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.

Ethnic Studies
Ethnic Studies 10A (4 units), A History of Race and Ethnicity in Western North America (Hilden): “Professor Hilden gives lectures that are well-planned, intriguing, and will give you a whole new way of thinking. Professor Hilden brings the history to life by tying the subject in with current issues.” “In her introductory course, Professor Hilden tells it with such passion that to fall asleep during her lectures would be a disservice to yourself.” “This class will open the eyes of many students to the world of social justice.”

•Ethnic Studies 10A (4 units), A History of Race and Ethnicity in Western North America, 1598-Present (Saragoza): “I encourage students to take this class because it covers so many issues of race that are important to know in today’s society. It really helps you understand racial issues that you may not have understood before, and the course really goes in depth on those issues. Plus, the professor is hilarious!” “Saragoza provides an incredibly captivating class in a subject that most people might avoid because of preconceived images.” “A really interesting course to take would be Ethnic Studies 10A with Professor Saragoza. I strongly recommend it to anyone in any major because it is an eye-opener on all the issues that people are too uncomfortable to deal with. Professor Saragoza is also a very engaging and funny person, and his lectures are filled with laughter. There is a certain amount of reading to do for the course, but overall the class is really worth taking!”

Ethnic Studies 10B (4 units), Theories and Concepts in Comparative Ethnic Studies (Grosfoguel): “It’s more of a theoretical class, but it opened my eyes to the world outside of our everyday life in the US”

Ethnic Studies 10B (4 units), Theories and Concepts in Comparative Ethnic Studies (Torres): “This class teaches you so much about race. Even though the professor might get confusing at times, he is very understanding...and be sure to go to office hours.”

Ethnic Studies 21AC (4 units), A Comparative Survey of Racial and Ethnic Groups in the US (Robinson): “By far the best class that I have taken so far. I personally believe that it should be a required course for all students. The class really brings out the truth in society; it makes you see the fundamental problems with race and the racial fabric in our society. Professor Robinson does an excellent job of making the course material personal.” “Robinson’s class is a great way to satisfy the American Cultures requirement or the History breadth requirement. Let me just say that not many classes are worth getting up at eight in the morning for, but Dr. Robinson is too incredible a professor to sleep through her lecture.” “I really enjoyed this course because it opened my eyes to the history of different ethnic groups and the struggles that they face. Being a part of this diverse campus, I really encourage students to take this course in order to have greater knowledge beyond their own ethnic background.” “If I could repeat a class, it would have to be Ethnic Studies 21AC with Professor Victoria Robinson.” “Professor Robinson is amazing, enthusiastic, and will get you to think about race and ethnicity in a whole new way!” “This class surpassed my expectations—I learned so much about ethnic studies!” “This course was absolutely mind-boggling. There is a ton of material to cover, but worth every effort. You will learn to look at life in a different way.” “Professor Robinson is extremely passionate about her field and encourages open discussion as the class delves into differential experiences of Americans.” “She’s funny, down to earth, and her lectures are interesting and relevant. Plus, she has a cute British accent.” “She is a great professor and the class is amazing. Many students who have taken it said that it changed their perceptive on their community, themselves and their society in which they participate in.” “The class environment is engaging and was the epitome of what I imagined a college class to be!” “Robinson is by far the most engaging and empowering lecturer I have had here at Berkeley. She makes it so easy to speak up in class and encourages students to challenge the status quo. The material was meaningful and thought-provoking, allowing for dialogue inside and outside the class. She made sure to cover both historical and current events, helping students to see the development of racial relations in this country. This was a unique way to learn about history and I strongly recommend such a class!”

Ethnic Studies 21AC (4 units), A Comparative Survey of Racial and Ethnic Groups in the U.S (Saragoza): “If you need to satisfy your American Cultures requirement, take Ethnic Studies 21AC! Professor Saragoza in the Ethnic Studies department is super kind and understanding, and if you make an effort, then you’ll get a good grade!” “One of my first courses at Cal was Ethnic Studies 21AC with Professor Alex Saragoza, which was quite a memorable experience. The texts taught and the discussions held in class were totally different from your high school coursework. This class explored different ways of thinking and helped define why certain social/ethnic problems come to be. Ethnic Studies helped me become aware of my political environment. I would recommend this class to anyone, and plus, it’ll take care of your American Cultures requirement for those who are in the College of L&S. It’s also a very easy going class for first years.” “The content of the class evolves with the students in the class and the dialogue they share, but it’s an introduction to a new perspective on the history of the United States, especially through the experiences of “minority” groups. It’s a motivating, inspirational class, and it fulfills the American Cultures requirement. This is the class that inspired me to change my major.”

Ethnic Studies 21AC (4 units), A Comparative Survey of Racial and Ethnic Groups in the US (various professors): “A fun class that gives a refreshing perspective on the ethnic make-up of America.” “This class will truly enlighten you on how race is such a prevalent and important issue in today’s political, economic and social arena.” “I think this intro-level ethnic studies class on the history of American immigration provides a vital and rarely-addressed perspective on how America came to look the way it does today. “

Ethnic Studies 98 / 198 (2 units), Facing You Facing Me (Starks): “This is an outstanding course that challenges its participants to demolish preconceptions about ethnic groups through in depth (and sometimes intense) discussions about the reality of race in the United States. This class will can change the ways in which you think about race/ethnicity entirely. I give it an A+. The only requirement is that you are recommended for the class by a former student.”

Ethnic Studies 130AC (4 units), The Making of Multicultural America: A Comparative Historical Perspective (Robinson): “One of the most thought-provoking and challenging classes that really helps take your thinking up to the next level. Robinson compliments the course well with guest speakers, video, music and outside projects within the community.” “Her style is something else. You learn a lot about ethnic issues around the world. Gotta’ love those political tirades!”

Ethnic Studies 150AC (4 units), People of Mixed Racial Descent (Allen): “This class not only fulfills the Amerian Cultures requirement, it also teaches you so many fascinating aspects of being mixed race. Whether or not you are mixed race this class will leave you with knowledge that you can use in the rest of the world. Professor Allen is knowledgeable and truly cares about current movements regarding race/ethnicity.” “Professor Allen is stimulating and the reading materials he assigns are quite interesting. This class really gets students thinking about the issues faced by people of mixed race.” “It is a refreshing view of ethnicity, one that finally also includes people of mixed blood as well.”

Film
•Film Studies 25A/B (4 units), The History of Film (Fabe): “It’s a fascinating course on the genesis of film, and you get to see how it developed and what current directors are ripping off.” “The professor is awesome!” “Good historical/theoretical introduction class.” “Professor Fabe is super passionate about the subject matter and chooses great films and materials.”

Film 25A (4 units), The History of Film (Rust): “Do you think silent film is boring and all the same? Well, think again. This course will show you how wonderful and diverse the Silent Era was. Also, although she is a GSI, Amy Rust did a fantastic job teaching this class and is still the best teacher I have had at Berkeley.”

Film 25B (4 units), The History of Film (Fabe): “Professor Fabe is a teacher who truly loves film, knows her stuff, and it shows in her lectures. Our class was more of an open forum for what we thought about a film we watched in the class, which was great. She loved to hear everyone’s interpretation of films and never saw anybody’s perspective as incorrect. She is a lovely teacher and a very funny lady. In addition, she always picked really great films to watch. I highly recommend either Film 25, or any other film class with her.”

Film Studies 50 (4 units), Introduction to Film for Non-majors (Fabe): “You get to watch classic movies every week and analyze them in an educational group setting. Plus, screenings are held at the Pacific Film Archive, which is so nice to sit in!” “This class attempts to give a sweeping overview of the world cinema, and succeeds. The variety keeps the class interesting, yet the research paper allows you to focus on the genres and themes you find most interesting.” “It satisfies the American Cultures requirement, the Art and Literature breadth, and it’s like getting a free movie ticket every week - that’s three awesome things in one class. Plus, Pacific Film Archive has some of the most comfortable seats on campus!” “Professor Fabe demonstrates passion and interest in every lecture. She knows how to introduce a medium that is not studied nearly enough and opens your mind in ways you never thought possible.” “It’s a nice break from technical classes. Fabe is a good lecturer. If you notice yourself talking about how great a scene is, emotionally and technically, check out the class.”

Film Studies 50 (4 units), Introduction to Film for Non-majors (Merritt): “Provides a general and interesting history and evolution of cinema utilizing entertaining films from each period.”

Film 108 (4 units), Special Topics in Film Genre (Rust): “The teacher and subject were a great way to analyze horror (the genre studied in this course).”

Film Studies 108 (4 units), Special Topics in Film Genre (Williams†): “Linda Williams is amazing!”

•Film Studies 108 (4 units), Special Topics in Film Genre (Whissel): “Great instructor, well-structured lectures, great film list!”

French
•French 1 (5 units), Elementary French (Chavdarian†): “Very energetic and enthusiastic professor. Flexible about assignments, motivates students to speak and learn the French language, very friendly, and always welcomes students.”

•French 1 (5 units), Elementary French (various professors): “If you like learning new languages and have a good amount of time to dedicate, then I highly recommend this class. I had learned an equivalent of approximately two years of high school French in just one semester here. Berkeley uses an immersion learning method that prohibits the use of any other language besides the one being taught. Right on the first day of class, not a single word of English was used by the instructor. Though initially confused and at times frustrated, I came out of that class feeling like I had learned a lot. The small class size made the course engaging, intimate, and fun.” “Any language class is a great option when you’re looking for something else to take. I’m taking French 1 this year and it’s a wonderful experience. Language classes are smaller, so you get to know your professor and other students really well throughout the semester. Also, by the end you’re able to converse in another language! Classes fill up fast and are in high demand, so make sure you sign up during your Phase I of Telebears.”

•French 2 and 3 (5 units), Elementary and Intermediate French (various professors): “The language classes are amazing at Cal! They’re held every day, but I have found that the consistency is incredibly helpful (and you get to know the people in the class really well). I took French 2 and 3.”

•French 13 (2 units), Intermediate Conversation (various professors): “This class is a good way to practice speaking the language if you don’t have room in your schedule to take the full-fledged, five-days-per-week language courses.”

•French 170 (4 units), French Films [in French] (Dutoit): “An in-depth look at French films, particularly those of Renoir and Renee, directed before World War II. A study of more than fifteen films that analyze technical aspects, as well as content such as language, the culture, and the underlying political statements made by the directors. Professor Dutoit’s in-depth knowledge of film is evident, making discussion fascinating!”

Gender and Women's Studies
Gender and Women’s Studies 10 (4 units), Introduction to Gender and Women’s Studies (Thompson or Chen): “For anyone interested in women’s rights, gender, sexuality, feminism, or challenging theory, then take Gender and Women’s Studies 10. Although this course was challenging intellectually, it changed my life by encouraging social justice. It is a great introduction to the world of potential political action through academia, as well as one of those courses that changes the way you think about yourself and the world.” “You learn so much, this class is so interesting and fun.”

Gender and Women’s Studies 10 (4 units), Introduction to Gender and Women’s Studies (Thorne): “She is so passionate and fun. She allows us to be really creative and incorporates the course themes all the way through the course. The course provides interesting and thought-provoking material about femaleness all over the world and in different contexts.” “Makes you question traditional roles in the world, which is something all students should explore in college.” “Great small-sized class for discussion of controversial and personal issues.” “This class gives students a new way of approaching social relations and of looking at the world and themselves. It is very eye opening and students will definitely learn a great deal about themselves and those around them”

Geography
Geography 4 (4 units), World Peoples and Cultural Environments (various professors): “This class is an eye-opening introduction to globalization.”

•Geography 10 (4 units), World Regions, Peoples, and States (Sayre): “If you’re feeling a little dimwitted after failing to recall what nation Pyongyang is the capital of (the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), then I suggest you consider taking this class. Not only will you come out of the course considerably more knowledgeable about the layout of the world, but you’ll also understand the progression towards modern-day societies and environmental phenomena (and the transitions that sustain them).” “The course gave me insight into the how the world’s wealth distribution came to be what it is.”

Geography 10 (4 units), World Regions, Peoples, and States (various professors): “A great way to fulfill the International Studies requirement. It focuses a lot on past world events that have had a major impact on humanity such as apartheid in South Africa and the genocide in Rwanda.” “Learn about the world and its states and even be able to point them out on a blank map.” “Professor Acker presents world problems in lecture and discussion section is used for pooling ideas on how to solve them. It was a great introduction to physical and cultural geography” “A great class to get you up to date on current events.”

•Geography 40 (4 units), Introduction to Earth System Science (Rhew): “The professor is entertaining, informative, and an amazing lecturer. This is a great class for people who are not science people, and it provides an understanding of the systems of the earth that can be useful outside of the classroom.”

Geography 50AC (4 units), California (Walker): “It’s easy to see that Professor Walker is very interested and involved in the material he’s teaching, which I consider a trademark of a great class.” “This man will change your life; he changed mine! I chose geography as a major because of this class. He is very intelligent and a really good professor.” “From politics to natural disasters to economics, this class has all sorts of information about California. Walker is witty and entertaining, and the material is extremely relevant to California residents. One of the best classes I’ve taken at Cal, and the reason I fell in love with geography!” “Not only does it fulfill the American Cultures requirement, but it also gives you a detailed history of why California is the greatest state in the nation. You go to the University of California, so shouldn’t you know why we’re the best?”

Geography 130 (4 units), Natural Resources and Population (Sayre): “This course is an excellent introduction to population and natural resources. Take it with Professor Sayre, as he is a phenomenal lecturer who is not only extremely humorous, but intellectually challenging.”

Geography 148 (4 units), Biogeography (Byrne): “Informative and fun class; we studied everything from plate tectonics to infectious disease. Professor Byrne likes to tell interesting stories about his life too (that relate to biogeography of course).”

German
•German 1 (5 units), Elementary German (various professors): “I couldn’t believe how quickly I was speaking another language.” “It’s a great way to meet and form friendships with a slew of people who aren’t from the dorms and aren’t your same major. It’s fun and thrilling. And better for you than drugs.” “Learning another language simply doesn’t feel like rote memorization, especially in German 1 with the Nerf-Ball-playing, cookie-doling, animated, and passionate Professor Doug Spencer.”

•German R5A (4 units), Reading and Composition (various professors): “This was an amazing English class where we got to study monsters and demons and why authors used them in their writing. The teacher really helped me explore my creative writing side and the class was small enough where we each got personal attention.” “To satisfy my Reading and Composition I decided to stray from the traditional English 1A. It was the best decision I made. It was an exciting and engaging class and the reading was very fun.”

German 24 (1 unit), Freshman Seminar (Kramsch†): “It was a fun and exciting way to learn about the language and we got to eat dinner at her house at the end of the class!”

German C109/ L&S C180T (4 units), Language and Power (Kramsch†): “This is a course you should definitely check out! Professor Claire Kramsch is a phenomenal lecturer who will have you seeing the words that come out of your mouth as well as those of others’ in a whole new light.” “The professor is very engaging and passionate about language and its role in power. In addition, the course can satisfy the Social & Behavioral Sciences or the Arts & Literature breadth requirement.”

Health and Medical Sciences Program
•Health and Medical Sciences Program 98/198 (2 units), Directed Group Study: The Suitcase Clinic Class (various instructors): “This is a great class that teaches students about issues concerning homelessness. This is particularly important for Berkeley students to take because we see the face of homelessness everyday on our way to class and unfortunately don’t know enough about this underserved population.” “You get to work one-on-one with the homeless/low-income population, learn about issues important to them, and can play a major role in this entirely student-run clinic!” “You work with other undergraduate students and community members to provide free services to the homeless of the East Bay. It will definitely broaden your perspective about people.” “It is a great way to meet people, both students and other people in Berkeley with whom you might never have had contact otherwise.” “One of the most inspiring educational experiences of my college life so far.”

History
History R1 (4 units), The Practice of History (Berry and Kline): “It wasn’t your run of the mill lit class or boring history class. I became a better writer and a more informed amateur historian.” “The professors change every semester for the course, but from my experience the course is taught by some of the best and most interesting professors in the department. Learning history is one thing, but learning the history of history is another. The breadth of the course material is amazing, too. There’s a wide range of topics, so there’s something for everyone.”

•History 4A (4 units), The Ancient Mediterranean World (Noreña): “I never thought much about classical history until taking this class, but the subject matter is very interesting and his lectures are very clear! I definitely recommend this course for people who like history.” “It covers the Ancient Near East, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It’s a pretty broad survey course, but Noreña connected the different civilizations we studied thematically and packed in a lot of detail into the lectures. Since Noreña is an engaging and organized lecturer, all this information is relatively easy to absorb. Also, the reading for the class comes from important works of ancient historians and thinkers like Thucydides and Cicero. If you are thinking about being a History major, History 4A satisfies the requirement for a survey course in another world area.”

History 4B (4 units), Medieval Europe (Koziol): “This is an amazing class if you’re at all interested in Medieval Europe. The professor uses lots of slides and tells fascinating stories about people and events—it’s never ever boring!” “An amazing course. I loved learning about a time in history that I had never given much thought to before this class.”

History 5 (4 units), European Civilization from the Renaissance to the Present (Anderson): “This is a great introductory survey course about European History for liberal arts majors. It requires quite a bit of reading, but the knowledge you obtain by the end of the semester is incredibly rewarding. Professor Anderson makes the lectures interesting with little known factoids and supplementary materials like artwork and music of the period. Plus, it satisfies the Historical Studies breadth requirement!” “Professor Anderson brought great knowledge, excitement, clever wit, and a love of history to each lecture.”

•History 5 (4 units), European Civilization from the Renaissance to the Present (Hesse): “Professor Hesse’s lectures were highly enjoyable and the texts we read weren’t solely ‘conventional’ historical texts; they included novels as well. I highly recommend this class. It fulfills the historical studies requirement for those of you in L&S.” “Professor Hesse’s lectures go way beyond the dates and facts and names and places; she relates past events to our lives today.” “Hesse tells history the way it should be told, like a story. She has a warm and passionate style.”

History 5 (4 units), European Civilization from the Renaissance to the Present (Laqueur): “The class is a good general course that can be applied to several majors (for those who are undecided). It really develops one’s critical and analytical skills via intensive reading and writing.” “The class is good because the professor breaks up his lectures by showing art pertaining to the period we are studying.” “I finally began to understand how so much of the world got to be how it is. It’s powerful; with that knowledge, you can learn to shape the world of the future.”

•History 6A (4 units), History of China: Origins to the Mongol Conquest (Nylan): “Professor Nylan makes each class exciting and interesting. Her enthusiasm for the subject and willingness to teach a discussion section herself shows her dedication to undergraduate education. It is this class that inspired me to pursue a history degree.” “Nylan is a good lecturer, but she really shines in her office hours. Be sure to visit her, she’s eager to talk.” “This is a great course that not only teaches ‘historical facts’ but also the helps you see from a Chinese point of view. A lot of the class work focuses on early Chinese philosophers and their ideas.”

History 6A (4 units), History of China: Origins to the Mongol Conquest (Johnson): “For anyone who has wondered about the rise of the Far East, this is the class to take. It is full of enlightening information, especially concerning ancient Chinese philosophy.”

History 6B (4 units), Introduction to Chinese History from the Mongols to Mao (Yeh): “The reading is interesting, the professor shows interesting films in class, and the discussion is thought provoking.”

History 7A (4 units), From Colonial Settlement to the Civil War (Einhorn): “Professor Einhorn brings new light and energy to American History and is one of the best professors I’ve had at Cal.” “Einhorn is an amazing lecturer. She makes you want to learn history and possibly major in it.” “T I recommend this class to all. Plus it fulfills the AC requirement.” “Interesting look at US from colonization to 1865, with more cultural aspects than pure politics. Einhorn really enjoys lecturing and makes a strong point about how through popular notion, culture should not be taken separately from history.” “I hate history, but I’m taking my second history class under Einhorn. She is passionate, energetic, and very positive. I can’t recommend her enough!” “Einhorn is an amazing teacher; her lectures are very engaging and interesting. I love her enthusiasm and sarcastic wit.” “Einhorn also does a great job of focusing on social and cultural movements rather than just political developments.” “This is the class that made me want to be a history major. Einhorn makes her students as excited about American history as she clearly is.” “Professor Einhorn was the greatest history professor I’ve ever had in my life.”

History 7A (4 units), From Colonial Settlement to the Civil War (Gjerde): “A great overview of early American history.” “I really enjoyed this course. Professor Gjerde was entertaining and accessible to students.”

History 10 (4 units), African History (Osseo-Asare): “The professor is incredibly eloquent and makes African history come alive through her passion and deep love for the subject.”

•History 14 (4 units), Introduction to the History of Japan (Barshay): “Reasons for taking this class: it fulfills the history requirement for many majors, the class content is interesting, and most importantly, the professor is great!”

History 106B (4 units), The Roman Empire (Noreña): “To this day I believe that no one else can teach about the bloody, mysterious, and political nature of the Roman Empire any better, any more enthusiastically, and any more lively than professor Noreña. Additionally, the reading is entertaining.” “I took History 106B my second semester at Cal. I recommend this course if only for the fact that Professor Carlos Noreña is quite possibly one of the best professors I have ever experienced while at Berkeley. Every class was engaging and a testament to Professor Noreña’s knowledge and eloquence. I highly recommend taking any class that Professor Noreña teaches.”

History 118A (4 units), Archeological Period to 1800 (Berry): “She is an excellent lecturer with bountiful amounts of humorous wit that will get you educated and keep you chuckling for the whole semester.”

•History C120AC/Environmental Science, Policy, and Management C160AC (4 units), American Environmental and Cultural History (Merchant): “As an engineering major, this was a very easy class, satisfying the American Cultures requirement, as well as the L&S Arts and Literature breadth requirement.”

History 123 (4 units), Civil War and Reconstruction (Einhorn): “This class completely changes your way of looking at the Civil War and slavery.”

History 125A (4 units), History of African Americans and Race Relations in the United States: 1550-1865 (Martin): “This course presents the richness and diversity of African American history, giving a proper understanding of the American experience.” “Martin presents the material in a lively, enthusiastic, and interesting manner.”

•History 127AC (4 units), California (Klein): “Since I had to fulfill my American Cultures requirement, I took History 127AC. Although I’m not a history major, I thoroughly enjoyed Professor Klein’s lectures because he made them interesting and encouraged students to participate and be involved with the course. Even if you’re a California native, I’ll bet that there’s still plenty in his lectures that will be new to you.” “Professor Klein is hysterical and a very interesting lecturer! His assignments are unique, worthwhile, and fun to do. It’s one of the more worthwhile classes I’ve taken during my time here at Berkeley and it even fulfills the American cultures requirement!” “The professor is hilarious and the subject matter is very interesting.” “Not only is the professor funny and entertaining, you will definitely learn more about the history of California.” “If you want to learn the ins and outs of California and have fun doing it, you should take this class. You’ll have a ball!” “He was not only an orator, but an entertainer and his charisma and vast knowledge made this course the best history course I’ve ever taken at Cal!” “Professor Klein is one crazy professor!” “This class is the perfect way to investigate origins of California ‘stereotypes’ (laid back, sexy, palm beaches) and the best way to satisfy an AC requirement!”

History 131B (4 units), Creating Modern American Society: From the End of the Civil War to the Global Age (Fass): “I hate history, but this class actually made it a fascinating topic. There weren’t really dates and stuff, just how it affected society.” “Insightful, interesting perspective on US immigration history and industrial revolution.” “This is an incredible course. For many people, US history can be an extremely dry subject, but Fass’ lectures are so interesting and engaging that you’re disappointed when the hour and a half is over!”

•History C132B/American Studies C132B (4 units), Intellectual History of the United States (Hollinger): “Not only was the material surprisingly interesting, but Hollinger’s lectures were exceedingly clear and dotted with plenty of amusing anecdotes.”

History 137AC (4 units), The Re-peopling of America (Gjerde): “I hope that Jon Gjerde still teaches this course because he was the best professor I ever had at Cal. This class is extremely interesting because it explains different waves of immigration to the United States and how these immigrants have (or haven’t) assimilated.” “It was the best class I’ve taken at Cal. Professor Gjerde is enthusiastic and extremely approachable. It was way cool to study all the immigrant stories of the different ethnic groups that make up America.” “This is an amazing class on the history of American immigration. In addition to satisfying a couple of breadth requirements as well as the American Cultures requirement, History 137AC provides a fascinating look at what we see as our American society today.”

•History 139C/American Studies 101AC (4 units), Recent US Social Movements: Difference, Identity, and Power in American Culture (Brilliant/Martin): “Of the four courses I took my first semester at Cal, this was my favorite. It is a hard class and there is a lot of reading. But if you’re up for a challenge, it is probably the most comprehensive course on the various Civil Rights Movements post WWII. It focuses on five races in America and two professors teach it; one focuses on the legal aspects, and the other focuses on how the people initiated change. They work together to show how the law and the determination of people have to work together for change to occur. It’s a fascinating class but I wouldn’t advise taking it your first year. It really is a lot of work.” “This class is a great way to do upper division American Cultures. It gives you an in-depth look at the relations between different cultures in the United States and their struggles and how they related to and differed from one another.”

History 140B (4 units), Modern Mexico (Chowning): “A compelling overview of Mexican history. The teacher is wonderful!”

•History 155A/B (4 units), Medieval Europe (Koziol): “A lecture will never ever seem as fascinating as it does in this class.”

History 162 (4 units), Wars, Empires, Nations: European International History 1648-1914 (Wetzel): “He is a great lecturer who is easy to follow and has a passion for the ironies of history. There isn’t a lot of reading.”

•History C175B (4 units), Jewish Civilization: Modern Period (Efron): “This is a very interesting class that will benefit your historical knowledge forever.”