Welcome to Arts and Sciences at California State University Channel Islands (CI). As the newest California State University, CI administrators, faculty, and staff are dedicated to student success. The interdisciplinary nature of our programs is unique as we prepare students to make significant contributions in the 21st century and to the forces of globalization.
Exciting Developments in the A&S Academic Offerings
Africana Studies Minor
In Fall 2020, CSUCI committed to a historic open tank Anti-Racism cluster hire to find faculty candidates who have a pro-active commitment to pedagogy that address systemic racism, anti-racism, or the experiences of Black communities in the USA to develop a cutting-edge Africana Studies Minor. To move the work forward, a taskforce reviewed possible models for the cluster hire, developed a plan, and formed a Disciplinary Search Committee (DSC). In Fall 2021, Arts and Sciences offered the first course in the Africana Studies Minor, "Introduction to Africana Studies" (AFS 2020). To further support the ability of this course to serve as a gateway to the minor and to develop a student base for the minor, AFS 2020 was linked with the Bedford and Dr. Irene Pinkard Living Learning Community to support enrollment by exposing first-year students to the minor's culturally-sustaining curriculum. If you would like to learn more about the Africana Studies Minor and its future offerings, please visit the Africana Studies website. Thank you to our amazing faculty and staff who have put in the hard work and dedication to the implementation of this incredibly important area of study.
Dance Studies
The BA in Dance Studies was elevated to a degree from an emphasis under Performing Arts in Spring 2022. The innovative and unprecedented approach to dance will provide Channel Islands with greater visibility and lead the field of Dance Studies as an exemplary and 21st century approach to dance curriculum. The degree highlights the value of studying dance as the embodied transmission of culture that builds transferable skills through the study and practice of the art form. The Dance Studies Major prepares students to find their own creative identities by harnessing their knowledge of bodies, cultures, and global awareness, to work in the interconnected spheres of Hollywood, Broadway, concert dance, digital platforms, education, community organizing, arts activism, dance making, somatic practice, dance therapy, social work, arts administration, and to embrace the joy of dancing.
ESRM Environmental Technologies Certificate
The Environmental Science and Resource Management (ESRM) Department launched an Environmental Technologies Certificate in 2021. This certificate combines core coursework in general conservation concepts with specialized training in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Data Visualization, Remotely Piloted Systems (aerial Drones and underwater ROVs), and/or Remote Sensing to strongly prepare students to effectively deploy and harness state-of-the-art technologies to understand our environment, effectively articulate our current conditions, and better support effective management. In ESRM we frequently refer to these skill sets as “Conservation Mechatronics” and “Data Viz.” If you would like to learn more about the ESRM Environmental Technologies Certificate, contact Dr. Sean Anderson, program advisor for more information.
This past year has seen growing numbers of students inquire about and formally declare an intent to complete an Environmental Technologies Certificate. In particular, this certificate has been popular amongst students with an interest in using drones in their careers post-graduation. Many of the students embracing this certificate have a general interest in such technologies but don’t come from a “traditional hi-tech” background. Rather, they increasingly see these technologies as a means to an end to aid in natural resource understanding and management. Drawing from traditionally underrepresented groups, this certificate is yet another tool to help diversify and broaden our environmental professional community.
From the Deans Office
Racial Justice - CI's Commitment to Action (PDF, 169K)
Women of Color Faculty Statement Against Racism (PDF, 80K)
A&S Programs Speak Out for Racial Justice:
- Chemistry
- Chicana/o Studies
- English
- ESRM
- Global Studies & Political Science
- Psychology
- Health Science
- History
- Sociology
#stopaapihate - Statement of Solidarity (Chicano/a Studies Program) (PDF, 160K)
APIDA Solidarity and Support Statement (Political Sciences & Global Studies Program) (PDF, 100K)
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