CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE FOR SYLLABI, MAJOR PROGRAM, ETC: http://ls.berkeley.edu/dept/isf/

SOPHOMORES / JUNIORS! Have you declared the ISF major yet? Talk to our faculty advisers today! It is never too early to begin planning your major - don't wait!

SENIORS! Are you planning to write your senior thesis in Fall 2008? If so, you will want to take the ISF 189: Thesis Preparation seminar this Spring. Set yourself up for success!

EVERYONE: You must attend all class meetings during the first two weeks or the instructor will most likely drop you from the course. Be sure to check your enrollments throughout the semester - you are ultimately responsible for maintaining them. Please see Dawn Strough if you have any questions.

ISF 62 – Representations of Self-Deception in the Modern World (3 units)
Instructor: ROBERT EHRLICH, TuTh 2-3:30pm, 155 DONNER LAB, CCN: 45003

In this course, we will utilize works in the humanities and the social sciences in order to explore a number of dimensions of self-deception in the modern world. The focus will be upon the willingness to falsify both personal life as well as one’s position in the public sphere. The course will begin with an examination of the psychological dimension, emphasizing the importance of the nature of unconscious experience. In this context, we will examine how self-awareness is shaped by personal relationships, especially family arrangements. In addition, we will look at the manner in which people often engage in acts of self-deception with regard to the political realm.

ISF 100A, Sec. 1 - Introduction to Social Theory and Cultural Analysis (4 units)
Instructor: GARY WREN, MW 2-4pm, 126 BARROWS, CCN: 45006

This course provides an introduction to some of the key theoretical foundations of much contemporary research and discussion in the social sciences and humanities. Drawing on classic social theories, we will explore central issues in current debates concerning the nature of the socio-economic order, the modalities of power, and the process of cultural production. We will examine selected original sources in depth. In addition, we will consider elaborations, criticisms, and illustrations of these theories in the context of significant contemporary issues. The goal of this course is to provide the student with a grounding in some of the important concepts, methods, and theories needed for independent, critical thought.

ISF 100A, Sec. 2 - Introduction to Social Theory and Cultural Analysis (4 units)
Instructor: RENATE HOLUB, MW 10-12pm, 150 GOLDMAN SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY (GSPP), CCN: 45009

Focus: Modernity, Postcoloniality, Informationalism. This course provides an interdisciplinary introduction to key trends,
methodologies, and concepts in social theory over the past 150 years (modernity). Satisfies L&S breadth requirements: International Studies, Philosophy & Values, or Social & Behavioral Sciences.

ISF 100B - Introduction to Social Theory and Cultural Analysis: The Self (4 units)
Instructor: EARL KLEE, TuTh 9:30-11am, 180 TAN, CCN: 45024

We will examine how various perspectives account for the development of a sense of self, and its subsequent relations with the larger social order. In particular we are interested in how the social order is constituted out of diverse selves, and the subsequence inevitable conflicts and accommodations that develop. Among other themes we are interestd in: the self and modernity; the new democratic self; the contribution of psychoanalysis; the self and religious transcendence; the destructive self; and the impact of cosmopolitanism, culture conflict, and economic integration on the sense of a coherent self. Satisfies L&S breadth requirements: Social & Behavioral Sciences or Philosophy & Values.

ISF C155 – Social Implications of Computer Technology (2 units, P/F)
Instructor: B. HARVEY, TuTh 2-3:30pm, 141 McCONE, CCN: 45063

Topics include electronic community; the changing nature of work; technological risks; the information economy; intellectual property; privacy; artificial intelligence and the sense of self; pornography and censorship; professional ethics. Students will lead discussions on some of these topics. Cross-listed with Computer Science C195.

ISF 189 – Interdisciplinary Research Methods (Thesis Preparation Seminar) (3 units)
Instructor: URS CIPOLAT, TuTh 2-3pm, 2 EVANS, CCN: 45066

Highly recommended course for ISF majors. This workshop serves as preparation for the Senior Thesis Writing Seminar ISF 190. The course focuses on getting 2nd-semester Juniors or 1st-semester Seniors started on their thesis projects. By the end of the class, you will have developed a cover page (including a catchy title), a table of contents, a solid introduction, a tentative bibliography, and your first chapter. You will also become familiar with important research strategies and resources such as research grants or the Doe, Moffitt and Law School Libraries.

FOR DECLARED ISF MAJORS ONLY:

ISF 190, Senior Thesis (4 units)

Sec 1 – MW 11-12pm, 7 Evans, Instructor: WREN, CCN: 45072

Sec 2 – TuTh 3-4pm, 203 Wheeler, Instructor: CIPOLAT, CCN: 45075

Sec 3 – MW 4-5pm, 35 Evans, Instructor: TBA, CCN: 45078

Attendance in ISF 190 is required during the first two weeks of class (or you may be dropped). NOTE: If you are planning to do the CREATIVE OPTION for your thesis, please see Prof. Robert Ehrlich right away during his drop-in office hours.

ISF H195, Honors Thesis (4 units)
Instructor: EARL KLEE, MW 10-11am, 121 LATIMER, CCN: see instructor

You must see Professor Klee during Spring 2008 to get the CCN for ISF H195. Honors thesis students should contact the course instructor during the PREVIOUS semester to discuss their options for completing an Honors thesis. (Please be sure that you meet the GPA requirements for the Honors class: a 3.5 overall GPA as well as a 3.5 GPA in all courses taken to fulfill your major requirements — this includes the World Civ prerequisite classes, l00A/B, and courses in the area of concentration taken at UCB. You can determine your own GPA in the major by adding up all course grade points and dividing them by the number of course units, or by using the GPA calculator at http://www.reshall.berkeley.edu/academics/resources/gpa/.