Why California History Matters

Dr. Melissa Michelson, Dean of Arts and Sciences, is the new lead author of the acclaimed textbook GoverningCaliforniaintheTwenty-FirstCentury (with co-authors Nadine Koch and Jolly Emrey).

Published by W. W. Norton, this comprehensive text introduces students to the major institutions and processes of California state politics and teaches them to think critically about how these processes affect their lives. Using contemporary examples and updated data on hot topics―such as the 2022 midterm election results, the impact of the recall vote for Governor Gavin Newsom, and the continuing challenges posed by the pandemic and wildfires―GoverningCalifornia shows students why we all need to know the past.