University of California, Irvine. Program in Comparative Culture

The Program in Comparative Culture at the University of California, Irvine, began within the honors program in American Studies in 1968. By the 1969-1970 academic year, Comparative Culture was an independent program designed to study specific cultures cross-culturally and draw upon multiple disciplines. Its aim was to "shed light on the forces and processes which have shaped the culture of America" by comparing systematically the dominant and minority cultures of the United States and Third World. The major was intended to prepare students to be intelligent participants in social, political and social life through, for example, careers in law, education, community organization, mental health, or public affairs. Each student could design his or her own program. In 1969 students could study African, American, Asian, Black, and Chicano cultures, or with other areas by special arrangement. By 1979 the study of women and Native Americans was also recognized. In 1978 the program was merged with the School of Social Sciences. As of September 1995, the program was not open to new students.

Historical Background

The Program in Comparative Culture at the University of California, Irvine, began within the honors program in American Studies in 1968. By the 1969-1970 academic year, Comparative Culture was an independent program designed to study specific cultures cross-culturally and draw upon multiple disciplines. Its aim was to "shed light on the forces and processes which have shaped the culture of America" by comparing systematically the dominant and minority cultures of the United States and Third World. The major was intended to prepare students to be intelligent participants in social, political and social life through, for example, careers in law, education, community organization, mental health, or public affairs. Each student could design his or her own program. In 1969 students could study African, American, Asian, Black, and Chicano cultures, or with other areas by special arrangement. By 1979 the study of women and Native Americans was also recognized. In 1978 the program was merged with the School of Social Sciences. As of September 1995, the program was not open to new students.