Lower-Division

Teaches foundational concepts for intellectual exploration and personal development within an academic community: analysis, critical thinking, metacognition, engagement with others across difference, and self-efficacy. Engages students in Rachel Carson's intellectual tradition of investigating relationships between environment and society.

Orientation to and exploration of the nature of the liberal arts, and of learning at research universities. Topics include: academic planning for upper-division coursework; enrollment processes; and understanding pathways to degree completion; UCSC resources that support health and well-being strategies for academic success; the cultivation of just communities; the prevention of sexual harassment and violence; campus conduct policies; awareness of risks associated with drug and/or alcohol use; and an introduction to traditions of community-engaged learning, ground-breaking research, and interdisciplinary thinking that define a UC Santa Cruz degree. This course can be taken for Pass/No Pass grading only.

An interactive course providing students with the opportunity to assess and revise methods of and purposes in studying. Critical, effective approaches to reading, writing, participating in lectures and sections, taking exams, balancing competing responsibilities, and utilizing campus resources are all explored. Enrollment by permission of college adviser.

Introduces tips and techniques to supplement and expand a student's existing repertoire of science/mathematics problem-solving skills for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classes. The material covered is intended to aid development as a confident learner and future expert in the student's major.

Introduces tips and techniques to supplement and expand a student's existing repertoire of science/mathematics problem-solving skills for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classes. The material covered is intended to aid development as a confident learner and future expert in the student's major.

Students consider the representation of the sea in selected texts, noting how it becomes the focal point for the fears, hopes, and prejudices of Western civilization. Students write critical papers and their own narratives.

Students understand their peers and themselves better through an exploration of issues that affect the daily life of college students. Topics include campus/student cultures, the academic system, and other critical issues. Overview of campus resources also provided.

Examines issues of oppression, privilege, and social justice within a global and environmental context through self-reflective and group work. May include an optional service-learning component requiring travel during spring break.

A case study of the 1970s-1990s UC Santa Cruz effort to restore a nearly extinct peregrine falcon population including reviews of the Endangered Species Act, falcon physiology, and the innovative conservation biology techniques that led to success.

Overview of theories of student development, critical student issues, and skills needed for appropriate peer leadership interventions. Utilizes a variety of learning modes including readings, discussions, case studies, lectures, and group projects. Interview only: approval of instructor; Resident Assistant (RA) pre-employment training course.

Introduces service-learning theory and practice for students engaging in service-learning work in the college, college-related projects, community service organizations, or public agencies.

Students develop and work on media projects related to the college theme of Environment and Society in film, on television, in print, and on the Internet. Students work in groups with specific instructors and project leaders. Enrollment by application and instructor consent.

Analyzes sustainability and its application in daily life and on campus, involving collaboration between students, faculty, staff, administration, and the community. Guest lecturers, discussions, an optional UC-wide retreat, and essays allow engagement with aspects of ecological and social sustainability.

Introduces key technological solutions to environmental problems; discusses their underlying principles; and examines their societal dimensions. Topics include: conventional and renewable energy; emerging technologies for transportation, energy efficiency clean water; planetary engineering; and lean manufacturing.

Students write about and discuss a variety of films and articles about environment and society. Topics may include water, food systems, wilderness, wildlife, pollution, global warming, nuclear energy, conservation, and environmental activism.

Learn sustainable, ecologically sound horticulture, permaculture, and small-scale organic agricultural practices through hands-on gardening experience. This outdoor interdisciplinary course operates within a food justice framework. (Formerly Rachel Carson College Garden Internship.)

Individual study for lower-division students directed by a faculty member affiliated with the college. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.