Cowell College
2018-19 General Catalog
College Office
(831) 459-2253
http://cowell.ucsc.edu/
For college description and list of faculty, see Colleges.
Lower-Division Courses
1. Academic Literacy and Ethos: Imagining Justice. F
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. Enrollment is restricted to first-year college members. Enrollment limited to 30. A. Christy
12. Public Speaking. W
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. Enrollment is restricted to college members during priority enrollment. Enrollment limited to 20. C. Carlstroem
39. Brain, Mind, and Consciousness. W
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. The Staff
40. Near-Death Experiences: Evidence and Inference in the Post-Modern World. *
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. Enrollment limited to 30. The Staff
42. Student-Directed Seminar. *
Seminars taught by upper-division students under faculty supervision. (See course 192.) The Staff
42B. Student-Directed Seminar: The Politics of Sexuality. S
Examines the sexual crisis in the United States by looking through various policy choices and political ideologies that inform the current way of thinking about and policing sexuality. Students apply a critical lens to sexual norms and gain an understanding of how societal beliefs can influence policy and culture. Enrollment limited to 40. D. Mathiowetz
50. Library Skills for the Digital Age (2 credits). *
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. Enrollment is restricted to first-year and sophomore college members, or by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 22. The Staff
52. Personal Finance and Investing. S
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. Enrollment limited to 30. P. Kelly
61. Critical Journeys (2 credits). *
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. Prerequisite(s): course 80A or 80B; enrollment is restricted to college members. Enrollment limited to 20. J. Wilson, C. Carlstroem
64. Social Justice: Issues and Debates (2 credits). *
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). Enrollment is restricted to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 20. The Staff
65. Meaning, Paradox, and Love. S
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. (Formerly Love and Wisdom.) Enrollment limited to 25. (General Education Code(s): IM.) A. Somekh
70A. Introduction to Book Arts. F
Students learn techniques of bookbinding, construction, and design, and fundamentals of letterpress printing. Enrollment is by permission of instructor. Students are billed a materials fee. (Formerly Bookbinding.) Enrollment limited to 10. G. Young
70B. Intermediate Book Arts. W
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 are billed a materials fee. (Formerly Printing I: Elements of Printing.) Prerequisite(s): course 70A or by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 12. G. Young
70C. Advanced Book Arts. S
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. Students are billed a materials fee. (Formerly Printing II: Typography and Book Design.) Prerequisite(s): course 70B or by instructor permission. Enrollment limited to 12. May be repeated for credit. G. Young
78. Children, Technology, and Development. *
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. Enrollment is restricted to College Scholar students. Enrollment limited to 23. (General Education Code(s): PE-T.) M. Callanan
82. Good vs. Good. W
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. (General Education Code(s): PE-H.) F. Crosby
83. The Modern Metropolis: Paris, London, New York 1770-1860. *
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. Enrollment is restricted to Cowell and Crown Honors students. Enrollment limited to 30. (General Education Code(s): CC.) B. Thompson
84. Chinese Approaches to Human Values. *
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. Enrollment is restricted to Cowell and Crown Honors students. Enrollment limited to 28. (General Education Code(s): CC.) R. Birnbaum
85. Introduction to Chinese Writing Systems. *
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. D. Keenan
86. Leading Social Change (2 credits). S
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. (Also offered as Stevenson College 86. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) May be repeated for credit. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.) The Staff
87. The History of Time. *
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. Enrollment is restricted to College Scholar students. Enrollment limited to 22. (General Education Code(s): CC.) M. O'Hara
89. Faculty Research Colloquium (2 credits). S
Introduction of UCSC as a research university, our notable researchers, and their work. Weekly discussions with UCSC faculty from a variety of disciplines. Enrollment is restricted to participants in the first-year scholars program. M. O'Hara
93. Field Study. F,W,S
Various topics to be arranged. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
93F. Field Study (2 credits). F,W,S
Various topics to be arranged. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
94. Group Tutorial. F,W,S
A program of independent study arranged between a group of students and a faculty instructor. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. Enrollment limited to 10. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
94F. Group Tutorial (2 credits). F,W,S
A program of independent study arranged between a group of students and a faculty instructor. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
99. Tutorial. F,W,S
Various topics to be arranged. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
99F. Tutorial (2 credits). F,W,S
Various topics to be arranged. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
Upper-Division Courses
107. Trust Rules: How to Tell the Good People from the Bad (2 credits). F
Students learn practical tools and techniques for assessing trustworthiness, including your own, and applying these tools in a variety of situations. Integrating insights from practical experience, philosophy, and psychology, this course teaches us how to pay attention to red flags in relationships and ultimately develop a network of trustworthy people that will help us succeed in work and in our personal lives. (Formerly Trust Rules: How to Tell Good People from Bad People in Work and Life.) Enrollment is restricted to college members or by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 20. L. Stroh
110. Introduction to Mock Trial (2 credits). W
Introduces Mock Trial, which is open to all students. Covers the basics of argumentation, cross and direct examinations, permissible evidence, witness testimony, and courtroom protocol. Special emphasis is on public speaking. Students write speeches for opening and closing arguments and create questions for witnesses. Students must read the Mock Trial handbook for examples and strategies. Each student has an opportunity for public speaking and creating a coherent legal argument. Enrollment is restricted to college members. May be repeated for credit. D. Robertson
111. Mock Trial Workshop (2 credits). F,W,S
Reserved for the Mock Trial team to practice arguments and refine techniques for the competition nationwide. Students drilled on the case from both the perspective of the defense and of the offense. Direct examination and cross examination strategies explored, and practice given in witness testimony. Enrollment limited to 20. May be repeated for credit. D. Robertson
118B. Words & Music: Poetry, Musical Theater, Opera. *
Study of significant texts enhanced by music for performance. Topics vary annually. Course compares original texts in English translation with their adaptation to musical theater (My Fair Lady, Oklahoma, etc.) and opera (Carmen, etc.) May be repeated for credit. The Staff
122. United Nations Contemporary Issues (2 credits). S
Introduces the Model United Nations through discussion of contemporary issues. Students learn parliamentary procedures and U.N. protocols, as well as how to work collaboratively to research and to present position papers. Students learn resolution writing, alliance building, and persuasive speech. (Also offered as Carson College 122. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment limited to 35. May be repeated for credit. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.) D. Robertson
126. The Trajectory of Justice in America. S
Is democracy a reality or a perception? Though we live in a democracy, some privileged constituencies influence the government behind a veil. The central question is "Does the United States operate in ways consistent with its constitution?" (Formerly "The Trajectory of Justice in America: Eight Cases that Changed the U.S.") Enrollment is restricted to juniors and seniors. May be repeated for credit. D. Sheehan
138A. The Place of Higher Education in a Democratic Society. S
Centers around interviews of alumni and involves a reflective term paper on a specific topic having to do with the role of higher education in a democratic society. Teaches students how to conduct interviews. Prerequisite(s): course 80A or 80B. (General Education Code(s): PE-H.) The Staff
138B. Life Development (2 credits). *
Visits from alumni form the centerpiece of this course. In teams, students study the lives and the issues of the visitors. The aim is to reflect on the meaning of education in adult development. Prerequisite(s): course 80A or 80B. Enrollment is restricted to sophomore, junior, and senior Cowell College members. Enrollment limited to 40. F. Crosby
156M. Medical Ethics and Justice in Literature and Film. *
Course approaches literature and literary devices in their capacity to address the patient's experience of illness, medical education and practice, and medical ethics and to understand and assess how considerations of justice impact these themes in medicine. Particular issues raised by a variety of topics are examined and discussed in the context of case examples as presented in literature and film, e.g., informed consent, the doctor-patient relation, withdrawing vs. withholding life-sustaining treatment, organ transplantation, health care reform, rationing/social justice, etc. (Formerly Arts and Sciences.) Enrollment limited to 15. May be repeated for credit. D. Schultz
158A. Special Topics: Oral History. *
Introduction to the art and science of conducting and oral history. Readings include books that offer both theoretical and practical insights. Students conduct interviews and construct oral histories, focusing on the alumni of Cowell College. Enrollment restricted to sophomore, junior, and senior college members. Enrollment limited to 25. The Staff
161A. Bards to Bloggers: Literature and Technology in Transhistorical Focus. *
Through study of ancient and contemporary forms (epics to e-literature), students study the connections that have tied literary reading and writing to specific technologies, including memory, the alphabet, pens, printing, radio, computing, the Internet, and handheld devices. Enrollment is restricted to junior and senior college members. Enrollment limited to 20. D. Shemek
161Y. Modern Ancient Drama. *
Studies 20th- and 21st-century productions and adaptations of ancient Greek and Roman drama in theater, dance, music, and film, including Stravinsky, Graham, Pasolini, and Taymor. Discusses artists' goals, the sociopolitical context, ideas of authenticity and audience response. (Also offered as Theater Arts 161Y. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment limited to 30. The Staff
165. Fundraising Practicum (3 credits). W
Covers the fundamental skills, ethics, and practices of crowd-sourced fundraising in the liberal arts. Students build a project portfolio that includes mission statement, donor-cultivation tools, and action reports. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. Meet with the instructor to verify enrollment in a Giving Day campaign with liberal arts focus. (Also offered as Humanities 165. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment limited to 28. A. Christy
168. Social Change (2 credits). F,W,S
How do you change the world, working alone and in concert with others? To find out, students work in groups with specific community partners who, in turn, help place students in social-change organizations in Santa Cruz County. Enrollment is restricted to college members. May be repeated for credit. (General Education Code(s): PR-S.) D. Baldini
170F. Freedom and Race. S
Interrogates the relationship between freedom and race in our current political moment by looking to historical and theoretical models that inform the present. Considers how race operates in legal, scientific, and visual discourses to shape individual and collective freedoms. Enrollment limited to 25. (General Education Code(s): ER.) V. Zablotsky, A. Moore, B. Cave-LaCoste
184A. Leadership and Institution Building (2 credits). F
Through lectures by senior administrators and student consensus-and-recommendation teams, students learn how leaders work with constituent groups, build cooperation, and develop implementation plans in an institution such as the University of California, specifically, UC Santa Cruz. Enrollment is restricted to undergraduates accepted in the Chancellor's Undergraduate Internship Program. Students submit applications winter quarter for the following academic year. Enrollment limited to 40. (General Education Code(s): PR-S.) T. Thorpe
184B. Leadership and Institution Building (2 credits). W
Through lectures by senior administrators and student consensus-and-recommendation teams, students learn how leaders work with constituent groups, build cooperation, and develop implementation plans in an institution such as the University of California, specifically, UC Santa Cruz. Enrollment is restricted to undergraduates accepted in the Chancellor's Undergraduate Internship Program. Students submit applications winter quarter for the following academic year. Enrollment limited to 40. (General Education Code(s): PR-S.) T. Thorpe
184C. Leadership and Institution Building (2 credits). S
Through lectures by senior administrators and student consensus-and-recommendation teams, students learn how leaders work with constituent groups, build cooperation, and develop implementation plans in an institution such as the University of California, specifically, UC Santa Cruz. Enrollment is restricted to undergraduates accepted in the Chancellor's Undergraduate Internship Program. Students submit applications winter quarter for the following academic year. Enrollment limited to 40. (General Education Code(s): PR-S.) T. Thorpe
192. Directed Student Teaching. *
Teaching of a lower-division seminar under faculty supervision. (See course 42.) Upper-division standing required and a proposal supported by a faculty member willing to supervise. The Staff
193. Field Study. F,W,S
Program of study arranged between a group of students and an instructor, which may involve work with an off-campus or non-departmental agency (e.g., internship or field work). Interview only; prior arrangement with instructor. Enrollment is restricted to juniors and seniors. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
193F. Field Study (2 credits). F,W,S
Program of study arranged between a group of students and an instructor, which may involve work with an off-campus or non-departmental agency (e.g., internship or field work). Interview only; prior arrangement with instructor. Enrollment is restricted to juniors and seniors. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
194. Group Tutorial. F,W,S
A program of independent study arranged between a group of students and an instructor. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
194F. Group Tutorial (2 credits). F,W,S
A program of independent study arranged between a group of students and an instructor. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. Enrollment is restricted to juniors and seniors. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
195. Senior Thesis. F,W,S
Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. The Staff
198. Independent Field Study. F,W,S
Provides for college-sponsored individual study programs off campus, for which faculty supervision is not in person (e.g., supervision is by correspondence.) Up to three such courses may be taken for credit in any one quarter. Approval of student's adviser, certification of adequate preparation, and approval by provost required. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
199. Tutorial. F,W,S
Various topics to be arranged. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
199F. Tutorial (2 credits). F,W,S
Various topics to be arranged. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit. The Staff
Revised: 07/15/18
