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 - Spring Quarter, 2009

The following courses will be offered Spring quarter 2009 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 408.864.8712.

Big Basin's Advocates 

Course: HIST 54X-95 (2 Units)
Instructor: Mary Jo Ignoffo

This “eco-history” class examines the environmental movement at the turn of the twentieth century which resulted in California’s first state park opening in 1902. Big Basin Redwoods State Park and its old-growth giant sequoias could have fallen to the logger’s ax if not for the efforts of an unlikely group of allies who formed the Sempervirens Club. Those who will be discussed in detail are photographer and artist Andrew P. Hill, Santa Clara College president Robert Kenna, S. J., U.S. Senator James Phelan, journalist Carrie Stevens Walter, and Stanford University President David Starr Jordan.


Lectures: Wednesdays, April 22 & 29, 2009; 6:20 - 10:00 p.m. at CHC
Field Trips: Saturday, May 2 & Friday May 15, 2009 (TBA)

Yosemite: Crown Jewel of the Environmental Movement

Course: HIST-107X-95 (2 Units)
Instructor: Chatham Forbes

Yosemite Valley, evolved over eons by geological upheaval, running water, and glaciers, inspired a Progressive Era campaign for wilderness preservation. The great beauty of this Edenic region has motivated generations to protect it as a National Park. The struggle continues today in both the economic and political arenas.

Lectures: Thursdays, April 23 & May 7, 2009; 6:20 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at CHC
Field Trips: Saturday and Sunday, April 25 & 26, 2009 (TBA)

Eccentrics, Heroes and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley

HIST-107X-96 (2 Units)
Instructor: Betty Hirsch

The title of this class is taken from a recent book by historian Richard Schwartz. Berkeley's enduring reputation as a haven for eccentrics has contributed to the community's rich cultural heritage. The legacy of these eccentrics has become part of the foundation of one of the country's most vibrant intellectual communities. From the outset, Berkeley was a place where new ideas were tested. The class will meet a variety of characters such as the “Boss Baggage Buster of Beautiful Berkeley” and a hotdog maven with a sign that reads, "Eat here, Die at home." Come meet this community of visionaries and individualists.

Lectures: Thursday, April 30 & May 14, 2009; 6:20 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at CHC
Field Trips: Saturdays, May 9 & May 16, 2009 (TBA)

Bay Area Public Gardens

Course: HIST-53X-95 (2 Units)
Instructor: Betty Hirsch

The Bay Area is enhanced by a vast array of public gardens that are creations and outgrowths of the personalities of such historic figures as James Duval Phelan, William Bourn and John McLaren. The class will visit a variety of gardens and discuss how gardens serve as art form and are symbols of the Bay Area, display what is grown here, and reflect the cultures of different ethnic groups. In addition, students will address some contemporary concerns brought about by limited rainfall and water rationing and their corresponding impacts on environmental, political, and social issues

Lectures: Thursday, May 21, May 28, 2009, 6:20 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at CHC
Field Trips: Saturdays, May 30 & June 6, 2009 (TBA)

Ships and Sea Traders in California

Course: HIST-52X-96 (2 Units)

Instructor: Chatham Forbes

Furs, cowhides, tallow, and other commodities lured increasing sea traffic to California over the nineteenth century, and led foreign traders to settle in the seaports, thus diversifying the culture and enriching the economy. The Gold Rush and Silver Bonanza brought definitive transformation on a grander scale.
Lectures: Thursdays, June 4 & 11, 2009, 6:20 to 10:00 P.M. at CHC
Field trips: Saturdays, June 13 & 20, 2009 (TBA)

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