This cluster explores the essential role of water through a creative lens. Students will delve into the scientific aspects of oceans, including their ecological and global significance, while also engaging in art and media projects to challenge and reshape popular misconceptions about water resources in California. This cluster combines oceanography, art, and writing to encourage creative thinking and problem-solving around environmental issues related to water. Students will also benefit from the fulfillment of the breadth requirements for Biological Science, Physical Science, and Arts & Literature, while also fulfilling either the first OR the second half of Reading and Composition.
Course Descriptions
- ART 30: Art, Water & California, 3 Units. Water is one of the most precarious resources in California, yet many people believe the water supply to be unlimited. The arts and visual cultures contribute to such popular misconceptions of natural resources, but media art can also help people develop more accurate and relevant conceptions of natural resources. The course introduces students to interdisciplinary creative research and media art production with the end goal of advancing popular conceptions about water. Students study water cultures in California from the 1750’s onwards and experience a wide range of watercourses and waterworks to inspire new art. Art projects include data visualization, short fiction, billboard designs, and interactive gallery displays.
- GEOG 50AC: California, 4 Units. California had been called “the great exception” and “America, only more so.” Yet few of us pay attention to its distinctive traits and to its effects beyond our borders. California may be “a state of mind,” but it is also the most dynamic place in the most powerful country in the world, and would be the 8th largest economy if it were a country. Its wealth has been built on mining, agriculture, industry, trade, and finance. Natural abundance and geographic advantage have played their parts, but the state’s greatest resource has been its wealth and diversity of people, who have made it a center of technological and cultural innovation from Hollywood to Silicon Valley. Yet California has a dark side of exploitation and racialization.
- INTEGBI 11: California Natural History, 3 Units. An introduction to the biomes, plants, and animals of California. The lectures will introduce natural history as the foundation of the sciences, with an overview of geology, paleontology, historical biology, botany, zoology, ecosystem ecology, and conservation biology. The field labs will include activities on the UC Berkeley campus and around the Bay Area. Course is open to all students without prerequisite and will provide a foundation for advanced study in biology and field biology.
Meeting Schedule
- ART 30: W 1:00-5:00 PM
- GEOG 50AC: TR 12:30-2:00 PM
- INTEGBI 11: TR 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Major Prerequisites and L&S Breadth/General Requirements
| Course | Major Prerequisite | L&S Breadth/General Requirement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ART 30 | N/A | Arts & Literature L&S Breadth | |
| GEOG 50AC | Prerequisite for Geography | Social & Behavioral Sciences, American Cultures Requirement | |
| INTEGBI 11 | N/A | Biological Science L&S Breadth | |
* = one of several classes that can satisfy requirement
+ = recommended, not required
^ = lower division requirement, not required for declaration
