Thank you for visiting our Berkeley Changemaker courses page.
We'd love to hear what you think and what future courses you might like to see: changemaker@berkeley.edu.
Berkeley Changemaker: Two of the twelve sections of L&S 22 are part of the Berkeley Changemaker curriculum (https://changemaker.berkeley.edu/). These two sections will have discussions that draw a deeper connection to the Berkeley Changemaker mission of “Critical thinking, Communication, and Collaboration”, in addition to the same base course content as the other sections.
Every day we make decisions that can and should be informed by science. We make decisions as individuals, as voters, and as members of our various communities. The problem is, we don’t do it so well—a fact sadly apparent in political debates. This course aims to equip students with basic tools to be better thinkers. We will explore key aspects of scientific thinking that everyone should know, especially the many ways that we humans tend to fool ourselves, and how to avoid them—including how to differentiate signal from noise, evaluate causal claims, and avoid reasoning biases. We’ll then look at the best models for using science to guide decisions, combining both evidence and values, with the ultimate goal of bettering the world. We’re facing a world that seems to struggle with rational collective decision making. How can we take into account our values, fears, and aspirations while also grappling with and evaluating facts and evidence? We make decisions as individuals, as groups, and as a society; we find this challenge everywhere we turn. This year, the challenge of making good decisions as a society seems both more difficult and more important than ever. Over the centuries, scientists, psychologists, and philosophers have developed rigorous, yet open-minded ways of thinking about the world that can help us address these universal and pressing concerns. This course explores and directly engages with some of the most useful tools of scientific-style critical thinking, taking into account both psychological biases and philosophical underpinnings.
Course material was developed by Saul Perlmutter, John Campbell, and Robert MacCoun (along with help from several others) and is expected to appear in a forthcoming Sense, Sensibility, and Science book.
Instructor: David Dodick
Class # 30120
2 or 4 units
In this course, you will learn the value and application of the arts and humanities to a wide variety of careers. In addition to exploring transferrable skills, career readiness, and public projects, the course features weekly visits by high-profile Berkeley Arts and Humanities alumni. They are leaders and changemakers in their fields, who will reflect on the value of a humanities education in forging their success. HUM 12 is a connector course to L&S 12 “The Berkeley Changemaker,” and can be taken for 2 credits or for 4 credits in conjunction with an internship or public service project.
Students can take this course for 2 units or 4 units. The 4 unit option requires students to complete an internship. Please contact the instructor before enrolling in the 4 unit option.
Instructor: Christyna Serrano
4 units
This course examines how learning environments can empower and disempower individuals and explores the role of education in the social construction of hierarchy, inequality, difference, identity, and power. It embodies a democratic philosophy and practice, creating a learning community that encourages students to take responsibility for their own education and learn through theory, experience, dialogue, and a capstone course project titled: the Digital Changemaker Project.
Course # 21955
Instructors: Anita Balaraman and Jill Finlayson
4 units
AI and automation have significantly changed the way business is done. What will work look like in two years, or in five years, and how can employees and employers be ready?
#OpportunityTech looks beyond jobtech to innovate solutions that promote equitable access, participation, persistence, and advancement in the future of work. We are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and have the opportunity to harness converging technologies to create an inclusive human-centered future. This course asks students to envision solutions that leverage tech to intentionally promote equitable economic mobility, and to ensure we don’t unintentionally create an underclass of people who are no longer employable because of bias in the systems or their skills being rendered obsolete.
Students in the OpportunityTech and Future of Work Challenge Lab will be immersed in an entrepreneurial journey to discover and develop disruptive business models for the future of work, workplace and workforce. From job discovery and hiring, to supporting retention and employee wellness, to future proofing skills and upskilling, we need solutions that improve work and meet the growing demand for talent. For example, sectors like cybersecurity and climate change are expected to grow, and new job types such as algorithm bias auditor, and data detective are anticipated to be the new jobs of the future. Specifically, students will develop an understanding of the value and velocity of AI and disruptive technologies in shaping the nature of employment; understand the frameworks of ‘specialized’ vs ‘generalized’ intelligence; and explore innovation with entrepreneurs and other expert guest speakers. Students will explore future work challenges and invent startup solutions that leverage tech (data, ML, AI); prototype solutions; and explore customer ‘value’ models; all while gaining equal fluency in the cultural values and ethical principles that should ground and govern how these tools are designed and used.
Instructor: Darren Daniel Cooke
Class #33347
2 units
Do you wonder how you might play a part in changing human health and improving the lives of others? Find your path with Berkeley Changemaker: Human Health. In this course you will apply the core principles of the Berkeley Changemaker curriculum by Critically exploring a full understanding of an important human health issue, Collaborating with diverse colleagues on a project team to investigate solutions using gold-standard discovery techniques, and Communicating what you’ve learned and providing thoughtful feedback to your classmates. Each week you will also research and then have a curated conversation with a changemaking expert on a range of human health topics, from startup solutions, to healthcare economics, to health equity issues
For more information and a course flyer, see lsec.berkeley.edu/bc-hh
Instructor: John Levine
Class #26372
1 unit
Instructor: Christyna Serrano
Class #30767
4 units
1 unit
This lecture series serves as an entry point for undergraduate and graduate curriculum sequences in entrepreneurship and innovation. The series, established in 2005, is named in honor of A. Richard Newton, a visionary technology industry leader and late dean of the University of California Berkeley College of Engineering. The course features a selection of high-level industry speakers who share their insights on industry developments, leadership, and innovation based on their careers.
Instructor: Jorge Calderon
Class #16635
1 to 4 units
We are a new exciting entrepreneurship course being launched as part of the Berkeley Changemaker series in collaboration with the Blum Center’s Big Ideas program and the Center for Social Sector Leadership (CSSL) at the Haas School of Business. This high-octane, fun, startup leadership course is well suited for undergraduate students who are interested in meeting other innovators and getting hands-on experience developing a new “impact” startup concept.
A proven roadmap and methodology are used to help guide you through ideation, team formation, business model design and startup pitching. Startup teams are organically formed during the first few weeks. All “social and environmental” impact themes are welcome.
Through activity reinforced lectures, classroom dialogue, guest speakers, readings and media content, students will learn to think strategically and act opportunistically with social and financial perspective. Class structure includes dedicated “lab” time for students to develop their ideas with teammates and exchange ideas with classmates. The final project for this course is a team presentation in the form of a validated concept “pitch” to a panel of impact venture experts and the finalized set of course assignments (including a draft application for the Big Ideas competition).
Instructor: Victoria Howell
Class # 21949, 19552, and 19555
1 unit
Instructors: Alice Waters and Will Rosenzweig
Class # 19262
2 units
Click here for a course flyer.
Edible Education offers a unique systems view of food innovation and entrepreneurship. It is a weekly lecture series that brings renowned food systems changemakers to campus to share their visions,research, and experiences about food and its critical role in our culture, wellbeing and survival. It is a cross disciplinary course that invites all undergraduate and graduate students to explore the future of food, its diverse systems, and the movements that are shaping the way we eat. Past guests make up a “who’s who” of food movements including Bryant Terry, Nikiko Masumoto, José Andrés, Samin Nosrat, Michael Pollan, Dan Barber, Marion Nestle, Al Gore, and Questlove.
This semester, in EE's 11th year, we reimagine eating in and eating out. The food system - a $12 trillion business - was amongst the most impacted areas during the pandemic. The ways we produce, prepare, and consume food have undergone dramatic changes. As we redefine what is “normal”, changes to the food system that directly address climate change and social justice are within our personal and collective reach and power. Edible Education and its guests will help you understand your role in the food system, provide you an orientation to systems thinking, and equip you with useful tools and practices to become a food systems changemaker.
Instructor: Laura Paxton Hassner
Class # 20176
2 units
Click here for a course flyer.
As Berkeley Changemakers, what does it mean to “live a life of agency”?
In this class, you will strengthen your sense of agency over your own life—defined as a new way of conceptualizing how to construct your purpose with the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. You will sharpen your focus on changemaking ethically, acting with sensitivity and compassion. You will learn how to plan for and overcome setbacks, practice negotiating, manage imposter syndrome, and build courage in your changemaking. You will better understand how to communicate with empathy and be a storyteller who 'paints pictures' that inspire others. You will leave as a more effective collaborator whose equity-sensitive leadership brings out the best in your teammates.
This course emphasizes the three Berkeley Changemaker pillars of critical thinking, effective communication, and productive collaboration. It combines critical examination of theories with self-reflection, interwoven with implementable strategies to help you to increase agency over your own life. You will develop a sharper sense of who you want to be, along with tools to make that happen.
Instructor: Joe Dougherty
Class # 20308
1 unit
Click here for a course flyer.
The topic for this Spring’s course is Financial Inclusion – the challenge of ensuring that all people have access to affordable, helpful financial services such as savings, payments, insurance and credit in both the developing world and in more developed markets like the US.
The course will begin by defining the challenge/opportunity of financial inclusion and exploring how it differs across countries in terms of who has access to affordable, helpful financial services and who, typically, does not. It will explore some of the controversies and challenges involved with expanding financial inclusion: For example, what’s the difference between access and usage? What are the downsides or risks associated with financial inclusion and how does consumer protection fit in? How do policy and regulation help or hinder financial inclusion?
We will then explore leading-edge approaches to financial inclusion being pioneered in Africa, Latin America and other regions, and hear directly from leaders in the field (e.g. Kiva, FINCA).
Finally, the course will feature a practical, team-based project to allow students to sharpen their entrepreneurial skills.
This class meets for 8 weeks starting on January 24, 2022 and ending on March 28, 2022. For questions, please contact the instructor.
Instructors: Carmen Acevedo Butcher and John Levine
Class # 30719
1 unit
Emphasizing the Berkeley Changemaker pillars of critical thinking and communication, this one-unit practicum is designed to help students refine their academic speaking skills. Students will learn the techniques of effective public speaking, practice their skills, and develop confidence in oral communication. Online, asynchronous class sessions will be complemented by “live” opportunities that enable students to practice course content in front of an instructor and audience and receive feedback.
Photo credit: Jim Block
Instructor & Description TBD
1 unit
Instructors: Carmen Acevedo Butcher and John Levine
1 unit
Emphasizing the Berkeley Changemaker pillars of critical thinking and communication, this one-unit practicum is designed to help students refine their academic speaking skills. Students will learn the techniques of effective public speaking, practice their skills, and develop confidence in oral communication. Online, asynchronous class sessions will be complemented by “live” opportunities that enable students to practice course content in front of an instructor and audience and receive feedback.
Instructor: Victoria Howell
As part of the Berkeley Changemaker, the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology (SCET) hosts the A. Richard Newton Distinguished Innovator Lecture Series: A Berkeley Changemaker Course. This course highlights a diverse set of changemakers who have made breakthroughs in entrepreneurship, innovation, artistry and social impact. During the course, keynote speakers will share their insights on critical thinking, communication and collaboration as it relates to innovation and entrepreneurship. They will focus specifically on success and failures around crafting their business idea and story, building a team, creating the trust necessary for investment/collaboration and breaking boundaries to create change.
Instructor: Christyna Serrano
4 units
This course examines how learning environments can empower and disempower individuals and explores the role of education in the social construction of hierarchy, inequality, difference, identity, and power. It embodies a democratic philosophy and practice, creating a learning community that encourages students to take responsibility for their own education and learn through theory, experience, dialogue, and a capstone course project titled: the Digital Changemaker Project.
Instructor: Anibel Ferus-Comelo
4 units
Photo credit: Jim Block
This course is rooted in the belief that all Berkeley students are in the process of becoming Berkeley Changemakers. Changemakers make their impact everywhere on the campus intellectual landscape – through scientific breakthroughs, artistic imagination, social action projects, and entrepreneurial ventures. It is a course for entering students, who will learn to employ creative and critical thinking to imagine better futures, and then develop leadership skills to mobilize others to help create them. The ultimate goal of the course is to help incoming students discover their own identity as Berkeley Changemakers through shaping their educational experience at UC Berkeley.
Class #28409/19947
As part of the Berkeley Changemaker, the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology (SCET) hosts the A. Richard Newton Distinguished Innovator Lecture Series: A Berkeley Changemaker Course. The newly relaunched Series will highlight a diverse set of changemakers who have made breakthroughs in entrepreneurship, innovation, artistry and social impact. During the course, keynote speakers will share their insights on critical thinking, communication and collaboration as it relates to innovation and entrepreneurship. They will focus specifically on success and failures around crafting their business idea and story, building a team, creating the trust necessary for investment/collaboration and breaking boundaries to create change.
As Berkeley Changemakers, how do we apply ethics to critical policy questions? Designed for students who have had, or are currently taking, PS 124C Ethics and Justice in International Affairs, this 1 unit course allows a small group of students to select and engage deeply with a critical policy question that emerges from the course. Working in groups to develop a specific question, you'll craft solutions grounded in the ethical theories of the course while gaining a new perspective on how to lead change by engaging with the practical implications of implementation. This course also features practitioners in areas such as humanitarian intervention, international criminal justice, etc. who provide their perspectives on both the ethics and courses of action required for implementing change.
The Berkeley Changemakers' inclusive curriculum activates your passions and helps you to develop a sharper sense of who you want to be, while providing you the tools to take those next steps. Our curriculum focuses on critical thinking, communication, and collaboration complemented by an emphasis on creativity, community, and belonging.
In conjunction with PS124C, the two courses meet the following requirements:
U.C. Berkeley has long been a place for innovative ideas and creative, out-of-the-box discovery. What role might you play on campus, in your communities and beyond as a passionate writer and thinker?
In this special R4B course, in collaboration with The Berkeley Changemaker™ series, we’re going to roll up our sleeves and get into the thick of some of the most interesting and complex issues of our time. We’ll explore the extraordinary opportunities and ethical quandaries of CRISPR and bioengineering. We’ll look at big tech and social entrepreneurship in the Bay Area, balancing connectivity and access against privacy and the flood of misinformation online. We’ll learn about social justice in a time of polarization; environmental threats and opportunities for impact; public health and the rebuilding of trust in science; internet culture and personal identity; street art and social change; distance learning and the rethinking of what a liberal arts education can be.
Most importantly, this course is increasingly choose-your-own-adventure: what are the issues and ideas that most motivate you? We’ll engage with an array of inspiring and provocative talks by thought leaders across U.C. Berkeley. We’ll play with new tools and practice some vital skills: gaining confidence as a writer; learning to navigate digital resources; mapping ideas with visual thinking; learning to flexibly listen while interviewing others; persuading and engaging peers with public speaking; designing dynamic slides and an interactive writing website of your own. We’ll return to this core question: what does lasting change look like — and how might your own writing serve as a means to enact it?
This Reading, Research, and Composition Course satisfies Part B of the College of Letters & Science's Reading and Composition Requirement.
Thank you for visiting our Berkeley Changemaker courses page.
We'd love to hear what you think and what future courses you might like to see: changemaker@berkeley.edu.
December 8, 2021 | 1:00-2:00 p.m. | Zoom
Our fourth Berkeley Changemaker staff workshop will focus on excerpts from the book, The Conversation – How Seeking and Speaking the Truth About Racism Can Radically Transform Individuals and Organizations, by Dr. Robert Livingston. We will be joined by Dr. Livingston.
June 3, 2021 | 11:30-12:45 p.m. | NOW Conference
Berkeley Changemakers lead inclusively, understanding that by working together we build a better society. Participants will acquire tools and apply practices that create inclusive spaces by providing opportunities to connect through narrative and lived experience and engage people as they are. We will dive into the concept of belonging, why it matters, and how to build a culture of belonging in the workplace. Belonging is that sense you get that you are a valued member of a community. Feeling valued in a community puts a sense of purpose and meaning to our lives.
In this third offering in the Berkeley Changemaker staff series, we will offer a hybrid workshop: providing information about the Berkeley Changemaker and sharing tools around belonging that will empower our colleagues and ourselves to lead from where we are.
Over 100 staff members from across the UC campuses attended our breakout session.
February 24, 2021 | 1-2:30 p.m. | Zoom
How might you lead by setting culture? Whether you are a team member or leader, this dynamic workshop will introduce you to the levers you can use to shape culture at UC Berkeley. Together, we'll spend the first hour exploring strategy and tactics that set and shape culture. The optional additional half hour will enable you to explore these concepts in greater detail in small breakout sessions while you meet and engage with your colleagues across campus.
200 UC Berkeley staff members enrolled in this workshop.
October 28, 2020 | 1-2 p.m. | Zoom
Regardless of role or title, we can all lead from where we are. When we recognize opportunities for impact and agency, we have greater power to be intentional, to affect our culture and the world around us. This is the concept of the Berkeley Changemaker. Values like impact beyond oneself and questioning the status quo have drawn people to Berkeley for generations — this narrative doubles down on those values and is part of a suite of new courses being taught to UC Berkeley students. Our faculty are expanding these offerings through a customized workshop for staff. In this 60-minute workshop you will discover what it means to be a Berkeley Changemaker, learn how to build the changemaking skill of resilience, and leave inspired by stories from UC Berkeley faculty and staff.
Over 120 staff members from across the UC Berkeley campus registered for this workshop.