This cluster combines courses in anthropology and writing, and provides an engaging introduction to various studies in the Division of Arts and Humanities. Students will improve their writing skills, and explore the structure and dynamics of human cultures and social institutions with special attention to American cultures. This cluster will fulfill the Social & Behavioral Science L&S breadth and American Cultures requirement. Regarding course placement into either College Writing R4A OR College Writing R4B: Students participating in this cluster will be placed in the appropriate course, and therefore do not need to be concerned about placement prior to selecting this cluster.
Course Descriptions
ANTHRO 3AC: Introduction to Social/Cultural Anthropology (4 Units)
The structure and dynamics of human cultures and social institutions from a comparative perspective with special attention to American cultures and their roots. Case studies will illustrate the principles presented in the course. It fulfills the requirements for 3.
HUM 10: To Be Human: Chinese, Indian & Islamic Perspectives (4 Units)
The Compass Courses offer you an opportunity to explore the division of Arts and Humanities. They are offered on different themes each year, but they share a unique structure. The class is taught by three professors in three modules of study. You will have a chance to study with each professor, experience a range of approaches to the theme, and learn the methods and structures of different disciplines. Compass Courses are designed to guide you through various options for study in Arts and Humanities and to serve as a gateway to the rich offerings at Berkeley. They are part of the freshman experience, advancing a common journey of discovery and building an intellectual cohort among students new to Berkeley’s expansive possibilities.
COLWRIT R4A: Reading & Composition (4 Units)*
This writing seminar satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement. The course is designed to offer students structured, sustained, and highly articulated practice in the recursive processes entailed in reading, critical analysis, and composing. Students will read five thematically related book-length texts, or the equivalent, drawn from a range of genres, in addition to various non-print sources. In response to these materials, they will craft several short pieces leading up to three longer essays–works of exposition and argumentation.
COLWRIT R4B: Theory, History, and Practice of Film and Media: Gangsters, Gold-diggers & Glamour Girls: The Dialectic of Film and Culture (4 Units)*
A lecture/seminar satisfying the second half of the Reading & Composition requirement, R4B offers structured and sustained practice in the processes used in reading, critical analysis, and writing. Students engage with thematically-related materials from a range of genres and media. In response, they craft short pieces leading to longer expository and/or argumentative essays. Students develop a research question, draft a research essay, gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources. Elements of the research process–a proposal, an annotated bibliography, an abstract, a works cited list, etc.–are submitted with the final report in a research portfolio. Students write a minimum of 32 pages of prose.
*Note regarding R4A/R4B course placement: Students participating in this cluster will be placed in the appropriate course (either R4A or R4B) and therefore do not need to be concerned about placement prior to selecting this cluster.
Meeting Schedule
- ANTHRO 3AC: TR 11-12:30 PM; Discussion T 1-2 PM
- HUM 10: TR 10-11 AM; Discussion F 12-1PM
- COLWRIT R4A: MWF 9-10 AM
- COLWRIT R4B: MWF 12-1 PM
Major Prerequisites and L&S Breadth/General Requirements
Course | Major Prerequisites | Major Lower Division | L&S Breadth/General Requirement |
---|---|---|---|
ANTHRO 3AC | Anthropology Psychology* Media Studies* Public Health* American Studies* |
N/A |
Social & Behavioral Sciences |
HUM 10 | N/A | N/A |
Arts & Literature |
COLWRIT R4A | N/A | N/A |
Fulfills Part A of R&C |
COLWRIT R4B | N/A | N/A |
Fulfills Part B of R&C |
* = one of several classes that can satisfy requirement
+ = recommended, not required
^ = lower division requirement, not required for declaration