MERR-Merrill College

Students use worksheets designed to help them solve problems by thinking critically, and participate in answering project-based questions relevant to the themes of their college core courses. Prerequisite(s): Mathematics 2 or placement (MP) score of 200 or higher. Concurrent enrollment in Mathematics 3 is required. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor.

An interactive course providing the opportunity to assess and revise methods of and purposes in studying. Critical, effective approaches to reading, writing, participating in lectures and sections, taking exams, balancing competing responsibilities, and utilizing campus resources are explored. Contact college office for interview-only criteria.

Examines the dominant and defining characteristics and role of chemistry in the multicultural world, covering such areas as folklore, legends, rituals, as well as everyday manifestations of chemistry.

Through selected readings, viewing and discussion of eight to ten Brazilian films, explores key topics pertaining to Brazilian culture and society. Topics include: urban violence and street children, Brazilian slavery, religions in Brazil, the development of the amazon region, and gender and interracial relations, amongst others.

Examines the representation of China's recent history and contemporary social problems in Chinese films of the past thirty years. Meets once a week for five weeks for viewing and discussion of films. Students complete readings and film evaluation forms.

Theoretical and practical perspectives of bilingualism and bilingual education in the U.S. Introduces issues that have special relevance for those considering a career in teaching culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Focuses on the following areas: experiences of diverse student populations in California schools, second language development, evolution and consequences of bilingualism in individuals and communities, historical and policy perspectives on bilingual education, and innovative instructional approaches and strategies used in bilingual education programs and classrooms.

Examines gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) culture and politics in America. Topics include GLBT identity; transgender and intersexuality issues; intersections of race, class, and gender; legal issues; homophobia, heterosexism, and the anti-gay Right; political strategies and media images; and health and spirituality.

Addresses theoretical and practical approaches to activism on issues pertaining to the Asian Pacific Islander community in the U.S. Focuses on: historical movements and struggles, theory and research, contemporary movements and struggles, needs assessment, and critical theory.

Examines the issues and forceswhich have shaped the culture of women of color in the United States. Students are expected to critically analyze theories and contemporary issues. Students cannot receive credit for this course after taking Women's Studies 145.

Teaches various art and craft techniques with the goal of exploring personal identity in a sociocultural context. In-class discussion and art/craft projects address the social significance of gender, sexuality, culture, race, and class as well as the cultural roots and significance of the art forms presented.

This two-unit course examines Hawaiian music and its relationship to the people and land of Hawaii. Students will identify songwriters, musical styles, and must evaluate one local Hawaiian event on April 5, 2000. Transportation and admission provided.

Introduces students to the literature on minority status and schooling in Western Europe, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, with some U.S. comparisons. Addresses issues of variability between and within minority groups and the role of cultural, structural, and psychological factors in students' educational performance.

Examines the material culture of Japan from a social historical perspective. Examines various genres of crafts, how they were made, what groups made them, and how they were related to the general economy of different periods in Japanese history.

Militarism, state repression, and the continuing struggle for human rights in Latin America, with particular emphasis on Brazil and the Southern Cone. Emphasis on films, supplemented by contemporary written reports.

Students in this course explore and discuss the applicability of the Social Change Model of Leadership Development (Wagner, 1996) within the immediate UCSC, Crown College, and Merrill College communities. Students draw connections between concepts of leadership, community development, and community service. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. Students must have a leadership role (e.g., R.A., student government) with Crown College or Merrill College.

Research-based seminar on a topic of particular cultural, historical, or contemporary interest, open to all undergraduate students, taught by either a Merrill College Fellow or other member of the UCSC faculty.

Examines white racial identity in the U.S., including different manifestations of racism, white privilege, white culture, inter-racial and intra-racial relations. Students develop and implement action plans to combat racism. Experiential format.

Visual laboratory designed to work in tandem with the Merrill Core Course to enhance learning for students with diverse skills and learning styles.

Explores rhetorical principles and conventions of university discourse, providing intensive practice in analytical writing, critical reading, and speaking. Examines world poverty, imperialism, and nationalism; people's need to assert their cultural identities; and the benefits of individuals' absorption in worthy causes. Permission of instructor required; selection for this year-long scholars program based on application submitted prior to fall quarter. Enrollment restricted to first-year college members.

Interdisciplinary and comparative examination of American Indian peoples' history, literature, and ecological and environmental activism. Careful reading of documentary history and sampling of novels, tales, poems, and environmental essays by American Indian writers. Material from all North American First Peoples' cultural areas. Merrill College members are selected for this year-long scholars program on the basis of an application submitted prior to fall quarter.

Research-based, writing-intensive seminar focusing on the construction of persuasive arguments. Explores topics of cultural, historical, and/or political interest, taught by a Merrill College Fellow. Topic will change yearly. Enrollment restricted to Merrill Frosh Scholars program participants.

Supervised hands-on experience assisting in classrooms and after-school programs at local schools including one-on-one mentoring, small group instruction, art projects, and playgrounds. Includes weekly sections, readings of practical and theoretical relevance, field notes, and a final paper. Permission of instructor required; contact Classroom Connection Coordinator at 459-5671.

Speculation about the course of world history in some traditional religious (African and Native American), Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Chinese religions are critically discussed. Similar speculations in modern writers and the place of the U.S. in all are outlined.

Examines the history of San Francisco from Spanish settlement forward. Studies architecture, urban history, city politics, society, and culture. Students read extensively, tour the city, and complete a research project. Background in California history is recommended.

Focus is on the women's questions in Satyajit Ray's cinema in general from biographical, historical, and cultural perspectives. In addition, an in-depth study of six selected films: Two Daughters, Kanchenjungha, Devi, Mahanagar, Charulata, Home and the World.

Examines memoirs of American Indians who served in the military during the Vietnam War. Examines the homecoming and transition back into society. Students interview American Indian Vietnam veterans.

Focus is twofold: 1) to develop an understanding of veterans, and 2) to conduct interviews with veterans that will become part of the Veterans History Project archived at the Library of Congress.