May 09, 2026  
2026-2027 Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Catalog

History Department


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As a discipline that documents and interprets continuity and change through time, California State University Channel Islands’ History Program prepares students to search into the human experience, as well as to communicate and analyze historical interpretations and ideas, verbally and in the written form. An emphasis of the program is to examine events from local and global perspectives. In this regard, a defining aspect of the History Program consists of a cutting-edge series of courses that emphasize the United States’ relationship with the Pacific Rim, encompassing the Americas, the Pacific Islands, and Asia.

In support of the University’s commitment to an interdisciplinary education, the History Program affords students the opportunity to integrate into their plan of study cross-listed history courses as well as subjects outside the discipline to be utilized as part of their electives. Furthermore, the History Program promotes community based applied research by placing student interns within public, private, and non-profit institutions as part of its degree requirement. Promoting the multicultural and international emphases of the University’s mission, the History Program encourages students to participate in Study Abroad and to pursue second language ability at least at the intermediate level.

Careers

The History program trains students in the art of inquiry and effective communication. Students with a History degree will be prepared to continue their graduate and post-baccalaureate education. Many history students also find careers in law, education, journalism, or foreign service.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the History program will be able to:

  • Show good understanding and knowledge of the history of North America;

  • Show good understanding and knowledge of global history in other regions of the world;

  • Demonstrate good knowledge and problem-solving skills in analyzing contemporary and historical events;

  • Demonstrate good communication skills in oral and written forms; and

  • Command good skills in historical research, analysis, and presentations.
     

Contact Information: 

Julia Ornelas-Higdon, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of History & Department Chair
Madera Hall 1633
(805) 437-2051
julia.ornelas-higdon@csuci.edu 

Amanda Sanchez
Academic Program Analyst
Madera Hall 1721
805-437-3517
amanda.sanchez@csuci.edu

https://history.csuci.edu/ 

Faculty

Frank Barajas, Ph.D.
Madera Hall 2366
(805) 437-8862
frank.barajas@csuci.edu


Rainer Buschmann, Ph.D.
Professor of History
Madera Hall 2407
(805) 437-8995
rainer.buschmann@csuci.edu


Marie Francois, Ph.D.
Professor of History
Madera Hall 1725
(805) 437-3123
marie.francois@csuci.edu


Hanni Jalil, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of History
Madera Hall 2408
(805) 437-1678
hanni.jalil@csuci.edu


James Meriwether, Ph.D.
Professor of History
Madera Hall 2627
(805) 437-3313
james.meriwether@csuci.edu


Lance Nolde, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of History
Academic Advisor for Asia-Pacific Studies Minor
Madera Hall 2707
(805) 437-2637
lance.nolde@csuci.edu


Julia Ornelas-Higdon, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of History and Chair of History
Madera Hall 1633
(805) 437-2051
julia.ornelas-higdon@csuci.edu 


Jacqueline Reynoso, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of History
Academic Advisor for History
Madera Hall 2606
(805) 437-1660
jacqueline.reynoso@csuci.edu

 

Programs

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