Course Introduction
This section of English 100 focuses on reading and writing about California. I have chosen this focus because in my experience, the many facets of California's culture and politics generate rich and interesting reading, research, and writing.
I am sure each of us could think of many reasons for why California makes such an interesting topic, but here are my top ten (imagine drum roll):
10. Migrations have shaped the state and its history.
9. Approximately one out of every ten Americans lives here.
8. The state has the most culturally diverse population in the country.
7. We have twice elected actors governor.
6. Many people consider California the fulfillment of the American Dream, the Golden State, a “gold mountain,” or a type of “Promised Land."
5. Famous people make movies in a place called “Hollywood.”
4. Almost everything happens here first.
3. California has the most extraordinary (and controversial) post secondary educational system in the country.
2. California has an economy larger than most nations.
1. You live here!
And I did not even mention cars, beaches, gangs, national parks, drugs, the Central Valley (agricultural center of U.S.), San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Ballot Propositions, or Disneyland.