De Anza College students can roam around San Jose’s Japantown, examine historical steam trains and view the pristine wilderness of Marin County in a whole new way, all while earning History units, by taking field studies courses offered this fall quarter through the California History Center.
“The CHC classes are distinct from traditional history department offerings because they are generated and administered by the center and more precisely because they involve ‘going there,'” said history instructor Mary Jo Ignoffo, “CHC classes make a difference for current De Anza College students, and can continue to do so in the years to come.”
CHC classes, in tandem with U.S. History courses, add perspective and context because they include field studies at historical sites. The units earned are also transferable in the CSU system.
Former student Jennifer Henderson recalls taking “Steinbeck Country,” a class taught by instructor Chatham Forbes: “Professor Forbes read excerpts from several of Steinbeck’s novels as well as giving an overview of Steinbeck’s life and how Salinas/Monterey shaped his perceptions. Based on Mr. Forbes’ readings, I was inspired to actually read a couple of Steinbeck’s books.”
“Attending CHC classes encourages the students to find their own places in California, and to participate in the myriad issues facing the state,” Ignoffo said. “From the environment, to historic preservation, to immigrant controversies, students are taught to draw the line from history to contemporary life. They find a place for themselves in today’s California.”
The classes meet once a week for no longer than a month. Most of the focus is on the field trips where students acquire insight on California’s history.
“From the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oakland Museum, and from Monterey’s presidio to the State Capitol in Sacramento, in most cases, the students have never been to these places,” Ignoffo said, “The CHC classes expose the students to a world they would not otherwise know. “