The American Cultures (AC) curriculum has been recognized as a national model for its integrative and comparative analyses of race, culture and ethnicity in the United States. AC courses represent an unprecedented departure from existing approaches to teaching about diversity in the United States. Instead of focusing on one or two ethnic groups, AC courses explore the complexity of ethnicity, culture, and pluralism, and their influences on the ways that Americans think about themselves and approach the issues and problems that confront our society.
Since its adoption by the Academic Senate in 1989, the Breadth Requirement in American Cultures has shaped fifteen years of conversation on the Berkeley campus about what is arguably one of the most important and sensitive topics we face today. Chancellor Birgeneau's vision of an inclusive campus community depends on each member of our community developing an understanding of how cultural identities shape our collective history as a nation. This intercultural competence is arguably one of the most important skills that you will take into the increasingly globalized workplaces and civic spaces beyond the campus.
In order to graduate with a Berkeley degree, you must take—and pass—at least one AC course. A wide array of AC courses are offered in nearly every corner of the campus. You can choose from amongst lower division courses that satisfy college breadth requirements, as well as upper division courses that may be part of your major program or offer an exciting elective in a subject outside your area of specialization. These courses are taught by some of the most innovative instructors at Berkeley, incorporating cutting edge teaching practices that enrich the classroom experience.
W encourage you to consider satisfying this important and transformative requirement early in your Berkeley career.
For more information on the Breadth Requirement in American Cultures, please visit http://americancultures.berkeley.edu or contact your academic advisor.
