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.

Public Health
•Public Health 14 (4 units), Healthy People: Introduction to Health Promotion (Griego): “This was one of the most interesting and eye-opening classes that I’ve taken here at Cal so far.” “This class is excellent for students transitioning from high school. It is a great forum to discuss health issues; it encourages students to interact in small group settings during section (which, as we know, is quite rare in Berkeley), and also challenges students to start thinking on their own. Besides, the professor is extremely personable!” “Professor Griego is the equivalent to your favorite teacher in high school—he’s amazing and he cares about his students.” “Awesome class that covers the Social and Behavioral Sciences breadth requirement for the College of L&S. It opens your eyes to the field of Public Health, and the professor is freakin’ awesome!” “I loved this class so much I decided to major in Public Health.” “This class teaches students how to deal with real life issues in a comfortable atmosphere.” “Professor Griego is the most sincere, helpful, warm, inspirational professor I have had at Berkeley. He is truly interested in his students and their experience.” “He’s a great professor that is really welcoming. He’ll help start your college career in a positive way.” “I love the community that Professor Griego developed in his class so much that I came back a year later as his TA.”

Public Health 103 (2 units), Drugs, Health, and Society (Cerda): “The content is really interesting and clearly applicable to the college community. Aida Cerda is a great class facilitator, and the course material challenges one’s views about health and the impact of drugs.” “It’s fun and useful. You learn a lot from the class and it gives you a broad background on the subject.” “It got me thinking about alcohol and drugs in a way that I didn’t think possible. The professor didn’t stand up there and preach about why they’re bad; in fact, she discussed how they’re good as well. It really got me thinking about drugs in a different way.”

Public Health 103 (2 units), Drugs, Health, and Society (Kodama): “This class opens one’s knowledge about the facts of drugs (example: marijuana is less addictive than cigarettes and doesn’t damage your brain cells!)”

•Public Health 104A/B (2/2 units) Health Promotion in a College Setting (Griego): “You’ll get to meet interesting people and learn everything you’ve always wanted to know about sex and sexuality but were afraid to ask.” “Professor Griego cares so much about the students and definitely connects with them in a way no other professor does.”

Public Health 116/Interdepartmental Studies 130 (2 units), Seminar on Social, Political, and Ethical issues in Health and Medicine (Duhl): “This class explores the various social and ethical issues in modern health and medicine. It is a class that is facilitated by students and involves many activities to help reinforce material learned during lectures. A different guest lecturer comes to campus each week to talk about their field of expertise. It’s the best two hour lecture you’ll have each week, and it fulfills the Philosophy breadth requirement!” “The best class I’ve taken at Berkeley by far was Public Health 116, the seminar on health and medical issues. If you like discussing issues that don’t really have a clear right or wrong side of them, then you’ll love this class where you learn a little about everything from health insurance (and the effect it has on the practice of medicine) to abortion.” “A must for any pre-health student. It is an eye-opening and interesting course that consists of guest speakers every week who talk about different issues in medicine and public health today.”

Public Health 116 (2 units), Seminar on Social, Political, and Ethical Issues in Health and Medicine (Potts): “This awesome class fulfills a Philosophy and Values breadth requirement and is completely run by students. Each week, there are new speakers on various issues in public health. After taking the class, you are eligible for other opportunities such as being a TA for the class.” “The class is an entirely student-run course that has guest speakers, documentaries, short clips, and covers a different topic of ethics in health every week!” “After the class is taken, you can apply for a field study internship where you get to shadow a doctor.” “I have found this class to be quite helpful in determining what kind of doctor I plan to be.” “Public Health 116 gives a multifaceted and insightful look into the world of public health. This course is perfect for students who are interested in biology and would like to see it applied to fields outside the hard sciences. This class shows the interplay between health, public policy, sociology, and ethics.”

Public Health 130AC (3 units), Aging, Health, and Diversity (Rothman): “Due to lack of government funding this great class is only taught every other year, but it’s a good three-unit class once a week to take to fulfill your American Cultures breadth requirement. The teacher is sweet, easy-going, and incorporates a lot of guess lecturers so you get a more real life feel of geriatrics. The reading might seem a lot, but really the emphasis is on the lecture, which I felt was a wonderful experience. You also learn some eye-opening things in this class that you don’t learn elsewhere.”

Public Health 131AC (3 units) Race, Ethnicity, and Health in America (Griego): “Griego is a professor who has a passion for public health and cares for the undergrads, speaking on pressing issues that should not be ignored.” “This is a fantastic class that will enlighten you in the field of Public Health and what we as future citizens and practitioners of the field should expect and be prepared for.”

Public Health 150D (3 units), Introduction to Health Policy and Management (Halpin): “Professor Halpin is such a well respected Professor and advocate for equal rights and access to health care. She is also really passionate about what she is teaching. A lot of stuff that you don’t know about insurance will be revealed to you!”

•Public Health 162A (3 units), Public Health Microbiology (Buehring or Danielson): “Learn everything you wanted to know about infectious diseases; an interesting and definitely useful class.”

Public Health C172 (3 units), Introduction to Pharmacology and Toxicology (Wei): “A very cool professor who teaches interesting and relevant course material. It’s great preparation for medical school!”

Public Policy
Public Policy 101 (4 units), Introduction to Public Policy Analysis (O’Hare): “A great combination of both economics and political science!” “Professor O’Hare is so bright and knowledgeable, and he is also willing to listen to students’ varied opinions. This class offers practical knowledge for many majors.” “An overview of how business and government mix.”

Public Policy 103 (3 units), Wealth and Poverty (Reich): “The former cabinet secretary for the Clinton administration is fascinating, entertaining, and you will learn a lot from taking this course. “This course puts issues such as racial discrimination and socioeconomic disparity into perspective.”

Religious Studies
Religious Studies 90A/B (4 units), Introductory Topics in Religious Studies (various professors): “These classes fulfill the Philosophy and Values breadth and, more importantly, allow individuals to explore various spiritual faiths in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment.” “It’s very much like a Philosophy class, but it is a good introduction to Religious Studies and I learned so much.”

Rhetoric
Rhetoric R1A (4 units), The Craft of Writing (Belisle and Morgan): “This is definitely a great class to take once here at Cal. College-level writing is a skill that will be called upon time and time again as a student goes through his college career. Both professors were passionate about teaching the course, which made it a delight to take!”

Rhetoric 1A (4 units), The Craft of Writing (Borst-Rothe): “I absolutely loved this course. The professor taught me strategic skills in the craft of writing and how to go about this process. She also really cares about each of her students.”

Rhetoric 1A (4 units), The Craft of Writing (Hoy): “Although this class dealt with the extremely challenging idea of Kantian Aesthetics, it extremely reformed and developed my critical analyzing skills.”

Rhetoric 1B (4 units), The Craft of Writing (McDermott): “This was one of the most interesting classes I took my first semester. It was definitely challenging, but kept me engaged with the topics at hand. The readings were interesting and evoked a lot of interesting thought.”

Rhetoric 10 (4 units), Introduction to Practical Reasoning and Critical Analysis of Argument (Coffeen): “Coffeen inspires you to further pursue this major.” “I took Rhetoric 10 with Coffeen during my second year of college—back when I didn’t know what I wanted to major in. The experience was surreal; it’s like hearing a lecture from Plato on speed (or on an overdose of caffeine for the younger crowd).” “This course is a great class. Professor Coffeen’s lectures are amazingly insightful, and give you a good feel for what modern Rhetoric entails.” “The professor was very entertaining and made the class very lively and active. He has a great sense of humor.” “The most incredible professor! Every lecture is new, insightful, and enlightening.” “Interesting class that helps you to look at English in a totally different way.”

Rhetoric 10 (4 units), Introduction to Practical Reasoning and Critical Analysis of Argument (Gutterriez): “The reason I got interested in the Rhetoric major. A good introduction to theories of language and performance. Gutteriez is intelligent and amiable.”

Rhetoric 20 (4 units), Rhetorical Interpretation (Carrico): “The professor lectures very clearly and is very entertaining. It’s different from many classes I’ve taken and it’s just new a refreshing.”

Rhetoric 20 (4 units), Rhetorical Interpretation (Silverman†): “Greatest class I have ever taken. As a freshman, it was very challenging but also so informative. I didn’t ever mind going to class.” “I enjoyed the class because the professor was so amazing. The class considered what an object was and was not, but it was the professor that made the class so insightful. Kaja Silverman is the woman.”

•Rhetoric 152AC (4 units), Race and Order in the New Republic (Permaul): “This class was so great because it connected the theories we were learning about American culture in the nineteenth century with what is happening in contemporary times. We watched a lot of videos, had dinner sometimes, and had an intense discussion every class!”

Scandinavian
•Scandinavian R5A (4 units), Reading and Composition (various instructors): “A great alternative to English/Comparative Literature that fulfills half the Reading and Composition requirement. Students get to read and discuss various literature of Scandinavia-very interesting!”

•Scandinavian R5B (4 units), Reading and Composition (various instructors): “This course fulfills a requirement and allows you to explore a different culture through amazing literary works.”
Scandinavian 106 (4 units), Studies in Prose (Sanders): “The works of Hans Christian Andersen was really interesting, a lot of fun, and not tons of work!”

Scandinavian C160 (4 units), Scandinavian Myth and Religion (Lindow): “The professor is easily the authority on Scandinavian myths.”

Scandinavian 170 (4 units), Arctic Folklore and Mythology in Nordic Lands (Lindow): “This class satisfies the L&S International Studies breadth requirement, and it is perhaps the best class I’ve ever taken at Cal. Professor Lindow is intelligent, witty and a great lecturer. The material covered in class is fascinating, and it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about the Greenlanders, the Sami, the Capps, and the Finns.” “This class affords students the opportunity to study the beliefs of cultures they’ve never even heard of before. Plus, Professor Lindow is hilarious.”

Slavic Languages and Literatures
•Slavic Languages and Literatures 1 (5 units), Elementary Russian (various instructors): “If you’re interested in taking a foreign language class, try Russian. Russian is my favorite class, it is interesting and engaging.”

Slavic Languages and Literatures 146 (4 units), East/West Encounters: The Literature of Orientalism (Ram): “It’s a great class that lets you read a fairly wide variety of books from all over. I found several authors I really enjoy through this class.

Social Welfare
•Social Welfare 98/198 (2 units), Social Issues, Social Action (SISA): “This decal is a really fun, interactive class that combines learning about issues in the surrounding area, plus hands-on service projects that help you feel good about creating social change while befriending other young idealists!”

Sociology
Sociology 1 (4 units), Introduction to Sociology (Gold): “Sociology 1 with Professor Gold is a good introductory course, and it is a pre-requisite for many different majors.” “Sociology 1 is an entertaining class for anyone, regardless of whether or not you’re a Sociology major or not. The subject matter is as engaging as Gold’s hilarious comments during lecture, and it’s a non-stressful class that you can take either for your major, your breadth requirement, or any other reason.” “Really opens your mind, and Gold is an enlightening speaker who makes you want to major in sociology.” “Introduces a new way of thinking about the way we act and behave with each other. You also learn about the 60s in Berkeley and all the movements that took place.” “Interesting class; it seems like the professor is having a discussion with the students, even though there are 200 in the class! Plus, good teaching assistants.” “I loved this class! I changed my major to Sociology because of it. Professor Gold is a personable and enjoyable lecturer.” “Professor Gold made lectures really interesting and easy to follow his explanations are thorough and he is one of the most laid back professors on campus.” “Take Sociology 1 with Professor Gold. He’s a funny guy and the course is good at introducing the many aspects of Sociology.”

Sociology 1 (4 units), Introduction to Sociology (Ray): “This class covered all the topics I wanted to talk about: race, class, and gender inequalities. The professor is also very organized and approachable.” “She is a great teacher who uses interactivity to keep her students awake in class. I’ve only been in the class a few weeks, and I’ve already learned so much.” “It introduces students to new perspectives on race, class, and gender. Plus, she has a British accent!” “The class is a good insight into our society and it opened my eyes in a lot of ways. Professor Ray is a great teacher who manages to capture your full, undivided attention. I was never bored in the class and I even enjoyed reading for it.” “I highly recommend taking Sociology 1 with Professor Ray. She is a good lecturer and maintains your interest throughout the course. Plus, we even had guest lecturers who were also the authors of the books we read for the class!”

Sociology 1 (4 units), Introduction to Sociology (Stockinger): “This is a great class for those interested in Sociology because the professor surveys various topics in the field, and his enthusiasm for the material gets students excited about Sociology.”

Sociology 1 (4 units), Introduction to Sociology (Swidler): “What really makes this class great is Professor Swidler; she’s an excellent speaker, her insight and examples are really clear and thought provoking because they get you really thinking about how the subjects translate to your own life. She made me want to pursue the Sociology major, but if that doesn’t work out I’m still definitely going to take another class with her!” “If I took this class my freshman year, I would have majored in Sociology. This class really makes you think critically about yourself and the various issues that are going on in your community everyday that you may over look.” “She’s an excellent lecturer and the course material is interesting even for non-Sociology majors.” “She’s funny, dynamic, and her class was filled with insightful discussion on social inequity and systems of power in society.” “Professor Swidler is unbelievable. This class will make you want to major in Sociology.” “This class determined where I am today.”

Sociology 3AC (4 units), Principles of Sociology (Haytin): “He is amazing! It’s such a fun class and you really get to know everyone.”

Sociology 3AC (4 units), Principles of Sociology (Kelsey): “Professor Kelsey is one of the most compassionate professors I’ve encountered—she tried to learn all 400 of our names!” “Professor Kelsey values true education, which goes beyond grades and is concerned with whether the students are learning anything.” “Kelsey is the best professor I have had at Cal. She makes things so easy to grasp, and she is very understanding of her students.” “This class is enlightening with interesting and relevant topics. Professor Kelsey is great and caring—she actually learns most of the names of the students in her class of over 100 students!” “This class opens up many of today’s social issues and allows students to discuss and share opinions.” “This class isn’t required, but it should be! A must take!” “Professor Kelsey makes her students focus on learning rather than memorizing.” “She’s an awesome professor who’s very chill yet knows her material and is very passionate about it. She makes the subject engaging.”

Sociology 3AC (4 units), Principles of Sociology (Powers): “This is a very enlightening course that allowed me to begin keeping up with current events and look at the world from a new perspective. Powers was also very animated—there was never a dull moment in class.” “This class not only fills a couple of requirements, but it provides an eye-opening perspective on the social world we live in. The class introduces students to key sociological issues and provides the tools needed to analyze them and gain deeper understanding of the way our society functions. Another great aspect of the class is that there are no actual “exams;” instead, you are given the chance to try yourself as a sociologist through a semester-long project that allows you to integrate your own creativity. In addition, you will also be able to do some fieldwork in the real world! Professor Powers is very passionate about the subject he teaches and cares a lot about his students.” “An awesome course to get you adjusted to college. Fun and rewarding.” “There’s no facts or formulas to memorize, just a couple of short papers to write. You will love the class and the professor.” “It deals with poverty and equality; a real eye-opener to the different social levels in our society.”

Sociology 3AC (4 units), Principles of Sociology (Smith): “This class is great because the professor is an excellent lecturer, and the topics discussed in class are very interesting, like black joblessness, women in the workplace, and virginity pledges.”

Sociology 5 (4 units), Evaluation of Evidence (Hout): “The class provided a lot of hands-on sociology, something you don’t get often in other classes.”

Sociology 5 (4 units), Evaluation of Evidence (Lucas): “Professor Lucas made sociology interesting to a non-major who was taking the class as a prerequisite for another major. His style and course requirements are great and are relatively easy to handle. He even brought us candy for Halloween—talk about going the extra mile!”

Sociology 100 (1 unit), In the Sociology Workshop (Thorne): “Professor Thorne is a renowned scholar in Gender Studies and she facilitates this wonderful seminar where students meet with a new Sociology professor every week and discuss personal experiences, research, and more! It’s a great opportunity to familiarize oneself with the Sociology department faculty while simultaneously learning about various research topics.”

Sociology 101A/B (5/5 units), Sociological Theory (Burawoy†): “An extraordinary theoretical learning experience! Burawoy captures your attention dramatically through his energetic, humorous, and highly challenging lectures. Even if you’re not a Sociology major, this class provides the fundamentals of social, political, and economic theory.” “Professor Burawoy is amazing! This was potentially the hardest I’ve ever worked for a college course, but it was also the only lecture that I really looked forward to last term.”

Sociology 101A/101B (5 units), Sociological Theory (Riley): “This was by far the most interesting class that I have ever taken. The professor is highly organized and brilliant.”

Sociology 110 (4 units), Organizations and Institutions (Haveman): “A very organized class in which the professor makes learning about complex structures simple, fun, and easy.”

Sociology 110 (4 units), Organizations and Institutions (Powers): “A really good course. It has a lot of assignments but the professor is thorough in his knowledge and it is a very exciting class!”

Sociology 111 (4 units), Sociology of the Family (Kelsey): “This course makes you look at marriage and relationships in a whole new light. It also brings to light certain aspects of motherhood that are largely overlooked. An extremely interesting course with a wonderful teacher.” “Professor Kelsey is like mother hen.”

Sociology 111 (4 units), Sociology of the Family (Thorne): “Learning about the history and changing aspects of the family was an incredibly rewarding experience.”

Sociology 122 (4 units), Comparative Perspectives on US and European Societies (Petersen): “If you’re a Sociology major, take this course with Petersen as soon as you can. This is a class comparing the widest range of social aspects between the US and Europe. To do this, Petersen enlists the help of six other teachers from the department to speak to their own specialties. There’s no better way to informatively plan your course of study (and Professor Petersen makes up for the time he’s not teaching the course himself by inviting the class out for drinks.)”

Sociology 131AC (4 units), Race and Ethnic Relations: The United States Experience (Barlow): “I took this course with Professor Barlow, and it was amazing! It opened my eyes and taught me to view the world in ways that I never thought possible.” “When I took this class it was three hours long, but Professor Barlow was so energetic and engaging that it felt like only an hour! The discussions on race and ethnicity in the US were very eye opening and kept me at the edge of my seat the entire class. Professor Barlow is very articulate and his class gives you knowledge and information you can use with personal daily interactions.” “I recommend any class with Professor Barlow. His lectures will keep you at the edge of your seat. He is great at addressing controversial topics and is a very engaging lecturer.”

Sociology 133 (4 units), Gender and Society: The Sociology of Women (Ray): “This class changes the way you think about gender and sex.”

Sociology 141 (4 units), Social Movements and Political Action (Wilson): “The class is great because there is a lot of class interaction and a group project. Plus, there are no exams, just short paper assignments—a longer paper for a midterm, the group project, and a longer paper for a final.”

Sociology 170AC (4 units), Social Change (Barlow): “This class takes what was learned in Sociology 131A and applies it to more current issues by using social theories as tools to discern issues.”

Sociology 183 (4 units), Contemporary Chinese Society (Gold): “This course with Professor Gold is amazing. It’s such an informative class, and it’s not so difficult that only upper-division students can take it. Professor Gold is also a charismatic lecturer and his language simply draws you in. I love it.”
South and Southeast Asian Studies R5B (4 units), India in the Writer’s Eye (various professors): “The reading is great and you get your Reading and Composition requirement satisfied.” “I enjoyed this class because the books were not only interesting, they also gave insight into the culture and history of India.” “Excellent reading material and a well put together course.”

South Asian
•South Asian R5A/R5B (4 units), Great Books of India/India in the Writer’s Eye (Wallis): “Chris Wallis is an amazing teacher and makes every class fun to attend. Plus, the class fulfills the school’s Reading and Composition requirements.”

South and Southeast Asian Studies
•South and Southeast Asian Studies 39G (2 units), Freshman/Sophomore Seminar (Hart): “The class size is small, but it fulfills the Arts and Literature breadth requirement. The professor is one of the nicest people I’ve met on campus and the course material gives you insight into Indian culture.”

Spanish
•Spanish 4 (5 units), Intermediate Spanish (various professors): “If you’re interested in foreign languages, take Spanish 4 taught by the staff! It’s a great class that emphasizes mostly discussion of stories and it’s muy divertido!”

•Spanish 135 (3 units), Studies in Hispanic Literature (Ramos): “Professor Ramos is a great instructor. He allows space for conversation and detailed analysis of texts.”

Statistics
Statistics 2 (4 units), Introduction to Statistics (Adhikari†): “Absolutely fantastic. She is a truly caring and entertaining lecturer. I was sure to stay awake in her class, and she made a typically dry topic come alive.” “She is fun, and the class is not that difficult. Statistics might not be interesting for most of us, but the professor knows how to teach it with humor.” “I’m not a math person, but Adhikari’s teaching style makes this class great. The subject matter is relevant to real life, and it’s a wonderful introductory class for any major.” “If you have to take Statistics, Adhikari is the best professor to take it with (she teaches a bunch of different classes). She explains things really clearly, so that you can understand, and she is always willing to answer your questions, whether you’re asking during lecture, at her office hours, or when you run into her around campus. She’s definitely my favorite lecturer on campus.” “She is really encouraging and genuinely wants her students to grasp the material.”

Statistics 2 (4 units), Introduction to Statistics (Purves): “This class is a basic introduction class required for some social science majors or for those who haven’t done their Quantitative Reasoning requirement. The professor is entertaining, lighthearted and has the concerns of the students on his mind.” “Professor Purves is a very funny old man. He teaches in a manner that makes statistics fun. I enjoyed taking his class.” “It’s not an easy class, but it’s really interesting, and it makes you think. You’ll learn how to play and win at roulette so you can take that information and go to Lake Tahoe one weekend.” “For the first time, math is fun.” “He is very clear in his explanations and gives good examples. The material is great and can keep anyone interested.” “Good basic course in statistics that is interesting and gives you useful general knowledge.”

Statistics 20 (4 units), Introduction to Probability and Statistics (Cheng): “This is a very useful course. Students must be familiar with understanding and treating statistics in every department and discipline, so it’s a great supplement to any major or consideration. The Statistics 20 class is easier than Statistics 21 (for Business), but will still serve as the same prerequisite for most departments.”

Statistics 21 (4 units), Introductory Probability and Statistics for Business (Adhikari†): “Adhikari is a really good professor, you’ll learn a lot from her. And the course isn’t that difficult, even if it seems that way at first.”

Statistics 21 (4 units), Introductory Probability and Statistics for Business (Ibser): “If you have to take a Statistics class, you should take it with Ibser—his clarity in the subject is unmatchable. Also, he is a great lecturer, making this introductory class very straightforward.”

Tagalog
Tagalog 1A (5 units), Introductory Tagalog (Gosalves): “A great language requirement class and not many people know that Berkeley offers a Tagalog class!” “The class is so laid back—I get to learn Tagalog and relax too!” “I learned a lot about my culture, and I made more friends in one semester of Tagalog than in three years of chemistry and biology.” “Even if you aren’t Filipino, you’ll have a good time.” “Though the language can be difficult to learn, Professor Gosalves does a great job of explaining everything, and she makes the class one that I look forward to attending every day.” “Hands down, I’ve had the most fun and most entertainment in this class than I’ve had in any other class at Cal. The instructor (Ginang G, as her students call her) is fun and relaxed, and skit day is the best day. This isn’t your typical foreign language class—it’s actually fun!”

Thai
•Thai 100A (5 units), Intermediate Thai (Kepner): “It’s important to take advantage of the tremendous language offerings at Cal and learn the language of your heritage so that it is not lost with time. Professor Kepner is great. She knows a lot about the culture and history of Thailand.”

Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies
Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies R1A (4 units), Introduction to Dramatic Literature (Crosby): “This is a good course to take if you want to satisfy your Reading and Composition requirement with a class that isn’t too intense. It is a literature-based course, so no acting is necessary! The material is really interesting and there are a lot of juicy topics for discussion.”

Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies 10 (3 units), Introduction to Acting (various professors): “This course is taught by fun graduate students from the theater department. It is excellent for the development of basic skills in public speaking, acting, and appreciation of theater in a fun and supportive environment.” “It’s a super fun class. I learned so much more than in my ‘textbook’ classes and made really great friends, something that’s more difficult to do in lecture halls of 500 students.” “It’s a shame they don’t give us college kids recess, but this class is so much fun, it’s the next best thing.” “This is a fantastic lower division course. It’s a great way to improve your public speaking skills, learn about the craft of acting, and also experience a relatively small class size. ” “Not only did it teach the basics of acting, but it also taught me a whole new way to analyze scripts and develop scene work. It’s a great way to mix up your day and make lasting friendships with your classmates.”

Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies 11 (3 units), Scene Study and Characterization: (McIvory): “For any of you Theater majors, this is a great class to familiarize yourself with the theory behind acting.”

Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies 11 (3 units), Scene Study and Characterization (various professors): “You make some of the best friends and have some of the greatest laughs.” “This was my first acting class at Cal, and it has remained my most enjoyable and rewarding class. This class is great for improving your public speaking skills, exploring your creativity, making some great friends, and having a good time. I can’t recommend it enough.”

•Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies 52AC (3 units), Reflections of Gender, Culture, and Ethnicity in American Dance (Johnson): “Great for satisfying the American Cultures requirement.” “An interesting course about learning cultures from their dances and/or styles.” “Makes you realize how important the American Cultures requirement is. Gives you a better understanding of how dance reflects the cultures of the Hopi, Jewish Americans, and African Americans.” “To cover your American Cultures requirement, take this course. It is such an incredible way to see the pieces of the cultures that make up this nation.” “This class was an entertaining way to complete the American Cultures requirement. You won’t look at dance the same way again after this class.”

•Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies 60 (3-4 units), Stagecraft (Killion): “This is an amazing class that introduces you to backstage theater life. It is extremely interactive with little reading and awesome teacher! Everyone who takes this class loves it, and it is an easy way to get three to four units.”

Undergraduate Business Administration
•Undergraduate Business Administration 10 (3 units), Principles of Business (Robinson): “If you are interested in business, definitely take this course! It gives you a wide perspective on different aspects of business and can help you decide what aspect of business you enjoy the most.” “Robinson is an interesting lecturer, the class is not too hard, and the material presented is stimulating.” “UGBA 10 is more than just business—everything you do in life will be related to the material covered in this class (in some way).” “UGBA 10 is tough, but it helps you test out the waters as to whether or not the Business major is for you. This is a fun class with intense competitions from fellow classmates - be prepared to work hard.” “A great start for Business major-wannabes, or just for people who want to get a taste of business and corporate principles. Dr. Robinson gives very entertaining lectures.” “Robinson has a unique way of helping students understand the material through use of props and demonstrations.” “Although it is a competitive class, it gives a good general background to business.” “This is a great course that gives a comprehensive introduction to the Business Administration courses offered through Haas, and it’s a great way to gauge your interest in these areas of study.”

Undergraduate Business Administration 100 (2 units), Business Communication (Perez-Reyes): “Excellent class to develop your communication skills. Helps you to improve your résumé and cover letters.”

•Undergraduate Business Administration 105 (3 units), Introduction to Organizational Behavior (Roberts): “Professor Roberts is a hilarious teacher who brings her dog to class while teaching us about structural team dynamics and integrated problem solving of diverse financial investment corporations.”

•Undergraduate Business Administration 106 (3 units), Marketing (Robinson): “For Haas majors, this is a great course to take your first semester. It doesn’t require a daunting workload or a large amount of previous knowledge and you learn about what contemporary companies are doing to market their products.”

•Undergraduate Business Administration 152 (3 units), Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (Schroth): “It’s fun! You get to bargain, argue, mediate, agree, and disagree. You even learn how to deal with salary negotiations.”

Undergraduate Business Administration 170 (2 units), Business Ethics for the 21st Century (Phillips): “Awesome class! I really learned a lot about myself and making decisions in the workspace (and in life). Professor Phillips is a great, enthusiastic teacher with a lot of life experience He is also willing to take the time to talk to each of his students. Plus we take time out to center and clear our minds before class—what other teacher is willing to do this during valuable class time?”

Undergraduate and Interdisciplinary Studies
Undergraduate and Interdisciplinary Studies 112 (3 units), Women and Disability (Saxton): “The professor of this course teaches you how to be more sensitive and tolerant towards the perspectives of others, trains you to be a better listener, and is a very sweet, kind woman who inspires people. She mixes things up by dividing her lecture into a combination of discussions, presentations, and videos.”

Undergraduate and Interdisciplinary Studies 170 (3 units), Selected Topics: Ethics in Contemporary Society (various professors): “The class topic was ‘Biomedical Ethics,’ and it is a must for anyone considering a career in medicine or public health.”

Vietnamese
•Vietnamese 1A/1B/100A/100B (all 5 units), Introductory/Intermediate Vietnamese (Tran): Vietnamese students or other interested parties: take the Vietnamese language course and meet lifelong friends while learning about your culture and history. Professor Tran’s course is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will greatly enrich your experience here at Cal.” “Excellent classes to learn Vietnamese. Fun interactive, and educational.” “For anyone who would like to learn Vietnamese and about the Vietnamese culture, this class is engaging and comfortable. You develop a family in the class.”

Vision Science
•Vision Science 24 (1 unit), Freshman Seminar (Van Sluyters): “The students in the class get to decide the topics to be learned-find out more about contact lenses, LASIK eye surgery, and how the eye works from someone who knows. You also get to play with optometry office tools and can get a picture of your iris (the colorful part of your eye).” “This is a fun informative seminar that doesn’t take too much work. You get to take digital images of your eyes and work with patients at the optometry school.” “Best class ever! The professor is awesome and he answers any and all questions about the eye. You take amazing pictures of your eye and you learn about evolution of the eye as well.” “This class teaches students about the ailments that can affect the eyes. It’s a great seminar that is laid back and enlightening. It requires little work... in fact it requires no work! Just sit back and relax. The professor even took us out for pizza on the last day!”