Southern California Coast Stories

During this class, we will explore the historical, political, biological and geological dynamics that have shaped the coast of Southern California. Committed to a site specific model, this pedagogical approach will focus on indigenous approaches and historical accounts, California/ U.S. land use of the coastline, and artists who integrate landscape, history and the environment in their practices. Every other week we will visit a unique site located directly on the coast. These visits will include the Wishtoyo Chumash community in Malibu, the State Park situated between Camp Pendelton and the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in Orange County and the intertidal zone and Los Angeles Port of San Pedro. This class will involve substantial readings, involved discussions, and moderate hiking (swimming is optional). Artists and writers we will look at are: Porfirio Gutierrez, Miguel Leon-Portilla, Thomas C. Blackburn, Agnes Denes, M. Kat Anderson, Mike Davis, Damon B. Akins and William J. Bauer Jr. among others.