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 Winter quarter 2013 through the California History Center. Please see the History Department class listings section of the Schedule of Classes.
- A Brief History of Silicon Valley
- Living Legends: Restored Palaces of the Silver Screen
- John Steinbeck's California: His Role and Influence
To sign up for a class, apply for admission and register online. For more information or questions, call the center at 408.864.8712
A Brief History of Silicon Valley
Course: HIST-107X-95, 2 Units
Instructor: Mary Jo Ignoffo
This class will examine the antecedents of what today is known the world over as "Silicon Valley." Why did the field of technology blossom here, in what had been known as the "Valley of Heart's Delight?" How did the emergence of Silicon Valley alter the social, political and economics of Santa Clara County? We will also explore the genealogy of technology companies, with their numerous spinoffs in the fields of aerospace, defense industries, personal computers, consumer electronics, the internet, and social networking. We will visit museums that display the history of components and documents relating to the rise of Silicon Valley.
Lectures: Mondays, Jan. 28 and Feb. 11, 4:00 to 7:45 p.m., CHC
Field Studies: Saturday, Feb. 2 and Friday, Feb. 8
Contact: ignoffomaryjo@deanza.edu
Living Legends: Restored Palaces of the Silver Screen
Course: HIST-053X-95, 2 units
Instructor: Chatham Forbes
Movie theatres came to full glory in the 1920's and Depression Era Thirties. They captured the hearts of Americans everywhere, hence the prevalence of grand examples of old theatres restored and still operating in many communities, including the Bay Area.
Lectures: Thursdays, Jan. 24 and Feb. 7, 6:30 to 10:00 p.m., CHC
Field Studies: Saturday, Jan. 26 and Feb. 9
Contact: chforbessr@msn.com
John Steinbeck's California: His Role and Influence
Course: HIST-052X-95, 2 units
Instructor: Chatham Forbes
Extreme social and economic disparities in the farm communities of California inspired the deep sympathies of John Steinbeck, who observed them at first hand in his native Salinas. He won both the Pulitzer and Nobel Prizes for literature for his powerful calls to remedy injustices among the under-represented agricultural poor.
Lectures: Thursdays, Feb. 28 and March 7, 6:30 to 10:00 p.m, CHC
Field Studies: Saturdays, March 2 and 16
Contact: chforbessr@msn.com