You're an idealistic student looking to make a difference in the world, but there are so many problems to fix and so many possible solutions. Do you tackle global poverty, climate change, rights violations, or something entirely different? And how do you try to solve these problems? Should you give your time or your money? Should you become an activist? A politician? A researcher? A social worker?

Your answers to these questions are, of course, deeply tied to your personal morals, talents, and worldview. However, it may feel difficult to begin tackling them without some foundational frameworks to grapple with. That’s where this course comes in.

To address difficult questions related to “doing good,” this course engages critically with concepts from the effective altruism movement, which aims to use evidence and reason to find the most effective ways of improving the world. In the first half of the course, students will learn about effective altruism’s philosophical and quantitative frameworks for “doing good,” as well as limitations to this approach. Critique will be integrated throughout the course, and students are encouraged to share their own perspectives on all topics covered.

The second half of the course will center on guest speakers who have applied the frameworks we learn to various fields — such as development economics, psychology and rationality, artificial intelligence, nonprofit work, and animal welfare. On the last day of class, we will have a giving game, where students will be given a sum of money to donate to a charity of their choice and be asked to justify their decision.

The course will meet once per week for 13 weeks, for 1.5 hours each session. Most class sections will feature a combination of short lectures, longer discussions, and group activities. Readings will be provided each week to complement the upcoming lesson. In the first 5 minutes of each class, students will be asked to write a paragraph/bullet point reflection about their personal take on the readings (used to gauge attendance). Students will also be given short assignments each week to apply the techniques learned in class or prepare for certain guest speakers and topics.

*There are no prerequisites for enrolling in this course. Students from all backgrounds, academic or otherwise, are encouraged to join. We value diversity in thought, experience, and perspective, as well as having a supportive space for all students regardless of sex, race, national origin, physical and mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or any other self-identified characteristic.*

Enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. If the waitlist on CalCentral is full, please add your name in the link below. Enrollment in DeCals is highly variable and there's a high chance of those on the waitlist getting in, so don't be discouraged. All potential students are welcome to come on the first day of class, regardless of enrollment status.