Instruction in the M.A. in Humanities program is provided by CSUN faculty members who are both accomplished scholars in their respective disciplines and highly regarded instructors.
Beatriz Cortez, Ph.D., is an associate professor of Central American Studies as well as the director and lead developer of CSUN’s Central American Studies Program – the world’s first and only bachelor’s degree program in this field. She earned her doctorate in Spanish with an emphasis in contemporary Latin American literature and culture from Arizona State University. Dr. Cortez teaches Norms and Knowledge (HUMA 640). James Craine, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of geography who specializes in the geography of media. He earned his
doctorate in the joint doctoral program with San Diego State University and the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Dr. Craine teaches Space, Place and Geography (HUMA 610). Ronald A. Davidson, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of geography with research interests in humanistic geography, public space and the California coast. He earned his doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Davidson teaches Family and Life Cycles (HUMA 530). Abel B. Franco, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of philosophy who specializes in the history of philosophy and science, with
a particular interest in the 17th century. He holds a doctorate in philosophy from the Universidad de Salamanca (Spain)
and another in history and philosophy of science from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Franco teaches Science and Magic (HUMA 620). Phyllis K. Herman, Ph.D., is an associate professor and chair of religious studies who specializes in the role of the “feminine sacred” in ideas of government in ancient and modern India. She earned her doctorate in the history of religions from the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Herman teaches The Sacred (HUMA 510). Edward L. Jackiewicz, Ph.D., is an associate professor of geography with research interests in “development” – both
economic and sociocultural – and a special affinity for Latin America. He earned his doctorate from Indiana University.
Dr. Jackiewicz teaches Nation and Empire, Law and Government (HUMA 630). Sharon Klein, Ph.D., is a professor of English who specializes in linguistics and the changing nature of
grammar. She holds a doctorate in linguistics from the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Klein teaches Directed Comprehensive Studies (HUMA 697). Sheena Malhotra, Ph.D., is an associate professor of gender and women’s studies who specializes in gender, cultural diversity and communication issues. She holds a doctorate in communication studies with an emphasis on intercultural and media issues from the University of New Mexico. Dr. Malhotra teaches Identity, Meaning and Culture (HUMA 600). Weimin Sun, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of philosophy who specializes in the philosophy of science and Chinese
philosophy. He earned his doctorate from the University of Connecticut. Dr. Sun teaches Self, Body and Mind (HUMA 520). Gregory Velazco y Trianosky, Ph.D., is a professor of philosophy whose research focuses on ethics, politics and race. He received his doctorate in philosophy from the University of Michigan. Dr. Trianosky teaches both the program’s introductory Overview of the Humanities (HUMA 501) and concluding Capstone: The Good Life (HUMA 650).
