What is the (S)tate of California? Are we extraordinarily innovative, or especially imitative? Are we truly unique, or a mere reflection of the nation as a whole? Part of the West, or an extension of the East? What part of our State's identity is myth, and what part reality? We will chase down ideas about our "elusive Eden" by following shifting land and resource use, various cultural influences, and governing polities from the time of indigenous populations to the present. How have environmental, economic, social, and political forces molded California, and which of these do you consider most significant?

We will be digging into California's history from the beginnings through the Bear Flag Revolt in the first part of class, then from the Gold Rush through the twentieth century in the second part of class. Perspectives of race, ethnicity, gender, and class help us to understand California's rich and layered cultures, along with shifts in power over time. Building on the topical and chronological overview provided by Sucheng Chan and Spencer Olin in Major Problems in California History, five additional books reveal the depth and nature of relationships in an ever-changing cultural landscape-full of conflict and cooperation. We can see early California through the Testimonios of women from 1815 to 1848; the violent taking of Indian land in the story of Round Valley from 1856 to 1863 (Killing for Land); the development of an industrialized American agriculture in Orange Empire and its impact on labor into the Great Depression thirties; youth revolt and baby boom era transformations in Tales of the City; and finally, transformations of gender and class brought by Silicon Valley and the computer age (Silicon Valley, Women, and the California Dream).

The past is all around us, and it is also my hope that you will be able to observe present traces of California's history. I encourage you, as you are able, to take hikes, visit local museums, and talk to people around you. Share with us your discoveries, along with any interesting books or film/ video forms you may find. Any hike at a local, state, or national park will provide a glimpse into Indian California, and a trip to Pasadena will give you the feel for turn-of-the century California (they even have mounted police). For twentieth century California you might visit Angeles Temple or the Japanese American Museum, only two examples of many from a state in which tourism is a major industry. (And all of these are local examples)