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 2000 undergraduates for their opinions, and the following is what they said. If the professor's name has a † next to it, it 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).

You also might want to check out these student hosted web sites:
http://www.ratemyprofessors.com

Check the online Schedule of Classes for more information about a specific class.

If you ever want to drop in for office hours check out our section on How to talk to faculty.

Cognitive Science
Cognitive Science C1/Education C1 (4 units), Introduction to Cognitive Science (Ranney): "It's science of the mind, and nobody has heard of it, but it's a wonderful mix of psychology, philosophy, linguistics, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence-something for everyone."

Cognitive Science C101/Linguistics C105 (4 units), The Mind and Language (Lakoff, Sweetser): "A great class for a general understanding of language and cognition. It reaches beyond the study of language, and it has something for everyone, whether you are a political scientist, a mathematician, or a neuroscientist."

Cognitive Science C107/Linguistics C107 (4 units), The Mind and Mathematics (Lakoff): "If you've ever wondered how to intuitively think about mathematics then you will love this class. The professor is interesting and amazingly knowledgeable since he wrote all the material."

College Writing
College Writing R1A (6 units), Accelerated Reading and Composition (Cole): "Although the professor is strict and expects a lot from her students, she really helps them to improve with their writing skill by teaching the different techniques of the writing process."

College Writing R1A (6 units), Accelerated Reading and Composition (Chiang): "She's one of the most inspiring teachers I have ever had. She has a passion for what she does and it shows through in her teaching."

College Writing R1A (6 units), Accelerated Reading and Composition (Lang): "I recommend this course for any incoming freshman who is uncertain about their writing ability. Professor Lang makes you realize your potential as a writer through amazing texts, films, and discussions."

College Writing R1A (6 units), Accelerated Reading and Composition (Larkin): "He is an awesome teacher who works well with you individually and with group work. His theme for at least two semesters now has been related to American advertisements and media, which make the class even more interesting! Our readings, essays, and class discussions revolve around this theme. Taking this class is very helpful in improving your writing, making yourself a better and more confident writer. Not only that, but it helps you learn about our surroundings and how much we are really exposed to advertisements."

College Writing R1A (6 units), Accelerated Reading and Composition (Oakes): "I can now write in so many different ways that I amaze myself."

College Writing R1A (6 units), Accelerated Reading and Composition (Offen-Brown): "She's very nice and understanding."

College Writing R1A (6 units), Accelerated Reading and Composition (Steenland): "Good reading list. The professor is very good and won't pick on the students. Also very open-minded."

College Writing R4B (4 Units), Reading, Composition, and Research (Tollefson†): "If you have to fulfill the R1B requirement, I suggest taking a College Writing R4B course. Professors, instead of GSIs, teach these courses and each class has a theme. I took Professor Tollefson's Berkeley Writers at Work. In this class, we read books by campus authors. We also did a research profile on a faculty member's writing career. It was really interesting and inspiring."

College Writing 110 (4 units), Advanced Composition: Challenging Writing (Tollefson†): "The intimate class atmosphere is refreshing. It's a class devoted to 'challenging writing'-take it if you feel your writing skills need improvement. Unlike other classes where you write one or two papers, this class has many fun, interesting writing assignments where you learn how to strengthen your skills and confidence in writing."

Comparative Literature
Comparative Literature R1A (4 units), English Composition in Connection with the Reading of World Literature (various instructors): "This class is a more interesting alternative to fulfilling your R1A requirement than English R1A. I felt like I totally reformed my writing from high school AP essays to college level." "The Comparative Literature website will post lists of the courses available for the semester so pick one with a theme that interests you. The classes are small (intimate) and fun."

Comparative Literature R1B (4 units), English Composition in Connection with the Reading of World Literature (various instructors): "A really good way to fulfill the Reading and Composition requirement is through the Comparative Literature department. The reading is extremely interesting since it involves novels written from all over the world (one week it's China, the next it's France)!" "A very good course in general to take is comparative literature, because of its many encompassing themes. It looks at the different aspects that influence the writer and his work, whether it's political or philosophical, and also helps you learn how to critique and analyze."

Comparative Literature 41C (4 units), Forms of the Novel (various professors): "Fulfills an L&S breadth requirement, and you get to read and analyze entertaining books." "This is an elective seminar that is a good introduction to literature and writing. It is only about a 20 person class which helps boost confidence and gives you personal interaction with the professor."

Computer Science
Computer Science 3L (4 units), Introduction to Symbolic Programming (Garcia): "This is a great class for people who are interested in computer science but have no idea how to do anything. Dan makes lectures very lively and easy to understand, and the assignments are fun too. You'll be surprised at the kinds of programs you can write." "It is really fun and pretty necessary in order to take CS 61A (a required CS course)." Professor Garcia does a great job in explaining the material and keeps you engaged in lecture with his animated and energetic lecture style." "Professor Garcia has a strong passion for what he teaches. He is humorous and cares about the students. He prints out all lecture notes, labs, and homework assignments for the students free of charge." "It was impossible to fall asleep in this class, he's energetic and captivating."

Computer Science 3S (1-4 units), Introduction to Symbolic Programming (Clancy): "A good way to reduce class hours and keep units at a minimum while getting a beginner's look at computer programming." "The material is tough, but Clancy is a really great professor. It's a good course if you're wondering if CS is the major for you." "It doesn't take up too much time, and it teaches you the basic tools you'll need in CS61A." "Professor Clancy is a cool Berkeley professor straight from the sixties."

Computer Science 9E (1 unit), Productive Use of the UNIX Environment (Clancy): "Computer Science majors will benefit greatly from this self-paced course on using UNIX."

Computer Science 61A (4 units), The Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs (Harvey†): "If you want to major in CS, be sure to take CS 61A with Brian Harvey. He is a great professor, and the class really shows you how to think like a CS person."  "It's a great basic background in CS theory. Harvey is an awesome, inspirational professor who makes the whole experience fun and exciting." "It is probably the most comprehensive of all the CS courses, touching a little of everything, and providing a solid programming experience." "It's the best CS class ever!" "Harvey combines true computer science with interesting projects and funny lectures." "Brian Harvey is the LISP/Scheme god!" "You'll learn about everything from data structures to programming language design. Harvey's laid back LISP hacker style of teaching (in everything from the way he speaks to the ancient terminal he uses) makes the class truly enjoyable and interesting."

Computer Science 61B (4 units), Data Structures (Hilfinger): "If students can succeed in Hilfinger's class, they can succeed in any class." "If CS were the force, Hilfinger would be Yoda. He is the type of professor who knows it all, yet is down to earth enough to answer any email he gets from students and actually debug their program code." "This is the rare variety of class where each student is actually required to learn the concepts in order to garner academic compensation."

Computer Science 61B (4 units), Data Structures (Yelick): "A class that really develops your coding style and challenges you to think up better, cleaner algorithms when problem solving."
Computer Science 61C (4 units), Data Structures (Garcia, Patterson†): "One of the most interesting classes I have ever taken at Berkeley, with regards to both computer science and engineering in general."

Computer Science 70 (4 units), Discrete Mathematics and Probability Theory (various professors): "A challenging course that covers many interesting fundamental topics in theory, taught by excellent lecturers. I came away from this class with incredible respect and enjoyment of mathematics and CS theory."

Demography
Demography 110 (4 units), Introduction to Population Analysis (Wachter): "Demography is a department rarely found at universities, and Wachter's enthusiasm and varied approaches makes this a great class."

Demography 126 (4 units), Social Consequences of Population Dynamics (Johnson-Hanks): "It's hands-down the most sensible class to take my first semester here at Cal. As an econ major, the class subjected me to a mind-bending experience, cross-secting pertinent social issues and a smorgasbord of social scientific theory. Anybody with a care for social mechanics ought to have a peek."

Development Studies
Development Studies C10/Geography C32 (4 units), Introduction to Development (Trist): "This is a great class to take if you are interested in world issues. Professor Trist is very passionate about her work but is also very laid back. Discussion in class usually involves everyone and the class isn't very intensive. I found the work to be very enjoyable." "DS10 with Professor Trist is a fantastic intro course for the topic of global development and modernization, from past to present. Professor Trist shows fascinating videos and gives lectures on sweatshops, sex workers, AIDS, population growth, and poverty. The topics may seem like a downer, but Prof. Trist does and excellent job presenting it in a light, yet sincerely serious manner with her easy-going personality."

Development Studies C10/Geography C32 (4 units), Introduction to Development (Watts†): "Development Studies 10 is definitely a class that will open your eyes to many issues on a global scale. Professor Watts is passionate about his work and inspires you to learn more." "Watts is brilliant and funny and the course material was so exciting and thought-provoking, I changed my major to development studies!" "This class not only satisfies the L&S International Studies breadth requirement, but everyone at Cal should hear Professor Watts speak. He is an incredibly brilliant man and an eloquent, dynamic lecturer." "This is an eye-opening class that teaches a lot about poverty and the Third World, with an amazing and extremely passionate professor."

Earth and Planetary Science
Earth and Planetary Science 3 (2 units), The Water Planet (Dietrich, Kirchner): "The material is easy to learn, and the professors are hella cool!" "Whether you're interested in the hard sciences or you're a humanities major who needs to fulfill your L&S Physical Sciences breadth, there's no greater class than EPS 3." "Kirchner is really entertaining and makes the hour fly by." "Excellent lecturer with a unique style. He makes the class exciting and you can tell he really loves what he teaches." "A very fun and engaging class in which you get to discover more about water than you'd ever imagine."

Earth and Planetary Science 8 (3 units), Geologic Record of Climate Change (Berry): "This fulfills the Physical Science requirement and is an interesting and insightful class." "Professor Berry is straightforward with his explanations, and though he teaches us what he wants, he allows his students to formulate their own ideas." "Professor Berry does an excellent job of making the information accessible to students without a background in math or science." "Great class that does not require much work."

Earth and Planetary Science C12/Astronomy C12 (3 units), The Planets (Boering): "This class fulfills the L&S Physical Science requirement. It is ideal for non-science majors and contains many interesting subjects from the formation of comets to the age of the universe."

Earth and Planetary Science C12/Astronomy C12 (3 units), The Planets (De Pater, Jeanloz): "This course is laid back and interesting, even for a political science major. Professor Jeanloz relates some of the concepts to daily life which makes the class easier to follow."

Earth and Planetary Science 20 (3 Units), Earthquakes (Allen): "You don't need to be scientifically-inclined to enjoy this class and it satisfies Physical Science breadth. Professor Allen is great at relating to students and clearly explaining complex materials. Obviously, earthquakes are relevant to California residents, but he personalizes the material even more by relating it to the campus and local areas."

Earth and Planetary Science 39A (2-4 units), Freshman/Sophomore Seminar (various professors): "Rather than looking at pictures in a textbook, you're actually climbing, touching, and seeing geological formations." "Four-day camping trip to Mammoth and Yosemite is actually a requirement for the course! You'll never have another opportunity to relax in natural hot springs with your professors!" "Camping, looking at cool rocks, and drinking OJ out of the same carton as your professor is an experience you'll never forget!" "An intro to geology, it also provided me with my first field trip since the seventh grade. Fun, unforgettable, for a letter grade, and definitely gets two thumbs up!"

Earth and Planetary Science 80 (2 units), Environmental Earth Sciences (Berry): "This is a good class to start with at Cal. The professor is extremely nice and the work is not hard yet it gives you a taste of what assignments at Cal are like." "What's great about this class is not just that it satisfies your physical sciences breadth, but how much you learn about how to conserve our resources. Especially in a time of massive energy crises, it's nice to know what little things you can do to make a big difference." "Great class, doesn't require a lot of work." "This class is really interesting, but not intimidating at all."

Earth and Planetary Science/Integrative Biology C82 (2 units), Introduction to Oceans (Bishop, Powell): "A great two- unit class if you need the units to meet minimum requirements or just to take for fun. It is a pretty laid back class that has tons of extra credit. (Up to 100 points.) The extra credit is also used as a study guide for upcoming midterms and final, which will help you prepare. One of the assignments is to visit a beach for extra credit - fun and educational! Most of all, the professors are open and friendly and always willing to help."

Economics
Economics 1 (4 units), Introduction to Economics (Brown): "If you can get into Econ 1 with Professor Brown, I would definitely recommend taking it. You can apply the knowledge of econ to almost any subject." "Professor Brown has a really enthusiastic teaching style that keeps you awake-especially in the morning! Her use of PowerPoint and knowledge in labor economics makes the class dynamic!" "It's a good class because you can apply your knowledge of economics to society-based institutions. You begin to understand how much hardship the poor and minority groups of this country have undergone and need to overcome." "Introductory econ classes are totally worthwhile. They apply to various disciplines and are useful for every day life."

Economics 1 (4 units), Introduction to Economics (Olney†): "The professor is very enthusiastic about teaching and loves to work with students. Her lectures are engaging and she makes an effort not to bore you in class." "Not only are her lectures interesting because she uses exciting examples, but she is peppy teacher and gives you a good wake-up in the morning." "Taking Professor Olney's class allowed me to more fully understand the economics of everything, from Yogurt Park to international trade." "Olney is a great professor. She really cares about students both inside and outside the classroom." "A very informative class which taught me to think like a college student when I took it my first semester here. "

Economics 1 (4 units), Introduction to Economics (Train): "If you are planning on majoring in Business Admin, Econ, PEIS or any major involving economics you should definitely take Econ 1 with Professor Train. He's one of the best professors I've ever had." "Prof Train is clear, concise, and gives many examples to help students really grasp the concepts." "You don't have to be an aspiring Haas hopeful or business-oriented student to take Economics 1 with Professor Train. Not only does this class offer an excellent overview of economics, but it also provides you with the tools to become a more informed citizen and be able to understand the economic workings that surround our everyday lives. Professor Train's clear lectures and enthusiastic presentations will keep you interested in the subject."  "For those who are interested in economics or business, you have to take this class with either Train or Olney. I think they are equally as hard. It is a difficult class but a great class overall. His tests are very fair. You do have to put in time and effort, but his lectures are worth it."

Economics 2 (4 units), Introduction to Economics-Lecture Format (Romer†): "Professor Romer will be one of the best lecturers one can ever have because of the professor's enthusiasm about the subject." "This is the most amazing class I've taken in my life. Professor Romer not only teaches economics, she forces you to prove it to yourself, making everything you learn stick with you because it is an undeniable truth." "For Engineering students, I would encourage taking Econ 2 to satisfy one of your breadth requirements. It is always offered in the spring semester. Professor Romer is a great professor for this class."

Economics C3/Environmental Economics and Policy C1 (4 units), Introduction to Environmental Economics and Policy (Berck): "An educational course that touches on the basics of economics and how the environment affects economic policy. You will learn a variety of concepts that will introduce you to economics and perhaps persuade you to take future courses." "A fresh look at econ."

Economics 100B (4 units), Economic Analysis-Macro (Olney†): "Olney is a very organized, humorous, and fair professor and makes the material very interesting." "This class is interactive, even though there are more than 500 students enrolled. If you want to be successful, make sure to do the reading and actively participate." "This is a practical subject for majors and non-majors with an amazing teacher who will keep your attention and make you want to learn."

Economics 140 (4 units), Econometric Theory and Statistics (various professors): "This is the most useful class I ever took at Cal. Working in finance, I have used almost all the principles I've learned there."

Economics 162 (3 units), The Chinese Economy (Quian): "I really like this class, it's great for those really interested in contemporary issues regarding China."

Education
Education 24 (1 unit), Civil Rights in Higher Education (O'Rourke): "The class focuses on the American public school system in terms of civil and legal rights of students and the history of 'free education.'"

Education 40AC (5 units), Experiencing Education: Race and Ethnicity Inside Schools (Seyer-Ochi): "Education 40AC opened my eyes to education issues that I never thought about before. After I took the class, I looked at my own education differently. It's a lot of fun, and it's also a good way of meeting people, especially during freshman year." "Makes you appreciate what it means to be studying in higher education." "I would recommend this class because it discusses important issues in our society. It fulfills your American Cultures requirement and your L&S Social and Behavioral sciences breadth requirement too!" "This course brought me a new perspective and appreciation for what I have. The class was a reality check, humbling and inspiring all at the same time. It drastically made a difference in my life by making me aware of the need to help others. It taught me the importance of changing the way I think, observe and react to the world around me. I have definitely learned to appreciate the life I have."

Education 140AC (3 units), Literacy: Individual and Societal Development (Hull†): "This is a great class because it is making education more than just absorbing and banking information into your head. You will be able to learn and actually apply your knowledge in fieldwork while helping younger kids getting education. You will be making a difference in someone's life and seeing education, or even the world, with a new eye." "The whole class was very informative, the assignments were challenging but not too difficult. The reading wasn't boring either."

Education 143 (3 units), Introduction to the Teaching of English (Freedman): "This is the best class. You get to actually teach in real classrooms!"

Education 185 (3 units), Gender and Education in the Americas (Murphy-Graham): "Very interesting and unique subject matter. Thought provoking discussions and assignments."

Education 186AC (4 units), The Southern Border (Manz, Shaiken): "It's a very interesting course because we talk about current events and students learn that there is so much we can do to help with these problems we have that we didn't know about before."

Education 190 (4 units), Current Issues in Education (Hurst): "This is one of the best classes I've taken at Cal. ED 190 offers students a unique opportunity to design a system of accountability and a chance to do great group projects. This class changed my perspective on the educational system." "I made 30 good friends, and I helped improve the community." "This class is great because it allows you to really interact with students from diverse backgrounds. It's one of the few classes that allows for true discussion and re-evaluation of preconceived notions of our education system and of the society as a whole." "This class is great for future teachers. We explored current issues pertaining to education- some of which I had never thought of or heard of before-and the discussions were informative and diverse."  "The class also opens many opportunities for you to meet new people--half the students of the class are usually not education majors, so you will meet people from all different backgrounds and interests." "The class is fun, moves beyond theory into action, builds leadership skills, and is a bonding experience that transforms classmates into extended family. I highly recommend that new students take this as a transition-to-Berkeley class."

Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering 20 (4 units), Structure and Interpretations of Systems and Signals (Babak): "Take Math 54 before taking this course. Professor Babak is a fair and fun professor."

Electrical Engineering 40 (4 units), Introduction to Microelectronic Circuits (Ross): "An intro to circuits class that gives you a taste of what's really going on inside all your electrical gadgets and appliances. The CalBot is awesome too!"

Energy and Resources Group
Energy and Resources Group 100 (4 units), Energy and Socieety (Kammen): "The class covered many interesting topics concerning different energy sources and their impacts on society, as well as subjects such as global warming and alternative energy sources."

Engineering
Engineering 10 (3 units), Engineering Design and Analysis (Gronsky†): "This is a great introductory class for students who are slightly interested in the field of engineering. It offers insight on engineering design and analysts for all disciplines for engineering. Professor Gronsky is superb; amiable and easy to approach, he is the ideal engineering professor."

Engineering 11 (3 units), Engineered Systems and Sustainability (Nelson): "E11 gives you in-depth information about engineering, and Professor Nelson really seems to care about teaching and about her students."

Engineering 24 (1 unit), Freshman Seminar, (Azevedo): "Take the seminar titled "Time, Money, and Love in the Age of Technology" with Azevedo. You will learn more about the three most important things we care about (time, money, and love) and how you can relate to them in this fast-growing technological world. Because it's a seminar, you can relax and enjoy the class."

Engineering 28 (3 units), Basic Engineering Design Graphics (Lieu†):  "This class has a fun-loving professor, and you learn a lot in the process!" "If you love drawing or AutoCAD, this class is for you." "Engineering 28 was fun but time consuming. Lieu will hit you on the head with candy if you're not paying attention." "A good major requirement class since it teaches a lot of essentials for many engineering fields." "It is a good introductory class to the College of Engineering. Also, you will get to participate in a real engineering project where you can use what you learn."

Engineering 28 (3 units), Basic Engineering Design Graphics (McMains): "This is a good class to take first semester if you're interested in mechanical or civil engineering. It's a lot of work for a three-unit class, but you can find plenty of help from the other students." "Freshmen beware; this is a five-unit class masquerading as a three-unit one. If you're about challenging yourself, this class is for you!" "It made me feel awesomely great to create the kind of 3D graphics you always see in movies."

Engineering 36 (2 units), Engineering Mechanics I (Bea): "His abilities to relate statistics to the real world, to explain things in simple intuitive terms, and to impart knowledge about engineering in industry are what really make him shine."

Engineering 39A (1.5 units), Freshman/Sophomore Seminar (Casey): "This class focused on the history of science and engineering, and students got to research an interesting science-related subject in the Bancroft Library with century old primary sources."

Engineering 45 (3 units), Properties of Materials (Glaeser): "Professor Glaeser is one of the most intelligent individuals/professors I have met here at Cal."

Engineering 45 (3 units), Properties of Materials (Gronsky†): "The teacher lectures on material and gives real world examples. Best teacher I've had in six semesters."  "The professor genuinely cares for the students and makes the attempt to know each and everyone of them. He's a great teacher." "Gronsky is the best professor I've met in the Engineering department." "It's an introduction to materials science, but it has been the best class I've taken here. It's challenging - the homework isn't easy. However, Professor Gronsky is an amazing lecturer and ties materials science into everyday life. He makes you think about production as well as end results, and has brought a new dimension into my life. I have a new appreciation for materials, thanks to his class, and even changed my major to Chemical Engineering with a focus in Materials Science, all because of this one class."

Engineering 45 (3 units), Properties of Materials (Sastry): "If you have this course as a requirement, take it with Sastry. He makes the class interesting." "Why is glass transparent? Why is silicon used in computer chips? Learn tons about how the world around us is built from nature's toolkit!"

Engineering 77 (4 units), Introduction to Computer Programming for Scientists and Engineers (Rector): "It is a great, broad introduction to the field of computer science even if you are not an engineer because the computer language used in the class is so intuitive and simple."

Engineering 92 (1 unit), Perspectives in Engineering (Verboncoeur): "Many professors lecture and give you an intro to all of engineering."

Engineering 124 (3 units), Ethics and the Impact of Technology on Society (Kastenberg): "It's an ethics course in engineering. Even though the lecturer can be a little dry sometimes, it definitely gives you more perspective on the impact of scientific/engineering achievements."

Engineering 128 (3 units), Advanced Engineering Design Graphics (Lieu†): "The most useful class I have taken at Berkeley. We learn Pro/E, a 3D-design program that is really in demand. I've had several recruiters ask me if I know it." "My favorite class at Cal. You learn 3D modeling and make a computer animation, showing how something works."

Engineering 191 (3 units), Engineering Ethics (Udell): "Professor Udell is enthusiastic about the subject and welcomes all viewpoints. It's a good technical elective if you're a mechanical engineering major, a great breadth if you're in the College of Chemistry, and a fun course overall. You don't even have to be an engineer or science major to take it!"