu

In the spring of 1846, a caravan of wagons set out from Independence, Missouri, for California. After a series of crucial decisions a smaller group, later known as the Donner Party after the leader George Donner, took a cutoff adding 150 miles to their journey and putting them hopelessly late in the season to cross the Sierra Nevada. Who were the leaders and members of the expedition, what motivated their trek, what factors contributed to getting stranded in the snowy mountain range, and did those remaining in the mountains survive by consuming human flesh? This class will look at primary source documents to evaluate the Donner Party and its historical legacy.

Lectures: Wednesdays, Oct. 20 and Nov. 3, 2010  6:20-10 p.m.  CHC

Field Trips: Saturday, Oct. 30 and Friday, Nov. 5, 2010 TBA

People of the Mountain: Communities of the Santa Cruz

HIST-107X-95 2 Units
Instructor: Chatham Forbes

Rancheros first settled the Santa Cruz Mountains in Hispanic times, followed by Americans in the 1840s. Distinctive communities have evolved over many generations, adapting to their upland habitat.

Lectures: Thursdays, October 14 and 28, 2010 6:20-10 p.m., CHC

Field Trips: Saturdays, October 16, and 30, 2010 TBA

Bay Area Earthquakes: Destruction and Renewal

HIST-107X-96 2 Units
Instructor: Chatham Forbes

Earthquakes are constant in the Bay Area, at times enormously destructive, always difficult to predict but certain to strike our thickly settled communities. The physical, social, and economic effects will be studied in the classroom and in the field.

Lectures: Thursdays, November 4 and 11, 2010 6:20-10 p.m., CHC

Field Trips: Saturdays, November 6 and 13, 2010 TBA

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