Cultural AnthropologyWhat is culture? What does it mean to be human? How and why are societies structured? These are the kinds of big questions that you will grapple with in this course. Cultural anthropologists engage with ideas such as power, belief, and identity in local, specific contexts, such as a small town in Botswana, a boarding school in Connecticut, or a church community in Brazil. In this course, you will examine how culture works in your own lives and communities, conduct anthropological observations, read an academic monograph, engage in deep discussion, and explore the basics of social theory.
Islamic World History in the Premodern Era, 500-1500 CEIn this course you will explore the rise and expansion of Islam as a global religion and civilization. It examines the historical development of Islamic societies across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, focusing on key periods such as the Islamic Golden Age and the emergence of regional empires. You will also analyze interactions between the Muslim world and external powers, including the Crusades, the Mongol invasions, and the history of the Ottoman Empire. By the end of the course, you will have gained a deeper understanding of the factors behind Islam’s rise and the diverse ways in which religion has shaped the political, social, and economic landscapes of the region. This course includes an opportunity to visit a local Islamic center.
Latin American History
In this course, you will explore the deep and complex history of Latin America, examining how power, ideology, and the autonomy of Indigenous people have shaped the region from the pre-Columbian era to today. You will investigate civilizations like the Inca and Aztec, the impact of European colonization, and struggles for independence. The course examines how political and economic ideologies, from colonial rule to neoliberalism, have influenced Latin American societies. Key historical moments such as the Mexican and Cuban Revolutions, Cold War interventions, and modern political movements will be considered. You will engage with primary and secondary sources, including art and artifacts, to develop a nuanced understanding of historical change and continuity. By critically examining Latin America’s past, you will gain insight into its vibrant history and culture, present challenges, and global connections.
Telling Our Stories: Personal Histories, Oral Testimony, and Community Identity
Who am I? Where do I come from? How does history shape experiences, and how do individuals shape history? These essential questions will guide this immersive, identity- and community- centered course as you explore family, local, and oral histories. Through partnerships and visits with local organizations such as UC Berkeley’s Oral History Center, the San Francisco History Center, and the FamilySearch Center at Oakland’s Temple Hill, you will engage in hands-on historical research. This course will offer you an opportunity to think and work like a historian while deepening your understanding of yourself and communities.
U.S. Current Events in Historical Context
Using your historical knowledge as a foundation for understanding the present, you will investigate, analyze, discuss, and debate current events. Topics will be driven by student interest and will include political, social, economic, and environmental issues, examining their historical roots and ongoing effects. In addition to learning about current news topics, you will also explore historical events from the last few decades. Primary and secondary source materials will guide your study. Potential topics include elections, wars, summits, trade deals, economic trends, and social movements.