The collection comprises the records of UCI's Program in Comparative Culture, which fostered a multi-disciplinary curriculum. The records document its programs, courses, faculty, and students.

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.

5.4 Linear Feet (13 boxes and 2 oversized folders)

Property rights and copyright reside with the University of California. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the University Archivist.

Boxes 1-7 of the collection are open for research. Boxes 8-13 are restricted for 75 years from the date of the latest record in each box due to the presence of student and personnel records.