Silicon Valley Studies Initiative

What does it mean to be human in our ever-evolving but now more technologically-driven world?

Launched in 2024, the Silicon Valley Studies Initiative seeks to bring a critical perspective to the history and development of Silicon Valley, both as an idea and a place. With the History Department leading the charge, this interdisciplinary Initiative will bring Jesuit humanist and social justice values into a University-wide conversation about the nature and history of this region: what does it mean to be human in our ever-evolving but now more technologically-driven world? It will also explore how the humanities are essential to approaching the development of technology, including artificial intelligence, in an ethical, responsible, and just manner.

We envision that the Initiative will highlight the impact and development of the region’s technology-based industries but also amplify the contributions of the diverse population of people indigenous to our region as well as migrants and immigrants who have made Silicon Valley their home over the past 250 years. The program invites our campus community, visiting scholars, and local experts to have enlightening, challenging, and new conversations that will drive our research of the region.

To understand Silicon Valley is a crucial part of understanding our modern condition. With our location at the heart of Silicon Valley, our Mission history, and our commitment to social justice, Santa Clara University is uniquely situated to lead this charge.