Minor
About Foundations of Change and Discovery (Minor Only) at CSUSB
The Foundations of Change & Discovery GE minor at Cal State San Bernardino invites students to explore how ideas, innovations, and discoveries have shaped—and continue to shape—the world we live in.
Through interdisciplinary coursework, students examine how perspectives across science, humanities, arts, and social sciences contribute to meaningful change.
This minor encourages learners to ask big questions: What drives innovation? How do new ideas transform cultures and societies? How do discoveries affect everyday life?
By engaging with diverse disciplinary perspectives, students gain insight into both historical and contemporary contexts of discovery and change. The minor complements any major by fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to connect concepts across fields.
Careers in Foundations of Change and Discovery (Minor Only)
The Foundations of Change & Discovery minor helps students develop analytical reasoning, creative problem-solving, and interdisciplinary thinking—skills that are highly valued across many industries and professions.
Understanding how ideas evolve and impact society prepares students for careers that require innovation, critical analysis, and adaptive thinking.
Potential career pathways include:
- Innovation and strategic roles in business, technology, or nonprofit settings
- Research support and analysis in scientific, cultural, or academic environments
- Policy planning and evaluation in government or think tanks
- Communication, storytelling, and media development
- Project and program coordination focused on community engagement or social impact
- Education, teaching, and curriculum design that emphasize change and critical inquiry
- Cultural and social research roles within museums, analytics organizations, or media archives
This minor also reinforces preparation for graduate study in fields such as history, sociology, cultural studies, science and technology studies, philosophy, or interdisciplinary programs.
Sample Courses
History of Science and Technology
Emphasis on the people, significant scientific discoveries, and technologies that have influenced societal development from early humans to the present day.
Arts and Ideas in A Changing Global World
An interdisciplinary exploration of the interaction between fundamental ideas (truth, goodness, beauty, freedom, equality, justice) and the arts in a changing global world, as seen from philosophical, cultural and historical perspectives.
Roots and Results of Democracy
Big Ideas that Change the World: Exploring Ideas, Innovations, Discoveries pathway.
Meet Professor Kevin Grisham, Ph.D.
Opportunities for Students
The Foundations of Change & Discovery GE minor offers students a rich selection of academic and integrative learning experiences:
- Interdisciplinary coursework that spans institutional and global innovation across disciplines—such as science, humanities, arts, and social sciences
- Exposure to foundational questions and innovations that have shaped cultures, technologies, and systems of knowledge
- Engagement with courses that examine scientific revolutions, cultural transformations, and philosophical shifts
- Opportunities for writing-intensive research and analysis projects, deepening critical thinking and communication skills
- Faculty mentorship supporting interdisciplinary connections and intellectual exploration
- Collaborative learning with peers across majors in arts, sciences, humanities, and social sciences
- Experiences that sharpen both analytical and reflective thinking, useful for academic, professional, and personal growth
These opportunities help students build a broad intellectual foundation and make meaningful connections between past discoveries and future innovations.
Similar to Foundations of Change and Discovery (Minor Only)
With more than 50 undergraduate degress at CSUSB, we offer a variety of programs that reflect the Coyotes' passion for learning. Check out where your curiosity will take you at CSUSB.