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. Examines the emergence and development of key concepts of justice including procedures, rights, and reparation.

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 approach to effective studying, note-taking, critical thinking, and exams. Also explored: time management; good communication with staff and faculty; major and career exploration; and use of campus resources. Enrollment priority given to first-year students and sophomores.

Students gain skills and confidence to lead groups; develop a leadership mindset; build tools for communication, conflict resolution, and receiving feedback; cultivate an inclusive and welcoming environment. (Formerly offered as STEV 11A.)

Gain insights, tools, and confidence to identify and pursue goals, dreams, and aspirations. This Experiential Leadership Program course focuses on developing greater self-awareness, and practical tools for getting where you want to go. Includes an all day adventure hike. No experience necessary. (Formerly offered as STEV 11B.)

Experiential Learning Program course in which students gain insights and confidence to work with multicultural and global teams. Focuses on developing a mindset and frameworks that support people to work effectively with one another. Includes an all-day sea kayak adventure (funding dependent). No experience necessary.

Although applicable to any setting, this Experiential Leadership Program (ELP) course explores topics of risk management and social justice through the lens of outdoor leadership. Students gain tools and insights to cultivate a safe and inclusive environment. Includes a weekend backpack trip (funding dependent). No experience necessary.

Experiential Leadership Program course focusing on tools to build a high functioning team that has the confidence and skill to work together, solve complex problems, and navigate challenges to achieve a shared goal. Includes a 10-day wilderness expedition as a testing ground to practice and apply new team skills. Includes leadership development, and learning about good expedition and team behavior. Enrollment is by instructor permission. (Formerly offered as STEV 13.)

This introductory level seminar is designed to reduce anxiety and increase competence and confidence in a variety of public speaking situations. While providing some theory, this seminar emphasizes the practice of composing and delivering speeches, including formal, informal, and extemporaneous occasions.

An interdisciplinary introduction to the study of the brain, mind, and consciousness. Topics include the philosophy of mind, neuroscience, cognition, and social psychology, and their applications in fields such as health science, technology, and social development.

Explores evidence and inferences from existing literature surrounding near-death experiences. Uses a multidisciplinary approach to investigate concepts, such as consciousness, aging, life, and death.

Intended to enhance students' skills in using the most powerful learning tool in any university: the library. Topics: organization of the library; how to begin researching; search engine and database use; judging the quality of sources; using sources responsibly. Disciplinary focus changes from quarter to quarter.

Overview of the financial responsibilities that young adults take on after college. Topics include: taxes, budgeting, student loans, credit, and investing in the stock market. Ubiquitous terms, such as 401(k), are defined, and financial principles are used to develop a framework for personal financial decision-making.

For publication in a Cowell literary journal, students substantively revise one of their fall quarter essays by studying a major work that influences, acknowledges, or further clarifies a required reading of the Cowell core course.

Focused followup on social justice topics and readings introduced in the Cowell core course. Allows first-year students to pursue social justice themes in greater depth. Students must have previously taken a Cowell core course (or equivalent).

Mary Holmes--legendary founding faculty member of UCSC, keen observer, painter of mythic images, and profound thinker--had a visionary's insight into the mysteries of love, paradox, and meaning. This course explores her art, teaching, and wisdom.

Students learn techniques of bookbinding, construction, and design, and fundamentals of letterpress printing. Enrollment is by permission of instructor.

Learn fundamental skills in fine letterpress printing, including hand typesetting and instruction in the operation of printing presses. Basic typography explored as students design and print a small edition of a selected text.

Students learn fundamental skills in fine letterpress printing, including hand typesetting and instruction in the operation of printing presses. Basic typography explored as students design and print a small edition of a selected text.

First-year honors seminar focusing on current research and theory related to children and technology. Attention is given to the gaps between public opinion about the impact of technology on children and the actual evidence regarding such impacts. Topics may include how use of digital devices may influence children's thinking; how children learn to use new technologies; computer gaming and aggression; and how children's social development may be influenced by social media and other technology.

Explores the world of philanthropy. Examines the different models of philanthropy to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses. Also examines what drives philanthropists to give. Enrollment by permission and restricted to College Scholar students.

A comparison of three great modern cities, with emphasis on their roles as incubators of new forms of art, spectacle, and entertainment; the specters of alienation, poverty, and crime during periods of explosive growth; and immigration and diversity as sources of cultural dynamism.

Through study of primary sources in translation, considers a range of classic Chinese approaches to basic reflective questions about human experience, with special focus on issues of justice, social engagement, and meaning and authenticity in everyday life.

Gateway course illuminating the operation of the writing systems of greater China. Intended for students who are curious about the world's longest continually used symbol set as well as for those who may be considering a serious commitment to learning the language.

Offers students the knowledge and skills required to lead diverse teams. Topics include the social-change model of leadership and principles of collaboration. Geared toward Cowell and Stevenson Residential Assistants, but students interested in the topics may take the course with permission from the instructor.

Examines the history of temporality or the human experience of time. Theoretical readings and primary sources are used to explore the ways that humans have related to the past, present, and future. Course focuses on research and writing methods.

Introduction of UCSC as a research university, our notable researchers, and their work. Weekly discussions with UCSC faculty from a variety of disciplines.

Various topics to be arranged. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Various topics to be arranged. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

A program of independent study arranged between a group of students and a faculty instructor. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

A program of independent study arranged between a group of students and a faculty instructor. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Various topics to be arranged. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.

Various topics to be arranged. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.