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

The following courses will be offered Fall quarter 2011 through the California History Center. Please see the History Department class listings section of the Schedule of Classes for complete details.

To sign up for a class, apply for admission and register online. For more information or questions, call the center at 408.864.8712.

Arc of the Meteor: Jack London and California

Course: HIST-054X-96, 2 units
Instructor: Chatham Forbes

Description: The quintessential man of action, gifted and generous, London was as much a participant in the great events of his time as he was a writer. Through energy and brilliance he climbed out of a rough youth to world prominence as a controversial voice for the American working man and woman.

Location: CHC
Days/Times: Lectures: Th 12/1, Th 12/8 , 6:30-10:20 p.m.
Field Studies: Sat 12/3, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Sat 12/10 , 8:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.

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Topics in Local History, "Uncommon Zeal: Junipero Serra and the California Missions

Course: HIST-053X-95, 2 units
Instructor: Chatham Forbes

Description: The missionary head of Spain's Sacred Expedition to Alta California, Father Junipero was both a profound religious leader and an experienced, driving executive. A passionate man, with traits of martyrdom, Serra provided the dynamic for success as the church and civil authorities built their chain of missions and presidios along the wild California coast.

Location: CHC.
Days/Times: Th 10/13 , Th 10/27, 6:30-10:20 p.m.
Field Studies: Sat 10/15, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Sat 10/29 , 8:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.

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Topics in California Political and Diplomatic History “Women's Suffrage in California: 100 Years"

Course: HIST-051X-95, 2 units
Instructor: Mary Jo Ignoffo

Description: The year 2011 marks the 100th anniversary of women gaining the vote in California. Woman suffrage advocates hoped that their support for Progressive causes like an end to poverty and vice, transparency in government, and environmental conservation, could change the nation. The 1911 suffrage campaign capitalized on the new automobile and telephone to carry its message to communities across the state. Church to church, school to school, club to club, door to door, person to person, advocates spoke, handed out fliers, and wrote newspaper articles about the suffrage movement. This class will examine the political strategies of the pro-suffrage movement and will discuss the individuals who influenced the vote. We will also analyze the impact that suffrage for California women had on the rest of the nation, particularly with the ratification in 1920 of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Location: CHC.
Days/Times: Mon 10/10 , 4-7:50 p.m., Mon, 10/24, 4-7:50 p.m.
Field Studies: Fri 10/14 and Sat 11/5

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