HIST A140: The California Experience
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 12/11/2013 |
| Top Code | 220500 - History |
| Units | 3 Total Units |
| Hours | 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54) |
| Total Outside of Class Hours | 0 |
| Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
| Material Fee | No |
| Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
| Repeatable | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S),
|
| Associate Arts Local General Education (GE) |
|
| Associate Science Local General Education (GE) |
|
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) |
|
| Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) |
|
Course Description
This introductory course surveys the uniqueness of the California experience. It explains the state’s history with emphasis on the Indians, Spanish missions, Mexican ranchos, Gold Rush, transcontinental railroads, global population, colorful figures, 20th century contributions to atomic and space developments, and multinational corporations. Recommended for elementary education majors. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Compare and contrast the role played by different ethno-cultural groups in a major event or issue in California history.
- Evaluate the role of an individual in the development of California.
- Analyze the background and impact of a major event, issue, or problem in California history.
Course Objectives
- 1. Explain cause-effect relationships, personalities, and events that contribute to historical change and continuity.
- 2. Identify the important turning points which explain changes in the California experience.
- 3. Identify aspects of the past and the effects this heritage has had in laying a foundation for the present.
- 4. Identify the main characteristics of the epochs of Californias past.
- 5. Analyze the relevance of Californias ethno-cultural makeup to its development and that of the United States.
- 6. Identify and explain basic concepts, principles, and philosophies underlying the California experience.
- 7. Interpret the continuing role of extractive industries in the growth and development of California.
- 8. Analyze the rising importance of non-extractive economic activities to Californias development in the 20th century.
- 9. Explain the changes in political structures and systems and the impact of these changes on the California experience.
- 10. Identify the points of view of the instructor and textbook author(s) as expert interpretations of the California experience.
- 11. Develop a personal interpretation of the California experience.
- 12. Demonstrate the skills necessary to express an understanding of the California experience.
Lecture Content
California Geography Topography and Climate Flora and Fauna Geology Isolation from major global civilizations California Indians Demography Culture Physical and ethnic characteristics Spanish Era Arrival of Spain Earliest Explorations Beginning of Spanish Occupation Colonization of California Initial settlements Missions, presidios, pueblos Government during the Spanish Era Foreign Intervention California During the Mexican Era Ranchos and land grants Californias pastoral way of life Political Life under Mexican rule Secularizing the missions A quest for home rule Foreigners and California Russian, French, and British involvement Americans and the Hides and Tallow trade Overland migration from the United States to California Beginning of the American Period Mexican War and American conquest Gold Rush Era Discovery of gold The Gold Rush Statehood Frontier economy and culture Frontier politics Frontier society Frontier economy and culture California in the Late Nineteenth Century Pattern of economic growth Coming of the railroads Rise of agriculture Emergence of southern California Politics of economic growth Turmoil Issues Cultural Growth California as a Modern, Urban, and Industrial State Modern California government Progressive Era reforms Conservative consolidation Conservation as a critical polit ical issue California as an urban state Demography of urbanization An urban culture based on the importance of a "knowledge industry" Economic foundations Continued importance of agriculture and other extractive industries New industries importance: entertainment and aerospace California growth during the Great Depression and World War II Californias Rise to Global Prominence Factors in rise California as a center for high technology A diverse culture Location as part of Pacific Basin Continuing influence of basic issues Conservation issues related to air quality and water supplies Adjusting a political structure created in the early 20th century to a growing, dynamic society, culture, and economy
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
Instructional Techniques
1. Lecture and explanation of course topics and concepts. 2. Instructor verbal feedback to student questions in lecture and written feedback on chalkboard, to emphasize concepts. 3. In-class discussions involving student input and instructor feedback. 4. Student written work, including examinations and reports, and instructors written evaluations. 5. Objective evaluation of student achievement by means of exams and written reports. 6. Instructor-produced handouts, explaining basic topics and concepts.
Reading Assignments
.
Writing Assignments
Students will write brief reports, analyzing a current issue affecting California in an historical context. Students will interact with print/non-print media in identifying issues. Students will write a report answering this question: What is the proper image of a Californian. They will analyze concepts acquired in class, reading, and other relevant contexts. They will demonstrate skill in interpreting the California experience.
Out-of-class Assignments
.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Write analytical papers as described in "Written Assignments." Examinations as described in "instructional methodologies." Formal and informal feedback from students in classroom.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
1. Students will write brief reports, analyzing a current issue affecting California in an historical context. Students will interact with print/non-print media in identifying issues. 2. Students will write a report answering this question: What is the proper image of a Californian. a. They will analyze concepts acquired in class, reading, and other relevant contexts. b. They will demonstrate skill in interpreting theCaliforniaexperience.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Rice, Richard. The Elusive Eden: A New History of California, ed. Chicago: Mc-Graw Hill, 2001 Rationale: latest
Other Resources
1. Handout materials will be provided and distributed by the instructor.