Spring Quarter Classes

After a short yet sweet Spring Break, I enter my final term here at UCLA. My choice of classes for the spring quarter are as follows:

Geography 6 - World Regions: Concepts and Contemporary Issues
Convened and taught by the controversial Jared Diamond, Geography 6 explains the importance of geographical circumstances on our lives. It does this by examining the varied histories and environments of the different regions of the world. In this class we will examine what geographical factors have led to such stark differences in income, health, education, etc. between America and Haiti, Nigeria and Germany, and North and South Korea. Jared Diamond is known for holding views sympathetic towards environmental determinism, a concept we at UCL have learned to approach with an especially critical perspective. I therefore hope studying under him will be a particularly interesting experience.

Assessment: 25% attendance and participation, 25% mini papers, 25% mid-term exam, 25% final exam.

Music History 68 - Beatles
This class will allow me to study one of my favourite bands while also offering a fantastic chance to study the social geography of Britain from a specific perspective. This perspective will be contextualised by the Beatles' rise to stardom during an era characterised by drastic changes to the country’s social climate. It will also be interesting to study the UK, my home country, from an American perspective. Already the concepts of terraced and semi-detached housing have caused confusion. While this is amusing, it is also a great chance to see which aspects of life that I consider quite normal appear to be fairly unusual to an outsider. It is classes like this that make me truly appreciate the extreme flexibility of the US higher education system.

Assessment: 15% attendance and participation, 20% online writing assignments, 15% mid-term, 20% final paper, 30% final exam.

Psychology 88 - Mind over Health Matter: Social Psychology behind Modern Health Controversies
As students we are frequently exposed to many health controversies that affect both our peers and those in wider society. These include access to healthcare, vaccinations and the abuse of substances, especially those popular among students such as Adderall, Cocaine and Ecstasy. Psychology 88 encourages students to look at the cultures, practices and beliefs behind western health, while also examining the psychological phenomena that drive them. Almost entirely made up of discussion seminars, this class will once again provide a fascinating opportunity to learn about American perspectives towards such issues.

Assessment: 20% attendance and participation, 30% mini papers, 50% final paper.