Recommended classes
Students want to know, “What’s a good class?” So those of us at New Student Services did what we could—we asked more than 2500 undergraduates for their opinions, and the following is what they said.

You also might want to check out these student hosted web sites:
reshall.berkeley.edu/academics/resources/recommendedclasses/
ratemyprofessors.com

Note: A dagger (†) by the professor’s name (in parentheses) means that he or she has received a Distinguished Teaching Award (up to five people from the entire faculty are selected each year, so this is a big deal).

A bullet (•) in front of a class description means that this class, taught by the particular professor mentioned, is being offered in fall 2008.

Another note: Because we don’t bite the hand that feeds us, we do not list classes that students don’t like.

African American Studies
African American Studies R1B (4 units), Freshman Composition (Nanda): “If you need to take care of that Reading & Composition requirement, this is the class for you. I’ve never met such an enthusiastic teacher. You won’t regretting taking the class.”

African American Studies 4A (4 units), Africa: History and Culture (various professors): “One of the best classes I have ever taken.”

African American Studies 5A (4 units), African American Life and Culture in the United States (various professors): “An interesting look at the progression of African Americans in America during the twentieth century.” “The course gives students an extensive overview of the black experience in this country. Enjoyable course for black and non-black students alike.”

African American Studies 5B (4 units), African American Life and Culture in the United States (Brown): “I love this course it because it introduced me to information that you do not get in high school. In high school history you might learn slavery or about civil rights, but in the class you learn about so much more: black Hollywood, the Black Panther party, and the hip-hop generation for instance.” “These courses teach you about the struggles that African American people endured in the United States and discusses information that the textbooks don’t tell you.”

•African American Studies 27AC (3 units), Lives of Struggle: Minorities in a Majority Culture (Hintzen): “A good general education course—the professor is entertaining, and the topic is so inclusive that the course is engaging for everyone.” “The class is great because it provides an introduction to the learning of different cultures and can also be used as a grade booster.” “A great class, a good reading list, and it fulfills the American Cultures requirement.” “This class helps you understand the contributions of major Afro-American figures in today’s society.” “Usually students don’t build relationships with their professors, but in this class it’s really easy to do so.”

African American Studies 28AC (3 units), Globalization and Minority American Communities (Small): “Professor Small is hands down one of the coolest professors ever—he is so chill and laid back, and this was one of my most memorable classes at Cal.” “Professor Small is very funny and passionate. We get to go deeply into California’s racial background and intellectually discuss its historical implications. The class load is not that heavy either. Definitely the best course to satisfy your American Cultures requirement!” “Entertaining professor, satisfies American Cultures requirement without discussion section, and no writing assignments outside of two midterms and final.”

African American Studies 107 (3 units), Race and Public Policy (Henry): “Community service instead of a midterm, and a take home final.”

•African American Studies 112A (4 units), Political and Economic Development in the Third World (Hintzen): “This class is eye-opening. Professor Hintzen is knowledgeable and entertaining.” “Professor Hintzen challenges you to think about your position in the world, global politics, and the complex issues of globalization, exploitation, and slavery.” “This professor is not only the funniest professor ever, but he is an amazing educator as well. He shows you how economics and social justice are directly linked with quirky anecdotes of his personal experience and random stories about drinking rum. Amazing.”

African American Studies 122 (3 units), African American Families in American Society (Frye): “This is a great class that discusses the importance of the black family. It’s fun, interesting, and Professor Frye provides a great environment to share ideas and thoughts.”

African American Studies 142AC (4 units) Race and American Film (Cohen): “The professor does an amazing job at choosing selections from the very beginnings of sound film to the present, and does a fascinating job of analyzing how films are a reflection of race, society, environmental, struggles, and norms.” “An enlightening class on how race has progressed in American film since the development of moving pictures. I really enjoyed Cohen’s teaching style and the course content as well.“

African American Studies 156AC (4 units), Poetry for the People (De Leon): “An absolutely amazing class! Although it may come off as extremely intimidating at first, hearing past students recite their poetry with such power and energy really inspires you to channel your own creative energy.”

African American Studies 156AC (4 units), Poetry for the People (Semitsu): “This course is amazing—it embodies what it means to be a Berkeley student.” “The most diverse and culturally-aware class on campus.” “I learned so much about myself in this class. It’s so much fun!”

American Studies
American Studies 10 (4 units), Introduction to American Studies (Cohen): “This course is taught by an amazing professor and was my favorite class that I have ever taken!” “This man is incredibly eloquent and can string sentences together with words so concise, you’ll wonder how he does it. Every lecture is so packed with meaning, and every thought is put together so well. But only go to this class if you want to be inspired by a person with an incredibly brilliant mind, because I’ve seen some people walk out of this class wondering what the heck he said.”

•American Studies 10 (4 units), Introduction to American Studies (Moran†): “American Studies 10 was a great class! We applied the research and tools we learned on topic assignments of our choice.” “The lectures are fascinating and cover a wide variety of topics.” “Moran is a dedicated professor who challenges you to think critically of American pop culture, from movies to literature.”

Anthropology
Anthropology 1 (4 units), Introduction to Biological Anthropology (Deacon): “You get to watch animals fornicate during class. You also learn a lot about how we came to be who we are.”

Anthropology 2 (4 units), Introduction to Archaeology (Habu): “This class was really fun, since we got to do things real archaeologists do!”

Anthropology 2 (4 units), Introduction to Archaeology (Joyce): “The class is an interesting and neat way to learn about archaeology without too much stress.”

Anthropology 2 (4 units), Introduction to Archaeology (Tringham): “The class was very interactive and interesting. There was more group work than anything, so there is a relief of stress because it’s somewhat impossible to get lost.” “This class doesn’t have any exams, only group projects. Plus, you get to learn about a specific archeological site in detail.”

Anthropology 2AC (4 units), Introduction to Archaeology (Conkey): “It was a great intro class. It wasn’t difficult and most assignments were in groups. I made a lot of friends and had a lot of fun.”

•Anthropology 2AC (4 units), Introduction to Archaeology (Lightfoot): The class also focuses on archaeological sites in the Bay Area.” “Lightfoot is a great lecturer, and it’s not hard to earn an A or B in the class.” “The course was so much fun because the professor was really dynamic and loved telling stories.” “Makes you really understand why archaeology is so important. If you want to be like Indiana Jones, this is the class to take!” “Lightfoot is a very friendly professor who gets great satisfaction when he sees his students perform well.” “Lightfoot is really energetic and the labs are really easy and fun.”

Anthropology 2AC (4 units), Introduction to Archaeology (Wilkie): “An interesting blend of history, sociology, and education.” “The professor is hilarious and has so many great stories to tell about the material. I really enjoyed the class.”

Anthropology 3 (4 units), Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology (Brandes): “His lectures were filled with stories from all over the world, and the professor’s ability to relate various cultural aspects from different backgrounds to one another was amazing!” “The course material is interesting and easy to read, and Professor Brandes has the unique ability to impart a diversity of interests upon his students.” “Professor Brandes is a really talented lecturer and makes sure the class is enjoyable for the students.” “This is a must-take class. Professor Brandes is a brilliant teacher, able to convey all the important information in a concise and interesting way.” “He is an inspiring professor.”

 

Anthropology 3 (4 units), Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology (Graburn): “Professor Graburn chooses a wonderful variety of texts that would never be introduced in typical high school classes (relating to but not limited to Japanese tourism, European pilgrimages and the Kung people).” “Anthropology 3 may seem scary to the new student, especially since s/he most likely didn’t take an anthropology course in high school. The course offers a valuable insight into our humanity, studying the elements that make up the socio-cultural patterns of human societies.” “Great class for new students. It gives an overview of many different cultures and gives you devices to help you understand your own.”

Anthropology 3 (4 units), Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology (Nader): “Professor Nader is a dynamic professor whose lectures on her field work in Mexico and other countries were more fascinating than any text. She was always very accessible and warm in office hours, quite different from her gruff demeanor in class!” “This field of study encompasses a huge variety of fields, including sociology, cultural anthropology, and world religions. It’s a great way to find your interests.”

Anthropology 3 (4 units), Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology (Scheper-Hughes): “She makes class so interesting with all of her stories about her trips around the world. It’s so easy to understand the concepts through her stories and lecture is easy to follow.” “This class delves into the culture, behaviors, customs and differences of some of the most interesting populations, and it covers a breadth requirement.”

Anthropology 3AC (4 units), Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology in American Cultures (Brandes): “It’s a class where context matters, touching upon psychology, sociology, religion, and many other disciplines. Imagine learning about Alcoholics Anonymous in a rural part of Mexico, nightlife hostess clubs in Japan, or even the consumption of salamanders as a ritual of one UC Berkeley’s own fraternities!” “This class may require some time and effort to complete the readings, but in the end it’s totally worth it because you get to see human societies in a totally different light.” “I find myself referring to this class in all of my other courses”

Anthropology 3AC (4 units), Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology (Ong): “First off, it fulfills your American Cultures requirement, so that’s good. But since it’s cultural anthropology, it’s definitely a good class to take so that you can get a better idea of cultural interpretation and appreciate Berkeley’s diversity even more.” “Anthropology 3AC was interesting and a great prerequisite to many majors. We had to do a mini ethnography which was a good learning experience.” “You get to come up with your own research projects based on what part of Anthropology most interests you.”

Anthropology 115 (4 units), Introduction to Medical Anthropology (Scheper-Hughes): “A great class taught by a great professor.”

Anthropology 123A (4 units), Stone Age Archaeology (Conkey): “This class uses some great works of fiction to stimulate our imagination as we recreate what life may have been like in Ice Age Europe. Dr. Conkey is very supportive and enthusiastic.”

Anthropology 139 (4 units), Controlling Processes (Nader): “This class will open your eyes to the state of modern society.” “A class that challenges you to think and question the mundane.” “She is an amazing lecturer! You are encouraged to really think—no memorizing. She is so interesting and everything is so incredibly captivating.” “The class makes me think how society influences my everyday life in a completely unique way.”

•Anthropology 150 (4 units), Utopia: Art and Power in Modern Times (Yurchak): “I learned so much about Nazi Germany, Stalinist Russia, and even the United States that I never knew before taking this class.”

•Anthropology 160AC (4 units), Forms of Folklore (Briggs): “Professor Briggs’ class was fun exciting, and motivating. What other class will let you tell jokes, riddles, and superstitions during lecture?”

Anthropology 160AC (4 units), Forms of Folklore (Conrad): “It’s a lot of work, but as long as you keep up with the readings and start your projects early, it should be a satisfying class. I learned a lot about the different cultures around the world and why folklore is an integral part of our society.”

Arabic
•Arabic 1A (5 units), Elementary Arabic (Bazian): “This course is fun and makes you love Arabic.”
•Arabic 1A (5 units), Elementary Arabic (S’Hiri): “Arabic 1A with Sonja S’Hiri was a great class for anyone curious about the language or intending to major in Arabic or some other Near Eastern Studies major. Having the power to write in either direction (Arabic is written from right to left) is great for note taking and other impressive feats!”

Asian American Studies
•Asian American Studies R2A (4 units), Reading and Composition (Leong): “This class inspires students to think about the hardships of Asian Americans as well as celebrate their achievements.” “The literature we read was engaging, and the activity level in discussion is high. The lecture is small—about thirty students—and the discussion sections are even smaller, so you really get to meet and make friends with your classmates.” “All the books were fairly easy and interesting read, and the workload was manageable. Best of all, because of the small class size, I’ve made some of my closest friends in this class!”

Asian American Studies 20A (4 units), Introduction to the History of Asians in the United States (Choy): “It is a great introductory class into the history of the United States, with an emphasis on the untold or misconstrued story of the Asians living in America. The course only requires a paper, a final writing assignment, and some easy reading. Choy is very engaging and motherly when she lectures. She has a very relaxed, cool-toned method of teaching that strongly encourages open-minded critical thinking.” “In high school, history was all about the United States and how it was affected. In this course, I learned a lot about Asian American history; specifically, how it affects me personally.”

•Asian American Studies 20A (4 units), Introduction to the History of Asians in the United States (Omi†): “The professor is really passionate about the subject and engages the students well. As long as you do the readings, you should be able to receive a good grade. It doesn’t matter what background you come from, you’ll be glad to have taken this class!” “This class gives an eye-opening perspective of Asian people in America. I’m pretty amazed at what we’re learning. Plus the professor is cool! It’s a morning class, and I actually manage to stay awake for it!” “Great combination of history, sociology, economics, and literature, and an eye-opener about the obscured history of Asians in the United States.”

Asian American Studies 20A (4 units), Introduction to the History of Asians in the United States (Um): “This class teaches you the many push/pull factors that existed from the 1800s to 1900s that caused Asians to immigrate to the United States.” “Professor Um has a very interesting and captivating way of presenting the history of Asians and Asian Americans, including the hardships they have experienced in their own countries and here in America.” “She’s an energetic, extremely intelligent woman. She challenges dogmas and encourages students to question history.” “This is the best class to take if you are interested in learning about the history of Asian Americans. Professor Um’s lectures are great to listen to and challenge you think deeply.”

Asian American Studies 20B (4 units), Introduction to the Contemporary Issues in Asian American Communities (Dong): “This class teaches you about major recent events and their significance. Some of the topics covered are the Los Angeles riots, the International House in San Francisco, and Angel Island.”

•Asian American Studies 122 (4 units), Japanese American History (Takahashi): “This is a great class; the professor is a lively lecturer who makes the material come alive. A bonus is the semester field trip to San Francisco’s Japantown for dinner.”

Asian American Studies 125 (4 units), Contemporary Issues of Southeast Asian Refugees in the U.S (Um): “It’s rare to learn about your own history on this campus or anywhere in the education system. This was probably the only class that talks about Southeast Asian history and contemporary Southeast Asian issues, taught by one of the very few Southeast Asian scholars in this nation.”

•Asian American Studies 126 (4 units), Southeast Asian Migration and Community Formation (Um): “It’s rare to learn about your own history on this campus or anywhere in the education system. This was probably the only class that talks about Southeast Asian History and Contemporary Southeast Asian Issues, taught by one of the very few Southeast Asian scholars in this nation.”

Asian American Studies 126 (4 units), Southeast Asian Migration and Community Formation (various professors): “It’s a shocking glimpse into a history of a people who have been terrorized by war and corrupt leaders. It makes you think about what the media really feeds you.”

Asian American Studies 141 (4 units), Law in the Asian American Community (various professors): “This class is a great introduction to law.”

Asian American Studies 171 (4 units), Asian Americans in Film and Video (Pham): “This is a class where you watch films and learn about issues such as ‘controlling images’ which are thought to perpetuate the stereotyped behavior in a particular ethnicity. The professor was a graduate student whose expertise wasn’t limited to knowledge on the subject—we would often get relevant information about outside events, such as the Asian American Film Festival, or new movies by or starring Asian Americans. Analyzing “Harold and Kumar go to White Castle” as a step forward in the media portrayal of Asian American males was also rather fun.”

•Asian American Studies 172 (4 units), Asian American Literature (Kim): “This class really opened my eyes to Asian American artists. We read a great breadth of books and saw many interesting documentaries. Professor Kim does a great job leading discussion.”

•Asian American Studies 190 AC (4 units), Seminar on Advanced Topics in Asian American Studies (Bazian): “The subheading of this course is “Islam in America,” and it’s a wonderful class that is part of the Near Eastern Studies Department. The professor is great, and the class is super enlightening —especially learning about the major hypocrisies of the American government.” “This is such an amazing course, you will definitely learn a lot. Professor Hatem Bazian teaches the course—he is so well informed and knowledgeable.”

Asian Studies
•Asian Studies 10 (4 units), Introduction to Asia (Yamanaka): “I suggest new students to take Professor Yamanaka’s Asian Studies 10 class. The course satisfies either the Historical or the International Studies breadth requirement. Professor Yamanaka is a very nice lady, she’s not very hard, and her grades are totally based on the midterms and finals. Most importantly, Professor Yamanaka always invites different guest speakers to lectures, so we are able to see things in different views.”

Asian Studies 10 (4 units), Introduction to Asia (Zook): “Professor Zook brought an incredible enthusiasm and passion to the culture and history of South, Southeast, and East Asia.” “I would recommend Asian Studies 10B for anyone who’s even a little curious about the politics, societies, literature, or pop culture of any Asian nation. I took it with Professor Zook, and he is what made the class so fantastic.” Take this class for fun! The pass/no pass option is recommended if you don’t want to have a heavy courseload. Zook has so many amazing and interesting stories that you would never expect.”

Astronomy
Astronomy 7A (4 units), Introduction to Astrophysics (Quataert): “This is an incredibly interesting class for those who want more depth than Astronomy 10. More importantly, Professor Quataert is the most incredible teacher on campus, hands down.” “Astronomy 7A is an amazing course, and could inspire anyone to major in Astrophysics. Professor Quataert’s ability to clearly answer questions about any astronomy-related subject is amazing. You will learn the answer to many a question you would never even think to ask. Professor Quataert also explores some of the most exciting phenomena in our universe, such as neutron stars and supernovae. The homework can be a bit demanding, but at the same time very interesting and effective at teaching the concept being studied.”

•Astronomy C10 (4 units), Introduction to General Astronomy (Filippenko†): “Simultaneously the best class I have ever taken and the best professor I have ever had at Cal! ” “It’s not an easy A, but the course material is so interesting and labs include watching the sunset and looking at Saturn through a telescope!” “For those who want something more challenging, Filippenko also offers extra “bull sessions” in which he discusses some of the more complex topics of his class. I think everyone should take his course before they graduate from Cal.” “This class not only satisfies a physical science breadth requirement, but is also an excellent class to take your first semester at Cal. You learn details about the universe from the first few seconds of its existence to the broad theories that govern it. The opportunities to view planets and galaxies through the telescopes both at Berkeley and at the Lick Observatory are amazing as well.” “Astronomy C10 is a great course for any student who is remotely interested in astronomy. It covers so many amazing topics, from our own solar system to distant galaxies, black holes and quasars.” “What other professor dresses up as a black hole and throws candy at their students for Halloween?” “This class is challenging but always entertaining, and it’s webcast in case you ever miss it.” “The class also fulfills an L&S breadth requirement. You don’t have to be an astronomy major to take this course!” “Changed my life. He is what being a teacher is all about: interesting, intelligent, and inspirational.” “He is a remarkable professor. His ability to explain the cosmos in a fun and informative way is one of a kind.” “He’s an amazing lecturer! He’ll make you want to drop engineering or Sociology or Integrative Biology or whatever it is you are studying and become an astrophysicist!” “Until Astronomy 10 I had never been in a class where the students line up on the last day of lecture to shake the professor’s hand, obtain his autograph on their reader, and take a picture with him.” “Alex genuinely loves his subject and his students, and he will be there for you. Go to Lick Observatory with him—you won’t regret it!” “The professor is amazing! He can find ways to make throwing doughnuts around the room and dropping tubs of yogurt on the ground into lessons on physics. It is blatantly obvious how much he loves his field; in fact, it may take you a few weeks to get over just how smart he is.” “The man is the most captivating teacher I have ever had! His passion for his material is magnetic! He is an astroballer!” “His class has been by far my favorite at Berkeley. I especially loved the star parties and hiking at one in the morning to watch a meteor shower! He simply made the subject matter come alive by getting all the students involved.” “This class convinced me to become an astronomy major!” “He’s enthusiastic, easy to approach, and he’s the kind of professor who will get you fired up about being a college student as a freshman.”

Astronomy C12 (4 units), The Planets (de Pater): “It’s an interesting class that fulfills the L&S physical science breadth. Professor de Pater is from Holland, and she has a really cool accent.”