Fall 2009 General Interest Courses

These courses are of special interest and must satisfy the following criteria:

• Relevant to broad areas of current interest
• New, innovative or experimental
• Interdisciplinary
• Open to non-majors and without specific prerequisites, unless the prerequisite course is taken by many students

American Studies

C112A American Cultural Landscapes, 1600 to 1900 (4)

Introduces ways of seeing and interpreting American histories and cultures, as revealed in everyday built surroundings - homes, highways, farms, factories, stores, recreation areas, small towns, city districts, and regions. Encourages students to read landscapes as records of past and present social relations, and to speculate for themselves about cultural meaning. Cross-listed with Geography C160A section 1 and Environmental Design C169A section 1.

Astronomy

C10 Introduction to General Astronomy (4)

This course is designed to provide, for both non-science and science majors, a description of the fantastic universe in which we live. Recent newsworthy events such as the detection of planets around other stars, the possible evidence of primitive life on Mars, and the discovery of gravitationally repulsive "dark energy" are some of what is featured. This course will inspire students to become more inquisitive about the world around them, and will develop their skills in arriving at conclusions based on logical, physical reasoning. Fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in Physical Science. Cross-listed with Letters and Science C70U section 1.

Celtic Studies

70 The World of the Celts (4)

An overview of the history of Celtic-speaking peoples from Indo-European times, including linguistic/archaeological evidence for the emergence of the Celtic language group in 1st millenium BC Europe. Fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in either Historical Studies or Social and Behavioral Sciences.

139 Irish Literature 1800-Present (4)

The Irish literary renaissance, featuring the writers Jonathan Swift, James Joyce, G.B. Shaw, Oscar Wilde, Oliver Goldsmith, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, Bram Stoker, and others. Fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in Arts and Literature.

Earth and Planetary Science
 

170AC Crossroads of Earth Resources and Society (4)

America currently faces a crossroads in resource policy, which we will explore through lectures, documentary and popular films, an optional overnight field trip, and a vision quest. Fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in either Physical Science or Social and Behavioral Sciences and satisfies the American cultures requirement. Cross-listed with Letters and Science 170AC section 1.

East Asian Languages and Cultures

Chinese

7AIntroduction to Premodern Chinese Literature and Culture (4)

An introduction to Chinese literature in translation. In addition to literary sources, a wide range of philosophical and historical texts will be covered, as well as aspects of visual and material culture. We will focus on early and premodern Chinese up to and including the Yuan Dynasty (14th century) and also on the development of sound writing skills for freshman/sophomore level students.

Japanese

7A Introduction to Premodern Japanese Literature and Culture (4)

A survey of Japanese literature in English translation. This course covers one thousand years of Japanese writing, including a myth-history detailing the origins of Japan, the development of the rich poetic tradition, female diaries, the classic, The Tale of Genji, medieval tales of wars and hermits, the no drama, and the haiku and travel diaries of Basho. It will focus on such key binaries as orality and literacy, poetry and prose, native and foreign, and masculine and feminine. The course will also stress student writing and principles of literary analysis.

Korean

7A Introduction to Premodern Korean Literature and Culture (4)

A survey of premodern Korean literature and culture from the 7th century to the 19th century, focusing on the relation between literary texts and various aspects of performance tradition. Topics include literati culture, gender relations, humor, and material culture. Texts to be examined include ritual songs, sijo, kasa, p'ansori, prose narratives, art, and contemporary media representation of performance traditions.

Tibetan

1A Elementary Tibetan (5)

This course is an intensive introduction to both standard spoken Tibetan (Lhasa dialect) and written literary Tibetan. As such, it will serve the needs of students who intend to continue the study of modern Tibetan so as to function in a Tibetan-speaking environment, as well as the needs of students who will concentrate on classical Tibetan and its rich literature. Prerequisites: None.

Environmental Design

C169A American Cultural Landscapes, 1600 to 1900 (4)

Introduces ways of seeing and interpreting American histories and cultures, as revealed in everyday built surroundings - homes, highways, farms, factories, stores, recreation areas, small towns, city districts, and regions. Encourages students to read landscapes as records of past and present social relations, and to speculate for themselves about cultural meaning. Cross-listed with Geography C160A section 1 and American Studies C112A section 1.

Environmental Science, Policy, and Management

6 Environmental Biology (3)

This course is intended for non-science majors. Basic biological and ecological principles are discussed in relation to environmental disruptions. Human interactions with the environment; their meaning for animals and plants. Discussion of basic ecological processes as a basis for understanding environmental problems and formulating strategies for their solution.

50AC Introduction to Culture and Natural Resource Management (4)

An introduction to how culture affects the way we use and manage fire, wildland and urban forests, rangelands, parks and preserves, and croplands in America. The basic concepts and tools for evaluating the role of culture in resource use and management are introduced and used to examine the experience of American cultural groups in the development and management of western natural resources. This course satisfies the American cultures requirement.

Geography

C160A American Cultural Landscapes, 1600 to 1900 (4)

Introduces ways of seeing and interpreting American histories and cultures, as revealed in everyday built surroundings - homes, highways, farms, factories, stores, recreation areas, small towns, city districts, and regions. Encourages students to read landscapes as records of past and present social relations, and to speculate for themselves about cultural meaning. Cross-listed with Environmental Design C169A section 1 and American Studies C112A section 1.

History

4A Origins of Western Civilization (4)

Rather than present a superficial chronological survey of a 1000 year period, we will examine two quite different periods of middle ages: the age of the Carolingians and Anglo-Saxons, and the later middle ages (primarily the 13th and 14th centuries).

5 European Civilization from the Renaissance to the Present (4)

A survey of Europe from the Renaissance to the present.

7A The History of the United States: From the Colonial Era through the Civil War (4)

Major topics include the origin, growth, and eventual destruction of slavery; the creation, expansion, limits, and changing meanings of democratic political institutions; and the development of market institutions in agriculture and industry. This course satisfies the American history and American cultures requirement.

Information
 

198 The Politics of Piracy (1)

Students will be familiarized with the historical rationales and legal origins of copyright, the current debates surrounding it, and the implications of an old body of law adapting to a digital era. Should we look at the growing sphere of copyright as a public interest problem, or celebrate the expansion of creators' rights? We'll be doing some light reading, a lot of discussion, and some film viewings that relate to our discussions. We'll also have some guest speakers come in to provide us with different perspectives.

Italian Studies

40 Italian Culture (4)

An introduction to the life and culture of the Italian peninsula, from the Roman empire to the present day. Fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in either Arts and Literature or Historical Studies or Social and Behavioral Sciences.

70 Italian Cinema (3)

A brief introduction to the history of Italian cinema. We will study major auteurs and genres of Italian cinema in the context of Italian culture and history. Fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in Arts and Literature.

160 Studies in the History, Society, and Politics of the Italian Peninsula (4)

A study of Italian culture from the perspective of social and historical forces, as articulated by a broad variety of cultural, ideological, and institutional discourses. Fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in either Historical Studies or Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Letters and Science

1 Exploring the Liberal Arts (2)

For entering freshman, undecided about their major: an introduction to the intellectual landscape of a liberal arts education. The goal of this course is to transform students into informed participants in their own educational experiences.

C70U Introduction to General Astronomy (4)

For non-science and science majors: a description of the fantastic universe in which we live. This course will inspire students to become more inquisitive about the world around them, and develop their logical reasoning skills. Fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in Physical Science. Cross-listed with Astronomy C10 section 1.

170AC Crossroads of Earth Resources and Society (4)

America currently faces a crossroads in resource policy, which we will explore through lectures, documentary and popular films, an optional overnight field trip, and a vision quest. Fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in either Physical Science or Social and Behavioral Sciences and satisfies the American cultures requirement. Cross-listed with Earth and Planetary Science 170AC section 1.

Near Eastern Studies

10 Introduction to the Near East (4)

This course introduces the background and present status of the ethnic and religious groups in the Arab states, Turkey, Israel, and Iran.

18 Introduction to Ancient Egypt (4)

This course introduces students to ancient Egyptian culture and society (history, art, religion, literature, language, social structure), and Egyptian archaeology (pyramids, tombs, mummies, temples, cities, monuments, daily life).

Physics

C10 Physics for Future Presidents (3)

What you need to know to be a world leader or wise voter (e.g. energy conservation, radioactivity, nuclear weapons, earthquakes, microwaves, spy satellites, medical imaging). The course stresses conceptual understanding rather than math. Please check the Physics for Future Presidents website for current details. Cross-listed with Letters and Science C70V section 1.

Plant and Microbial Biology

10 Plants, Agriculture, and Society (2)

Changing patterns of agriculture in relation to population growth; biology and social impact of plant disease; GMO's; effects of human activity on plant ecosystems. Knowledge of the physical sciences is neither required nor assumed.

Religious Studies

C108 Scandinavian Myth and Religion (4)

Religious beliefs and practices during the Viking Age in Scandinavia and their manifestations in later recordings. Fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in either Philosophy and Values or Historical Studies. Cross-listed with Scandinavian C160 section 1.

Scandinavian

120 The Novel in Scandinavian (4)

Reading and discussion of the great Scandinavian novels; the development of the novel. Fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in Arts and Literature.

150 Studies in Scandinavian Literature (4)

Variable subject matter; see departmental announcement for description. Sample topics: Scandinavian romanticism; the Modern Breakthrough; literature by and about women; the political tradition. Fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in Arts and Literature.

C160 Scandinavian Myth and Religion (4)

Religious beliefs and practices during the Viking Age in Scandinavia and their manifestations in later recordings. Fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in either Philosophy and Values or Historical Studies. Cross-listed with Religious Studies C108 section 1.

Slavic Languages and Literatures

45 19th Century Russian Literature (3)

Development of Russian literature from Pushkin to Chekhov focusing on major masterpieces. Fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in Arts and Literature.

134A The Works of Nikolai Gogol (4)

Gogol's fiction and plays, treated in relation to his life and to developments in Russian and European literature. Fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in Arts and Literature.

147B Balkan Folklore (3)

Folktales, epic songs, customs, and beliefs of the South Slavs and other Balkan peoples. Fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in either Social and Behavioral Sciences or Arts and Literature.

Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies

10 Introduction to Acting (3)

This course is a gateway class to the more advanced acting sequence. It is a theory and performance course which provides an overview of the actor's creative process. Audition required (experience not necessary). See the Online Schedule of classes for more information.

26 Introduction to Performance Studies (4)

This course introduces the critical terms and practices of the contemporary study of performance. Several key terms and important genres of artistic and social performance will be engaged; the course will draw critical and disciplinary methods from anthropology and ethnography, from the theory of dance and theater, from literary and cultural theory.

60 Stagecraft (3)

This is an introductory course focusing on various technical aspects of theatrical production. Course ranges from theatrical conception to actual performance and includes emphasis on safety, collaborative process, shop tools, set construction, lighting, rigging, costumes, props and scenic treatments. This course involves a laboratory dimension.

Undergraduate and Interdisciplinary Studies

110 Introduction to Disability (3)

This course focuses on the social and personal meaning of disability and chronic illness. The course will investigate the interaction of disability with social factors such as gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, and class. Fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Democratic Education at Cal (DE-Cal)

The DE-Cal program sponsors a wide variety of student-initiated courses each term. Many of these courses cover topics which are not otherwise explored within the existing campus curriculum. All courses are offered for academic credit. For a listing of courses, and for guidelines regarding enrollment, check out the DE-Cal website, visit their office at 320 Eshleman Hall, or call (510) 642-9127.

Culture And Literature Courses In English Translation

The following courses are offered by faculty in foreign language departments, but no previous training in a foreign language is required for the course. All readings will be available in English, and the language of instruction will be English. Complete course information is available under the department listings.

Celtic Studies 70.

The World of the Celts. K. A. Klar

Celtic Studies 139.

Irish Literature 1800-Present. D. F. Melia

Celtic Studies 146A.

Medieval Welsh Language and Literature. A. C. Rejhon

Chinese 7A.

Introduction to Premodern Chinese Literature and Culture. M. A. Csikszentmihalyi

Japanese 7A.

Introduction to Premodern Japanese Literature and Culture. J. Wallace

Korean 7A.

Introduction to Premodern Korean Literature and Culture. J. Shin

Italian Studies 40.

Italian Culture. M. G. Fuller

Italian Studies 70

Italian Cinema. G. J. Moses

Italian Studies 160.

Studies in the History, Society, and Politics of the Italian Peninsula.

Scandinavian 120.

The Novel in Scandinavia.

Scandinavian 150.

Studies in Scandinavian Literature.

Scandinavian C160.

Scandinavian Myth and Religion. J. Lindow

(Cross-listed with Religious Studies C108 section 1.)

Slavic Languages and Literatures 45.

19th Century Russian Literature. L. Golburt

Slavic Languages and Literatures 134A.

The Works of Nikolai Gogol. A. Nesbet

Slavic Languages and Literatures 140.

The Performing Arts in Russia in the 20th Century

(1900-1940). A. Muza

Slavic Languages and Literatures 147B.

Balkan Folklore. R. Alexander