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 - Winter Quarter, 2010

The following courses will be offered Winter quarter 2010 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.

Grand Hotels of San Francisco

Course: HIST-053X-95 (2 Units)
Instructor: Betty Hirsch

San Francisco, "city at the end of the rainbow," early on became a city of hotels to house its dreamers, gamblers, and other visitors. Most cities are lucky if they can boast of one grand hotel-San Francisco has four: The Palace, Mark Hopkins, Fairmont, and St. Francis, plus others of more recent vintage. This course will discuss the dramatic history of the building and rebuilding of San Francisco's major hotels, the men whose fortunes helped to create them, some of their famous visitors and the role the hotels played in the panorama of San Francisco's history. Foremost among these men were William Ralston, James Fair, Charles Crocker, and Mark Hopkins. There will be tours of these and other hotels. 

Lectures: Thursdays, January 28 and February 11, 6:20 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at CHC
Field trips: Saturdays, January 30, February 20, TBA

The Arts in the Bay Area

Course: HIST-053X-96: (2 Units)
Instructor: Betty Hirsch

This course will look at the Bay Area arts scene from the Gold Rush on and include attendance at two live performances: "Beach Blanket Babylon," the hilarious topical play that's celebrating its 35th year, and San Jose's lyric Theater's production of "Kismet," the musical with its lovely score by Alexander Borodin. It takes its story from the tales of the Arabian Nights. Also included will be tours of Theaterworks scene shop and a look behind the scenes at the San Jose Repertory Theater. There will be a small cost for both plays.

Lectures: Thursdays, February 25 and March 11, 6:20 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at CHC
Field trips: Sundays, March 7 and March 21, TBA

Empire and Evangelism: The Story of the California Missions

HIST-053X-97 (2 Units)
Instructor: Chatham Forbes

Spain claimed California in the 16th century but left it unsettled for 250 years until Russian advances made it prudent for Spain to build a chain of missions and presidios along 600 miles of coast. Priests, soldiers, and civil officials profoundly changed the lives of many of California's first people and their land. 

Lectures: Thursdays, March 4 and 18, 6:20 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at CHC
Field trips: Saturdays, March 13 and 20, TBA

Saving Marin: Preservation and Politics

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

Although less than a mile across the Golden Gate from San Francisco, Marin County is significantly different from its metropolitan neighbor. Outstanding has been the successful environmental protectionism of Marin's private establishment, which has preserved one third of the county's wilderness lands.

Lectures: Thursdays, February 4 and 18, 6:20 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at CHC
Field trips: Saturdays, February 13 and 27, TBA

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