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 college members. Enrollment limited to 30.

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.

This is a course about the modern college classroom. Specifically, this is a course about finding your place in the classroom, about honing skills that can help you be the most successful student you can be. Using concrete tools and techniques, students tackle everything from managing email inboxes to effectively communicating with professors. Includes time exploring larger, more philosophical topics in education. What does it mean to be a student at this moment in time? What are mentors and how do you find them? How do you meet your goals while still remaining compassionate to yourself? (Formerly Becoming a Successful Student.) Enrollment is restricted to first-year students, sophomores and juniors. Enrollment limited to 15.

First in a three-part sequence that builds the foundation for aspiring leaders, although anyone can join the sequence at any time. Students explore personal leadership through self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and values-driven activities, build key leadership theories, reflect and assess their strengths and opportunities for growth, and develop a leadership mindset. Through interactive experiential learning activities such as self-assessments, reflective journaling, and case studies, students use new ways of thinking as leadership principles are applied to real-world scenarios. (Formerly Experiential Leadership Program Core Course: Tools for Leadership and Conflict Resolution.) Enrollment limited to 30. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)

The second in a three-part sequence that builds the foundation for aspiring leaders, although anyone can join the sequence at any time. This part sets the foundation to learn how to lead teams, groups, and committees. Students gain experience and confidence working with others in an effective way, and using their leadership mindset to grow so they can serve others and be a change agent and catalyst in our community. (Formerly ELP Core Course: Leadership From the Inside Out, Networking and Professionalism.) Enrollment limited to 22. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)

The third course in a three-part collaborative leadership sequence that builds the foundation for aspiring leaders, although anyone can join the sequence at any time. Focuses on leading with intention to make a meaningful impact in the communities and systems. Students learn how to lead with clarity, communicate your vision, and influence change within complex systems. By engaging in real-world application and reflective practice, students strengthen their ability to lead with purpose and be a catalyst in our community. (Formerly ELP Core Course: Tone-Setting and Leading with Cultural/Emotional Intelligence.) Enrollment limited to 22. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

Explores adaptations of Japanese fantasy across media forms and national boundaries. Argues that the genre of Japanese fantasy emerged through a network of trans-cultural and trans-media adaptations which inform each other to shape understandings of the genre today. Exploration of the fantasy genre includes the transnational circulation of folklore, historical romance, high fantasy, dark fantasy, sword and sorcery, cosmic horror, and secondary world fantasy. The learning objectives of this course are obtained through group projects, theorizing collaboration, and tabletop role-playing games, including Dungeons & Dragons and The Call of Cthulhu. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)

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.)

Preparation for those students who have successfully applied to join the Shikoku Pilgrimage super class in the fall of 2025. The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a physically and mentally challenging 1200 km trek through mountainous terrain. While doing that difficult task, students will be doing 20 credits of academic fieldwork in a very different cultural and linguistic setting as well. This 2-credit summer course is designed to prepare students for this difficult but hugely rewarding experience, laying the foundation for deep learning about Japanese society and about their own selves. Enrollment is restricted to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Enrollment is by instructor permission. Students must successfully apply in a written application and an interview with the instructor. Enrollment limited to 20.

Introduction of UCSC as a research university, our notable researchers, and their work. Weekly discussions with UCSC faculty from a variety of disciplines.

Various topics to be arranged. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit.

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.

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.

Various topics to be arranged. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit.

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.)

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.

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.)

Many religious, philosophical, and cultural traditions emphasize diverse paths and understandings to the strikingly similar goal for humans to live harmoniously amongst each other in society and in the natural world. This seminar focuses on exploring and examining such ideas across history from around the world with a particular focus on ideas that offer paths to healing for readers and practitioners. The course doesn’t presume to heal students, but rather to point out the tools provided by the philosophical process toward this individual end, as well as equipping students for interpersonal and community efforts at collective, cooperative healing. Enrollment limited to 20. (General Education Code(s): CC.)

Interdisciplinary examination of the concept of hope, with particular emphasis on philosophical, psychological, and artistic approaches to the concept. Students consider viewpoints for and against hope as a human strength, and a variety of accounts of what constitutes hope. Enrollment limited to 30. (General Education Code(s): PE-H.)

Explores forgiveness as both interpersonal relationships and political questions in a broader historical context. The thesis of the course is that forgiveness is a radical act and a major theme in philosophy and religion where it serves as a necessary step toward social solidarity in our contemporary moment of hyperpolarization. Explores how forgiveness can heal social divisions such as those constructed around religion, political affiliation, and identity. The course closes with historical examples of forgiveness in action, such as reparations and prison abolitionist movements. (General Education Code(s): PE-H.)

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.)

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.)

How does one make decisions about those “big life” questions? From deciding “what the right thing to do to” is to how to have a career that enriches your life, how does one choose what to do? In this course, Cowell Alumni discuss how they made those “big life” decisions in the hopes that it can guide others. Course is designed to expand on the topics covered in COWL 140, Designing Your Life.

How do we understand pain? How do we make ethical decisions on topics like organ transplantation and reproduction? What is the role of genetic technology in the future of medicine? What are the ethics of healthcare? What does climate change have to do with bioethics? In this interdisciplinary course, students delve into the morality and ethics of medicine, using bioethical frameworks to take on important scientific and human questions. This course is suitable for everyone, but in particular those interested in medical anthropology, pre-med, environmental studies, sociology, history of science, and philosophy. (Formerly Medical Ethics and Justice in Literature and Film.) Enrollment limited to 15. (General Education Code(s): SI.)

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.)

Eexplores issues of ethics, power, and social inequalities as it relates to technology and human rights. Using the concept of human rights witnessing, the course considers social inequalities in the digital realm, the impact on well-being resulting from the work of digital human rights investigators, and explores how our everyday lives have been deeply impacted by social media and digital technologies. (Also offered as Latin American&Latino Studies 194F. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment limited to 25. (General Education Code(s): PE-T.)

Proposes an aesthetic approach to the cookbook. Students read from a series of cookbooks, and prepare a series of meals described in or inspired by the cookbooks read. Our interdisciplinary approach to food will allow us to interpret and analyze food as cultural storytelling, while also cultivating the spirit of hospitality through shared meals. Enrollment limited to 20. (General Education Code(s): CC.)

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.

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.

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.