Cowell Elective Courses

Cowell’s motto is The pursuit of truth in the company of friends. The College offers a variety of courses that allow students to explore their meaning of truth as they navigate the university or their greater community. Registration information can be found here.

COWL 001: Academic Literacy and Ethos — Imagining Justice

Christy, A.

Teaches foundational concepts for intellectual exploration and personal development within an academic community: analysis, critical thinking, metacognition, engagement with others across differences, and self-efficacy. Examines the emergence and development of key concepts of justice including procedures, rights, and reparation.

(5 units, Fall 2023)

 

COWL 012: Public Speaking

Carlstroem, C.

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.

(5 units, Winter 2024)

 

COWL 052: Personal Finance and Investing

Kelly, P.

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.

(5 units, online, Spring 2024)

 

COWL 065: Meaning, Paradox and Love

Somekh, A.

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. 

(5 units, Spring 2024)

GE: IM

 

COWL 070A: Introduction to Book Arts

Young, G.

Students learn techniques of bookbinding, construction, and design, and the fundamentals of letterpress printing. Enrollment is by permission of instructor. Students are billed a materials fee.

(5 units, Fall 2023)

GE: IM

 

COWL 070B: Intermediate Books Arts

Young, G.

Learn fundamental skills in fine letterpress printing, including hand typesetting and instruction in the operation of printing presses. Basic typography is explored as students design and print a small edition of a selected text. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): COWL 70A or by permission of instructor.

(5 units, Winter 2024)

 

COWL 070C: Advanced Books Arts

Young, C.

Students learn fundamental skills in fine letterpress printing, including hand typesetting and instruction in the operation of printing presses. Basic typography is explored as students design and print a small edition of a selected text. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): COWL 70B or by instructor permission.

(5 units, Spring 2024)

   

COWL 111: Mock Trial

Stinneford, C.

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.

(2 units, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024)

GE: PR-E

 

COWL 122: The United Nations — Contemporary Issues

Stinneford, C.

Introduces the Model United Nations through discussion of contemporary issues. Students learn parliamentary procedure 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.

(2 units, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024)

GE: PR-E

 

COWL 140: Designing Your Life

Franklin, R.

Do you ever think, ''I want to make a difference!'' but don't know where to start? In this class students learn design thinking methods by addressing the question of what they want to do with their lives after college. Students build deeper awareness of values and goals, define areas of life and work they want to grow in, examine multiple life paths and careers that interest them, 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 their comfort zone, all within a supportive community of peers.

Enrollment is restricted to juniors and seniors.

(5 units, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024)

GE: PE-H

 

COWL 168: Social Change

Stinneford, C.

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.

(2 units, Fall 2023, Winter 2024*, Spring 2024)

GE: PR-S

 * Winter offering of the course is limited to students of the College Scholar's Program

 

COWL 184ABC: Leadership and Institution Building

Stinneford, C.

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. 

(2 units, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024)

GE: PR-S