Name: History of Free Speech at Berkeley [R189]
Course Contact: decal@forum.berkeley.edu
Facilitators: Annie Koruga, Trisha Venkatesh, Nurin Azrul, Yvalisse Ganzon, Yoosung Jung

About the Course

Founded in 2018, this DeCal explores the rich history of discourse, activism, and political movements at UC Berkeley, all of which are particularly relevant to campus today. This includes discussions on topics central to Berkeley culture such as the Free Speech Movement, the 2022 UC-UAW Strike, the origins of the ASUC, People’s Park, and more.

This is a two-part engagement-based class—students will attend a weekly lecture and at least 6 of the ~12 events hosted by the Berkeley Forum throughout the semester. Students can expect to be exposed to speakers from a wide range of disciplines and viewpoints. These events will supplement learning about campus history with a current understanding of topics, issues, and conversations surrounding Berkeley.

Classes are 50 minutes and consist of lecture interspersed with in-depth discussions. Students are allowed 2 excused absences. Homework is light reading in preparation for the upcoming week. There are no other assignments or exams required for the class except the final presentation, which is exemptible.

Enrollment is on a rolling basis–first come, first serve. Should we run into issues of capacity, we defer to the strength of the student’s application. Given that this is a discussion-based class, we are looking for engaged and thoughtful students. Applications are due Wednesday, January 31st, at 11:59 pm.