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 2013 through the California History Center. Please see the History Department class listings section of the Schedule of Classes.

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

Noteworthy and Notorious Women in California’s History

Course: HIST-054X-95, 2 Units
Instructor: Mary Jo Ignoffo

This class will investigate the life stories and legacies of some forthright nineteenth and twentieth-century California women. Many women’s stories are absent from history books, and this class will explore the reasons that some remain under-reported. Among the women we will discuss in detail are Gold Rush-era abolitionist Mary Ellen Pleasant, novelist Gertrude Atherton, philanthropist Sarah Winchester, architect Julia Morgan, and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta.
 
At first glance these women occupy distinct and separate spheres of influence. But further investigation finds common ground in lives that demonstrated intellect, determination, resilience, and a belief in woman’s ability to accomplish great deeds. Each of these lives sheds considerable light upon her time and place in California’s past. Their respective biographies also reveal personal values and life choices. What contributed to interests in politics, economics, tourism, justice, architecture, and activism? How do they inspire participation in today’s California?

Lectures in Room: CHC, 4:00 PM - 7:50 PM: Monday, October 21, 2013; Monday, November 4, 2013
Field Studies: Friday, October 25, 2013; Saturday, November 2, 2013

Contact: ignoffomaryjo@deanza.edu

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The Intricacies of Urban Planning: Culturally Significant Landmarks of Downtown San Jose

Course: HIST-053X-95, 2 units
Instructor: Crystal Hupp

The downtown area of the city of San Jose has been under continual redevelopment for well over a decade. Revitalization efforts have created a wide variety of discussions and debates about the historical, cultural and social significance of nearly all of San Jose's downtown buildings. This course will examine the political, social and cultural debates surrounding a cross section of significant landmarks in downtown San Jose. This course is designed to foster a deeper understand of San Jose's past, the intricacies of long-term urban planning and the social and cultural communities that have developed and grown with the landmarks themselves.

Lectures in Room: CHC, 6:30 PM - 10:20 PM: Monday, October 28, 2013; Monday, November 18, 2013
Field Studies: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Friday, November 8, 2013; 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Saturday, November 23, 2013

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Rivals for California: Bids, Claims, and Incursion

Course: HIST-051X-95, 2 units
Instructor: Chatham Forbes

Strategic location and economic promise led to rivalry among several nations for possession of California. Manifest Destiny and the Mexican War won it for the United States.

Lectures in Room: CHC, 6:30 PM - 10:20 PM: Thursday, October 17, 2013; Thursday, October 24, 2013
Field Studies: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Saturday, October 19, 2013: Monterey; 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Saturday, October 26, 2013: Fort Ross

Contact: chforbessr@msn.com

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Lighthouses of the California Coast

Course: HIST-052X-95, 2 units
Instructor: Chatham Forbes

California's 1000-mile shoreline presented lethal hazards to navigation. Sea traffic after the U.S. Conquest and the Gold Discovery led to early construction of a series of lighthouses at or near the ports of entry.

Lectures in Room: CHC, 6:30 PM - 10:20 PM: Thursday, November 7, 2013; Thursday, November 14, 2013
Field Studies: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Saturday, November 9, 2013: San Francisco & Marin; 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Saturday, November 16, 2013: Pacific Grove & Big Sur

Contact: chforbessr@msn.com

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