CSUN's College Of Humanities

College of HumanitiesLINGUISTICSIn this interdisciplinary department, students study language in all aspects. Its courses emphasizelinguistic theory, semantics, nonverbal communication, phonetics and phonology. In class,students examine how language is used in politics, media and everyday life. They also explorehow humans develop and acquire languages.The department’s TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) program prepares students to teachEnglish to speakers of other languages. Linguistics/TESL offers a major in Linguistics and minors inLinguistics and TESL at the undergraduate level. The department also offers an M.A. in Linguistics, anM.A. in TESL and a TESL Certificate.For her project, Linguistic Resistance: “SpanishIn addition to their core offerings, the department also provides writing classes for internationalLanguage Use and its Impact on Two Southwesternstudents. In these courses, students can refine their English-language skills and develop strongCommunities”, professor Ana Sanchez-Munoz wasacademic abilities.chosen as the college’s 2018–2019 Research Fellow.7ELEGCOLTIESANIUMHOF

College of HumanitiesMODERN AND CLASSICALLANGUAGES AND LITERATURESThe Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures offers a wide range ofcourses and seminars that prepare students to better understand the cultures that coexist inLos Angeles and beyond.In the department, students can study Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Armenian,Arabic and Hebrew. Studying these languages provides, among many things, a broad understandingof diverse peoples and cultures, which is necessary for success in numerous professions.The department prepares students for careers in both the local and international arenas, particularlyin contexts that require advanced knowledge of foreign languages and cultures. The departmentalso offers scholarships to help students succeed in their courses and to support studyabroad opportunities.The College of Humanities received funding from theNational Security Agency and National ForeignLanguage Center to support a successful six-week,residential STARTALK Russian Language and CulturalImmersion Program for students.Along with classroom instruction, students can take advantage of the Barbara Ann Ward LanguageCenter. This language learning resource center is used by students, faculty and staff for languagelearning. The lab offers audio, video, electronic and text resources. It includes a common area, aSatellite Viewing Room, a Drop-In Computer Lab and Instructional Computer Lab.8

College of HumanitiesPHILOSOPHYIn CSUN’s Department of Philosophy, students explore a variety of topics, such as existence, morality,reason, knowledge and religion. Its small class sizes allow instructors to teach philosophy as it is taughtat the most selective colleges and universities in the United States.The department offers a major and a minor. The major provides a well-rounded background in thetraditional areas of western philosophy. It’s an excellent choice for students planning to do post-graduatework in philosophy, law or related fields, as well as for those who wish to double-major or to combine thestudy of philosophy with their other interests.The department’s courses range from Ancient Philosophy and Sexual Ethics to Phenomenology andCollege Factual includes CSUN in its “2018 BestChinese Philosophy. In addition, the Departments of Biology and Philosophy jointly teach certain courses,Philosophy Schools in California” list. And Niche.comwhich examine the intersections of the two disciplines.includes CSUN in its “2018 Best Colleges forPhilosophy in California” list.Since 2010, the department has hosted an annual student philosophy conference, giving studentsthe opportunity to present academic papers in a professional setting. Additionally, its student-runorganization, the Student Philosophy Society, invites students and faculty to discuss a wide range ofissues in a fun and relaxed setting.9ELEGCOLTIESANIUMHOF

College of HumanitiesRELIGIOUS STUDIESIn the Department of Religious Studies, students examine world religions as well as their impact onpeople, cultures and history. The department offers a major, double major and minor, along with coursesin comparative religions, Asian religions, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, ethics, literature, art, film, criticalthinking, history, and theory and method.The department provides advanced knowledge of diverse cultures and uses analytical models from both thehumanities and social sciences. This approach instills imagination and problem-solving skills as well as akeen understanding of human diversity.In class, students study how belief systems develop and evolve. They also use a variety of analytical models– political, social, historical and cultural – to critically evaluate religious texts and materials. In addition toexpertise in diverse cultures, the department provides students with critical thinking and writing skillssought by employers across a wide range of careers.Classes are scheduled for late afternoon and evenings to allow for completion of the major for workingProfessor James D. Findlay received his Third PolishedApple Award for Teaching in 2017, a recognition by theCSUN University Ambassadors for exemplary teaching,mentorship and positive impact on students’ lives.students and are offered during Fall, Spring and Summer.The department also hosts a variety of distinguished visiting speakers.10

College of HumanitiesPROGRAMSAmerican Indian StudiesLiberal StudiesThe interdisciplinary minor in American IndianThe Liberal Studies program is designed to provideStudies offers courses in contemporary anda broad undergraduate liberal arts education with ahistorical cultures of First Nations. Topics that arebalance among the language arts, natural sciences,examined include American Indian contemporarymathematics, visual and performing arts,social issues, American Indian law and policy,humanities and social sciences. Several courses inliterature, music, art, and spirituality. The programthe curriculum explore important social andis designed to enhance the understanding andcultural traditions, as well as innovations andappreciation of American Indian cultures and thechallenges; others focus on quantitative literacyunique sovereign status of First People Nations.and the process of scientific exploration.American Indian Studies also hosts CSUN’s annualThe program emphasizes the importance of makingpowwow, featuring dance, music, food, educationconnections between and integrating knowledgeand participation by Native American tribes fromfrom various fields of study to define problemsacross the nation.and design solutions.Jewish Studies InterdisciplinaryThe Jewish Studies Interdisciplinary programMiddle Eastern and IslamicStudiesteaches academic perspectives on Jewish historyThe Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies (MEIS)and on the diversity of Jewish experience. Itsprogram offers courses in the languages, histories,courses include scholarly, experiential, andreligions, cultures, sociology and politics of Middlepractical learning. Using the methodology ofEastern peoples. It seeks to enhance students’different academic disciplines, it examines theunderstanding of Islamic cultures and theexperience of Jews in the many lands in which theyMuslim communities both internationally andhave lived over the past four thousand years, as wellwithin the United States.as contemporary Jewish life in Israel, Europe, Asia,11COLANUMFHEOLEGSITIEand the Americas.MEIS provides an academic home for the study ofThe program hosts film screenings and offershave shaped our current understandings of andopportunities for study-abroad experience. Itrelationships with the Middle East and Islamicalso connects students to organizations in thesocieties. MEIS sponsors courses and organizesLos Angeles Jewish community.conferences, as well as film and lecture series.intellectual, cultural and material conditions that

College of HumanitiesQueer StudiesCivic & Community EngagementQueer Studies is an interdisciplinary minor thatThe Civic and Community Engagement Minor isquestions normative constructions of sexuality anddesigned for students who wish to use what theygender. The program explores how heterosexism,learn make positive changes in their communitiesheteronormativity and transphobia intersect andand around the world. The minor provides skills forcollide with national, ethnic, racial, class and otherstudents to successfully integrate their academicidentifications, fostering a community of learnersand professional interests with their desire towho grapple with issues of diversity, gender,create healthy, humane, successful and sustainablesexuality and social justice.communities. Students will combine their courseIts courses focus on histories, contemporaryexperiences, and community-based knowledgesof lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgenderwork and collaborations with community partnersto become informed and active members andleaders in society.people, intersexed people, queers, and othersThose who complete the minor will have at leastwho occupy non-heterosexist and non-normativetwo significant experiences with communitygender positionalities.service, fieldwork, or internships with non-profitor government organizations.12

College of HumanitiesCareer Options for Degrees in HumanitiesThe College of Humanities comprises wide-ranging academic disciplines that examine the humancondition from expressive, cultural and theoretical perspectives. Humanities students master the artsof thinking critically, analyzing information and accommodating diverse ideas to understand and interpretour increasingly complex world. Degrees in the humanities disciplines deliver a well-rounded educationalong with life skills that are always in demand, preparing students to pursue an endless variety ofvocational goals and careers.Studies in the humanities prepare students to graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to succeedin a rapidly changing, highly diverse and internationally competitive world. Our students find careeropportunities in wide-ranging fields, including the legal and medical professions, nonprofit organizations,interpreting and translating services, journalism, advertising, creative and technical writing, humanresources, banking, teaching and countless others.“Whether you major in Gender & Women’s Studies, ReligiousStudies or Asian American Studies; prepare for a career inelementary education; or study in any of our other fields,what holds all our programs together is our commitment toexploring and valuing the diversities of cultures, thought,perspectives, literatures and languages of humanity.”– Elizabeth A. Say, Ph.D., former dean, College of Humanities13ELEGCOLTIESANIUMHOF

College of HumanitiesCareer Options Advertising Novelist/poet Business manager/executive Police officer College/university staff/administrator Postsecondary instructor Counselor Primary/secondary teacher/administrator Entertainer Public sector employee/administrator Hospitality industry manager Retail manager Human resources/personnel manager Sales representative Interpreter/translator Social services worker Journalist Software developer Lawyer/judge Travel specialist Librarian Writer/editor Marketing/public relations specialist Minister/priest/rabbi Nonprofit program manager/administrator www.csun.edu/humanities/career-options14

College of HumanitiesMORETHAN ANEDUCATIONThe College of Humanities houses a number ofcenters and institutes that provide resourcesfor students as well as the greater Los Angelescommunity. These centers support the hardwork and commitment of the college’s faculty,stakeholders and administrators.15ELEGCOLTIESANIUMHOFCenters and Institutes Center for the Study of the Peoples of the Americas Central American Research and Policy Institute China Institute Institute for Gender Globalization and Democracy The Center for the Digital Humanities Women’s Research and Resource CenterThe Humanities Research Lab provides space for students and faculty to collaborate onresearch that contributes to scholarship in the Humanities.

College of HumanitiesStudent InvolvementWith more than 300 student clubs and organizations, as well as popular seasonal activities, such asThe Big Show and Mata Nights, it’s easy to see how CSUN students remain so busy. The following offera glimpse of the university’s many clubs and organizations:Clubs and Organizations African American MusicAssociation Central American UnitedStudent Association (CAUSA) Korean American StudentAssociation (KASA) African Students Organization Chicano House Alpha Pi Sigma (Latina sorority) Alpha Psi Rho FraternityChinese Students and ScholarsAssociationLa Raza Alumni Association(LRAA) Latino Business AssociationAmerican Indian StudentAssociation (AISA) CSUN LGBTQ Alliance Lebanese Student Association CSUN Students for Israel Nikkei Student Union (NSU) Armenian Student Association Asian Pacific American LegalCenter of Southern CaliforniaCulturally Innovative TalentedYouth (C.I.T.Y.)Northridge IndonesianStudent Association (N.I.S.A.) Deaf CSUNians Pride Center Delta Lambda Chi Sorority Positive Space Program Dreams to be Heard (Dreams)EL Movimiento EstudiantilChicano de Aztlán (M.E.Ch.A.) Asian Pacific Policy andPlanning Council Asian Pacific Student Union Association of LatinoProfessionals for America(ALPFA) Filipino-American StudentAssocation (FASA) Ghamma Rho Lambda Glenn Omatsu House Hebesha Student Union Hermanas Unidas de CSUN Hillel 818 Iranian Student Association Japanese American CitizensLeague Japanese Student Association Aztlán Graduation andScholarship CommitteeBallet FolklÓrico Aztlán deCSUN Black Leadership Council Black Male InitiativeOrganization Center for the Study of thePeoples of the Americas (CESPA)– The Ally Project Russian Culture Club Saudi Students Association South Asian Club (SAC) Student Upstander The F-Word The Queer Collective T-Time Vietnamese StudentAssociation (VSA)16

College of HumanitiesLA UPCLOSEThere’s a reason the world flocks to Los Angeles— and it’s not just the year-round sunshine.One look at the city is enough to convinceanyone that a life spent here is more aptlycalled an investment. That’s because what’savailable already — a booming tech sector, athriving business community and a legendaryentertainment industry — is only half the story.The rest is in a future still being written by theprominent institutions that call the city home.Of the nearly 700 tech firms in Los Angeles, 86 percentare located in Santa Monica’s “Silicon Beach.” Thisinnovation district of tech companies, start-ups andventure capital firms features the headquarters ofSnapchat, Hulu, and TrueCar, as well as the officesof other industry giants, such as Google, Youtube,and Facebook.Los Angeles Museums Los Angeles CountyMuseum of Art (LACMA) Getty Center Huntington Library, ArtCollection & BotanicalGardens Natural History Museum The Broad Griffith Observatory California Science Center Hammer Museum Japanese AmericanNational Museum Museum of Tolerance17ELEGCOLTIESANIUMHOFOn Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard, from its new92,000-square-foot, five-story headquarters, videostreaming giant Netflix broadcasts its exclusivedigital content.In the Hollywood Hills, removed from the busy city below,is the iconic Griffith Observatory. Inside, stars, planetsand other celestial bodies project upon the planetarium’saluminum dome, and outside, from the terrace, is anexquisite view of Los Angeles.South of downtown, in Inglewood, the city is building anew home for the Los Angeles Rams. This 80,000-seatstadium, dubbed “NFL Disneyworld” for its massive size,will include a 6,000-seat performance venue, more than1.5 million square feet of retail and office space, 2,500homes, a 300-room hotel and 25 acres of parks.

College of HumanitiesJust few miles from the Los Angeles International Airport(LAX), Elon Musk and his fleet of Mars-minded engineersare busy at work in SpaceX’s Hawthorne headquarters.There, among many other projects, the private aeronauticscompany designs and manufactures re-usable rockettechnology in a bid to revolutionize space travel.And, of course, at CSUN’s stunning performing arts center,The Soraya, visitors can attend world-class productions oflive theatre, music and dance. The Los Angeles Timesrecently cited the 125 million, 1,700-seat theatre as“a growing hub for live music, dance, drama and othercultural events.”At the city’s southern tip, the Natural History Museumshowcases its more than 35 million specimens and artifacts.From prehistoric man to mummies and dinosaurs, itsimpressive collection attracts a global audience.These institutions, among many others, are within closereach of CSUN’s Transit Center. On the city’s fleet ofclean-air buses or via the vast subway system, visitorsand students have easy public access to the region’smany cultural assets.On downtown’s Grand Avenue, in its dazzling 140 millionbuilding, the Broad Museum houses the world’s largestcollection of postwar and contemporary art. More than2,000 pieces, collected from artists worldwide, fill thebuilding’s three-story gallery space.18

College of HumanitiesA DEGREEIN GLOBALCAPITALThe Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area ranks secondin the 10 largest metro areas by GDP in the United States,with more than 1 trillion in GDP in 2017, according tofederal government figures. Los Angeles County alone hasmore than 244,000 businesses, and more minority andwomen-owned businesses than anywhere else in the nation.It’s no wonder the tech industry is positioning itself soaggressively in the region. Getting in now means takingadvantage of resources only bound to grow.With the fifth-largest economy in the world,California more than lives up to its ‘GoldenAnd even better, being a CSUN student means being a partState’ promise. And L.A. plays no small part inof it – all of it. From the big name places, like Hollywoodthat. Behind the city’s glistening, rosy exteriorare some of the planet’s highest per capitaearners – both personally and commercially.and Santa Monica, to the big name people, like Elon Musk.California is a leader in The Arts Sustainability Entertainment Business Technology19ELEGCOLTIESANIUMHOFIt’s all just part of the territory. There is no place better toget a degree than in an environment built on big cityexcitement and possibility.

College of HumanitiesThe College of Humanities featuresspeakers and events relevant to thecommunity, including “Jews and MuslimsUnited: The Salaam-Shalom Initiative”;“Poetry Workshop” with author ManuelTzoc Bucup, exploring the intersectionof race/ethnicity, gender and sexuality;“Femme Defense” with Locatora Radio,a workshop about the history ofself-defense of women; Wind in MyHair: My Fight for Freedom in ModernIran by author Masih Alinejad; andMexico Beyond 1968: Revolutionaries,Radicals and Repression Duringthe Global Sixties andS

feminisms, urban space and more. Students are also required to take classes on feminist theory and methods. As part of their capstone course, students organize. CSUN's annual Gender and Women's Student Conference. where they present their research to the CSUN community. The conference features local and international speakers. 6. College of .