In need of another unit or two? DeCals at UC Berkeley are perfect for you! DeCals are student-led courses that make sure school is not a total bore. With so many DeCals offered, there is surely something for everyone. These small-sized courses can allow you to have fun at UC Berkeley while still learning about something you are actually interested in. Here’s a list of some DeCals you should keep on your radar for the fall 2019 semester. 

“Visual Narratives and Storytelling”: 2 units

Allow your imagination to flow. Loved hearing stories as a kid or have a tendency to fantasize during lectures? This class may be the one for you! When taking this course, students will be able to analyze and understand multiple cultural and identity constructs, observe the aesthetics of text and visuals, and ultimately create a project of their own.

“Sustainable Energy for a Greener Tomorrow”: 1 unit

Zero Waste 2020 is so close yet seems so far. You can help make Zero Waste 2020 a reality. You’ll learn all about your own carbon footprint and how to still use energy without depleting our resources. For all of you interested in saving the earth, look into this DeCal today.

“Nuclear Science: Past, Present, and Future”: 1 unit

Are you always hearing about the threats of nuclear missiles, but not sure what nuclear really means? Tap into the Jimmy Neutron side of your brain and take this course! Not only will you gain another unit towards graduating, but you will also gain new knowledge that will truly give you a “brain like Berkeley.”

“The UC Marvel Cinematic Universe”: 1 unit

For all those completely enveloped in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this class will give you all you need to know about your favorite superheroes. This course is the perfect addition to weigh out all of your stressful and boring courses. Considering the recent news of Spiderman, which is quite heartbreaking, this class will surely help you cope with the idea of never seeing Tom Holland in another MCU movie again.

“The Housing Crisis”: 1 unit

If you have ever lived in off-campus housing here in Berkeley, you know exactly how bad the housing crisis is. In this DeCal, learn all about why the housing crisis is the way it is in Berkeley. At the end of the semester, you will understand the effects of the gentrification, homelessness and more that makes the Bay Area so difficult to live in.

“Food for Thought”: 2 units

If you’re a total foodie and have low hopes of getting into the competitive baking DeCal, this course can satiate your hunger in an educational way. This course will give you a better understanding of how food plays a part in our everyday lives, and explores the standard American diet, food in the media and more.

“Bear Closet”: 2 units

This DeCal shares stories and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community to local youths in both middle and high school. This class welcomes all who identify within the community, allies and those who are just curious. Help strengthen the community while positively influencing and aiding the youth.

“Sociology of Aging — Living, Aging, Dying”: 2 units

Face it, we’re all getting older by the second, so why not learn all about it? This course goes over the sociological study of aging, such as how the elderly affect society and what we have in store in terms of healthcare, retirement and more. You’ll also be learning about the intersection of age with race, socioeconomic status, gender and ethnicity.

“Cal History, Spirit, and Traditions”: 1 unit

Ever wonder why yelling “Go Bears!” feels out of our control? Not sure what everyone chants at football games? Who really is Oski, and how did he become what he is today? If you have many questions about traditions at UC Berkeley and how it all came to be, this class will both educate you and bring out your school spirit!

“The Nature of Pixar Films”: 1 unit

Pixar films have to be some of the most underrated films known to humankind. Take a deeper look into the company that brought you films such as “Up”, “The Incredibles”, “Coco” and so many more childhood classics.

“The A-Z’s About Catching Your Z’s”: 2 units

Sleep? We don’t know what that is! Yes, it’s quite true that in college, sleep will seem like a distant memory. Don’t let that feeling and those good times be forgotten — take this DeCal to learn the importance and science behind one of our most favorite and rare activities.

Any DeCals catch your eye? Make sure to check out UC Berkeley’s DeCal website for additional information such as class meeting times, applications and more!