In addition to our signature curricular programs, L&S Division of Undergraduate Studies offers innovative courses in partnership with units across campus.
UGIS 140: The Hand-Printed Book in Its Historical Context
2 Units, Letter Grade
Open to both graduate and undergraduate students, the course emphasizes practical experience in the printing of the handmade book by presenting a historical perspective on the various technologies involved in producing printed books: type founding, paper making, binding, illustration, and the evolution of the printing press itself. Under the instructor’s guidance, students closely examine and discuss original printed books from Bancroft collections, ranging in date from the 15th century to the present. And as a group, these students hand-set and print a small publication on the library’s cast iron presses: the Albion (ca. 1856) and the Reliance (ca. 1913). Only a very limited number of copies of these editions are made. None of these exquisite volumes is available for purchase; they may only be viewed in the Heller Reading Room.
Offered in partnership with the Bancroft Library.
L&S 110: Brilliance of Berkeley
1 Unit, P/NP, spring semester only
Brilliance of Berkeley is a new course in the College of Letters & Science that promises to celebrate all that is UC Berkeley! Each week, students will hear 1-2 guest lectures from luminary faculty representing Berkeley’s wide range of colleges and schools. After each guest lecture, students will have the opportunity to reflect on lessons learned while also engaging in peer and community-building exercises. By getting exposure to a wide variety of Berkeley faculty and paths of study, students will feel a deepened sense of connectedness to the campus and will learn more about the available research and co-curricular learning experiences.
Offered in partnership with the Division of Undergraduate Education.
L&S 198: Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program (SSCRIP)
1 Unit, P/NP, fall semester only
Designed to give students insights about the domestic and international job markets, as well as provide guidance on how to set career goals and tips on resume and interview techniques, the professional development course (L&S 198) will help students prepare to apply for and thrive in their summer internship. This course is a component of the Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program (SSCRIP), a year-long program designed to provide undergraduate majors in the social sciences with the necessary tools to prepare themselves for the job market.
Offered in partnership with the L&S Division of Social Sciences.
L&S 98: Career Exploration & Planning DeCal
1 Unit
The objective of this course is to arm students with the tools necessary to embark on a successful career journey. As a college student with many prospects, it can be daunting to know where to begin, so we will guide them through exploring potential career paths, the internship and job search, resume and cover letter writing, networking, interview skills, and highlighting your strengths as an applicant.
Offered in partnership with the DeCal Program and Berkeley Career Engagement.
L&S 191A and 191B: Dialogue Across Differences: Israel and Palestine
1 Unit, Letter Grade, two-semester sequence (fall and spring)
The Bridging Fellowship Program is a unique undertaking focused on cultivating a space and community for meaningful and supported conversations about Israel and Palestine. It will run through both the fall and spring semesters, meeting every two weeks for three hours with expected readings and reflections in-between meetings. Participants selected for the program will have an opportunity to receive course credit.
Offered in partnership with the Center for Middle East Studies and the Center for Jewish Studies, and co-sponsored by the Othering and Belonging Institute and the Greater Good Science Center.
L&S 198: Psychosocial and Planetary Resilience in an Age of Climate Crisis
2 Units, P/NP
This course is part of a UC-wide project and will provide instruction and resources for building personal and community resilience through mindfulness and other practices. It is designed to promote awareness, hope, collective empowerment, and a map for individual climate action projects integrated within our communities.
Offered in partnership with the UC-wide Center for Climate, Health, and Equity (CCHE) Mental Health Initiative.
L&S 198: Transitioning to Cal: An Introduction to the Research University
1 Unit, P/NP
Transfer students make up one-fourth of the student population at Cal. As a first semester transfer, you will be navigating and adjusting to a new campus culture. This class is designed to help facilitate your transition by improving your knowledge of the research university and its resources, assisting you in identifying key academic skills and strategies for academic success, and encouraging community and student engagement. The course will focus on academic strategies for upper division course work with particular emphasis on time management skills, critical reading, exam preparation, and writing skills. You will learn about various campus resources and opportunities that are available to you as a Cal student. Participation, group work, and class discussion are an integral part of this course. We will be sharing and exchanging information and advice throughout the semester.
Offered in partnership with the Transfer Student Center.
L&S 198: Independent Students in Higher Education: Re-entry Transition Course for Adult Learners
1 Unit, P/NP
Students participate in this discussion-based forum to address specific issues adult learners often face during the transitional first semester at Cal. Course discussions and assignments are designed to coach students through the process of adjusting to academic life at Berkeley and all the complexities it entails. Through this class, students expand strategies for managing the demanding workload of this research university and build approaches for maximizing the opportunities available throughout campus that directly shape the quality of the re-entry student experience. This class affords the opportunity to network with other re-entry learners to build community and belonging. Many re-entry students note that this course was foundational for their success at Cal.
Offered in partnership with the Re-entry Student Program.
UGIS W158: Global Citizenship
3 Units, Letter Grade, summer only
With this course, you will be able to add a new dimension to your internship experience: a reflection on global citizenship. You will be challenged to use your internship experience as an opportunity to critically explore cultural differences, modes of conduct and values. A series of audio-visual lectures, practical exercises, writing assignments, projects, and online group discussions will stimulate you to leave the comfort zone of what you are familiar with and to explore alternative views on right and wrong, good and bad and the beautiful and the ugly. The course will also encourage you to interact with locals and to engage with the city/region/country where you live during your internship.
Offered in partnership with Study Abroad.
L&S C5 / UGBA C5: Introduction to Entrepreneurship
2 Units, Letter Grade
This course offers students a taste of what it’s really like to start a business. In addition to learning key foundational entrepreneurial concepts such as idea generation & evaluation, customer & product development, creating a business model, fundraising, marketing, and scaling & exiting a business, students will also hear from successful entrepreneurs who share their perspectives and best practices. Students will apply core concepts by working in teams to evaluate and select a venture idea that they will then develop throughout the semester.
Offered in partnership with the Haas School of Business.