Course Catalog

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Course #
Course Title
Course Level
Units
COWL 1
Academic Literacy and Ethos: Imagining Justice
Lower Division
5 units
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.
COWL 1A
Introduction to University Life and Learning
Lower Division
1 units
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. Enrollment is restricted to entering first-year Cowell College students.
COWL 10
Becoming a Successful Student
Lower Division
5 units
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. Enrollment limited to 15.
COWL 11A
Experiential Leadership Program Core Course: Tools for Leadership and Conflict Resolution
Lower Division
2 units
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.) . Enrollment limited to 22. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)
COWL 11B
ELP Core Course: Leadership From the Inside Out, Networking and Professionalism
Lower Division
2 units
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.) . Enrollment limited to 22. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)
COWL 11C
ELP Core Course: Tone-Setting and Leading with Cultural/Emotional Intelligence
Lower Division
2 units
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. . Enrollment limited to 22. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)
COWL 11D
ELP Elective Course: Risk Management and Social Justice Through the Lens of Outdoor Leadership
Lower Division
2 units
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. . Enrollment limited to 22. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)
COWL 11E
Leadership Spring Break Intensive: Backpacking the Canyons of Southern Utah
Lower Division
2 units
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.) Enrollment limited to 10. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)
COWL 11F
Slug Ambassador
Lower Division
3 units
Develop the leadership and professional skills and confidence that will enable you to make a difference in your personal, academic, and professional life. Course offers students the opportunity to give back by sharing their stories and successes, engaging in networking events, and serving as role models for fellow students. Course limited to students participating in the Slug Ambassador program. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 24. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)
COWL 12
Public Speaking
Lower Division
5 units
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 limited to 20.
COWL 50
Library Skills for the Digital Age
Lower Division
2 units
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.
COWL 52
Personal Finance and Investing
Lower Division
5 units
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.
COWL 64
Social Justice: Issues and Debates
Lower Division
2 units
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.
COWL 65
Meaning, Paradox, and Love
Lower Division
5 units
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. Enrollment limited to 25. (General Education Code(s): IM.)
COWL 66
Introduction to Systems Theory
Lower Division
5 units
Multidisciplinary overview of the problem-solving methodology known as Systems Theory. The word “system” is used every day, but few people understand what a system really is. What do different systems—from a digestive system to a legal system to a solar system—have in common? What are the laws that govern how systems operate, and how do problems arise? Our goal is to appreciate the fundamental roles that systems play in making daily life functional, in order to diagnose problems better and to generate novel and functional solutions. (General Education Code(s): MF.)
COWL 70A
Introduction to Book Arts
Lower Division
5 units
Students learn techniques of bookbinding, construction, and design, and fundamentals of letterpress printing. Enrollment is by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 10. (General Education Code(s): IM.)
COWL 70B
Intermediate Book Arts
Lower Division
5 units
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. Prerequisite(s): COWL 70A or by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 12. (General Education Code(s): IM.)
COWL 70C
Advanced Book Arts
Lower Division
5 units
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. Prerequisite(s): COWL 70B or by instructor permission. Enrollment limited to 12. May be repeated for credit. (General Education Code(s): IM.)
COWL 86
Leading Social Change
Lower Division
2 units
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.)
COWL 89
Faculty Research Colloquium
Lower Division
2 units
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.
COWL 93
Field Study
Lower Division
5 units
Various topics to be arranged. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit.
COWL 94
Group Tutorial
Lower Division
5 units
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.
COWL 94F
Group Tutorial
Lower Division
2 units
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.
COWL 99
Tutorial
Lower Division
5 units
Various topics to be arranged. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit.
COWL 111
Mock Trial Workshop
Upper Division
2 units
Offers opportunities to improve students’ public speaking and communication skills through weekly exercises which challenge a student’s ability to think quickly, organize information effectively and speak persuasively. Students also learn and practice courtroom procedures and legal argument styles. Each week students learn about a facet of mock trial. Students focus on different speaking skills weekly. Speakers of all skill levels are welcome and receive constructive criticism both from peers and the teachers and participate in debates within a small team. . Enrollment limited to 30. May be repeated for credit. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)
COWL 118B
Words & Music: Poetry, Musical Theater, Opera
Upper Division
5 units
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.
COWL 122
United Nations Contemporary Issues
Upper Division
2 units
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. Enrollment limited to 35. May be repeated for credit. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)
COWL 138A
The Place of Higher Education in a Democratic Society
Upper Division
5 units
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): COWL 80A or COWL 80B. (General Education Code(s): PE-H.)
COWL 140
Designing Your Life
Upper Division
5 units
Do you ever think, ''I want to make a difference!'' but don't know where to start? In this class, students learn design thinking theory and methods and apply them to their lives, specifically to the question of what to do after college. Students build deeper awareness of their values and goals, define areas of life and work they want to grow in, ideate multiple life paths, prototype elements of careers of interest, and take small steps to try these out. This is an experiential class that asks students to try new ways of thinking and step outside comfort zones as they learn a creative problem-solving approach applicable in many contexts. (Formerly offered as CLNI 140.) Enrollment is restricted to juniors and seniors. (General Education Code(s): PE-H.)
COWL 158A
Special Topics: Oral History
Upper Division
5 units
Introduction to the theory, practice, technology, and ethics of conducting oral history. Readings and expert guest speakers offer both theoretical and practical insights. Students plan and implement oral history projects in accordance with professional standards. Enrollment restricted to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Enrollment limited to 25. (General Education Code(s): PR-C.)
COWL 161E
Digital Investigations and Human Rights Witnessing
Upper Division
5 units
Explores the emerging field of digital investigations and the concept of human rights witnessing. Within the context of the impact of social media and digital technologies, course explores how ethics, power, and social inequalities affect everyday life in the digital realm, including its use to share stories of injustice and the ways access to social media and other technology is a reflection of societal inequalities. In what ways has the digital divide become more evident due to the COVID-19 pandemic? And finally, in what ways does repeatedly viewing traumatic posts online affect our well-being? . (Also offered as Latin American&Latino Studies 194F. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment is restricted to junior and senior college members. Enrollment limited to 25. (General Education Code(s): PE-T.)
COWL 161Y
Modern Ancient Drama
Upper Division
5 units
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.
COWL 165
Fundraising Practicum
Upper Division
3 units
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.
COWL 168
Social Change
Upper Division
2 units
How do you change the world, working alone and in concert with others? To find out students spend the quarter learning about how one non-profit organization of their choosing creates change in their community. Students research an agency, focusing on who is served, how funding works and how real change is created. May be repeated for credit. (General Education Code(s): PR-S.)
COWL 174
Global Leadership
Upper Division
3 units
Students learn about leadership styles, how leaders work with constituent groups, build cooperation, and develop implementation plans. Students learn to consider how decision making is done, and what is best practice for best working in a variety of communities and cultures. Enrollment is restricted to those participating in Virtual Global Internships. . (General Education Code(s): PR-S.)
COWL 184A
Leadership and Institution Building
Upper Division
2 units
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.)
COWL 184B
Leadership and Institution Building
Upper Division
2 units
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.)
COWL 184C
Leadership and Institution Building
Upper Division
2 units
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.)
COWL 192
Directed Student Teaching
Upper Division
5 units
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.
COWL 195
Senior Thesis
Upper Division
5 units
Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.