Spring 2013

Note: Course listings here are for illustrative purposes only; they may differ slightly from the current academic schedule. Use WebAdvisor as your primary source for all course information when registering.

Architecture
Undergrad: ARCHT-540-01 (295) Eco:BT: Green Studio Companion
Grad: MARCH-640-01 (309)
Instructor: Brendon Levitt
This seminar is a studio companion course that tracks parallel to a design process and explores techniques for developing studio proposals in a sustainable direction. The course provides a generative framework for design rather than the problem/solution approaches common to engineering practice.

The methodology reconceives of energy (heat, air, light) and matter (nutrients, waste, water) as closed-loop systems -- continuous environmental flows in which the architecture is not the end result, but part of a larger cycle over time and space. Students examine the potential of both analytical and phenomenological notions of building performance to shape a building's relationships to climate, landscape, and habitat.

Quantitative analysis using parametric simulations alternate with speculative explorations based on responses to theoretical texts, art films, and environmental artists' work. Both of these "right-brain" and "left-brain" modes will inform analysis and redesign of the students' studio projects.

It is strongly recommended that students successfully complete Building Energy before enrolling in this course.

Architecture
Undergrad: ARCHT-580-01 (302) Eco: UR: Landscape Urbanism
Grad: MARCH-680-01 (337) Eco: UR: Landscape Urbanism
Instructor: David Fletcher
Landscape Urbanism has been recognized as a powerful discourse with which to address the environmental, social, and economic issues of our time. Fundamentally, the discourse synthesizes urbanist and green agendas and repositions the role of natural processes in the contemporary metropolis. This practice is committed to operant and performative spatiality, including biodiversity, green infrastructure, water quality, in-situ reclamation, sustainable urban development, and energy generation, to name a few.

Ecological and landscape-planning principles such as succession and patch dynamics, normally applied to environmental systems, are also applied to political, cultural expression, economic, and social systems. Landscape Urbanism has taken many forms, since its emergence as both neologism and theory only 10 years ago.

This course traces the topic from its beginnings to its current manifestation in design discourse, pedagogy, and practice. The most critical metric for evaluating the generative force of landscape urbanism is the investigation of the ways in which its principles are able to affect positive urban form in distinctive ways. Imbricated in this notion is the expectation of a more sustainable or performative urbanism in all aspects of development.

In addition to readings, students research both built and theoretical precedents to gain an understanding of the history and future trajectories of this vital discourse. These are presented to the class and compiled into a seminar research publication.

Guest lectures will occur throughout the semester.

The course also takes field trips to local sites that are assessed with regards to principles and performance metrics identified during the course.

ARTED-200-01 (239) Engage:Eco: Teaching Practice
Instructor: Trena Noval
This course investigates the following questions:

What are the best practices in art education?
How can I develop an outstanding art program?
How can I ensure that my students truly understand what I want them to understand in art class?
How can I work with other people and teachers (in my discipline and outside my discipline) to enhance students' learning?

Students investigate the process of developing an outstanding art program, from the nuts and bolts of classroom management and setup to the creative pursuit of creating a lesson and assessment tool. This hands-on course encourages the student to share ideas and critical thoughts with the group.

At the end of the course, students reflect on, and revise their personal philosophy statements and create a teaching portfolio that shows how these ideas can be applied in the classroom setting. Students experiment, reflect, read, discuss, observe, make connections with community groups, and visit a variety of art organizations and schools.

They will also develop practical tools to use in their own teaching.

Community Arts
COMAR-312-01 Engage: Special Topics (Spring 2013)
Instructor: TBA
The Community Arts Special Topics Seminar addresses issues of immediate concern in a specific community in the greater Bay Area. Students gain an intimate knowledge of various strategies for working with a specific organization and the ability to navigate through the problems and dilemmas that those organizations face.

This course explores the possibilities of a community garden as urban site that integrates subsistence production with social hybridization and cultural transmission. Looking at a range of local and international gardens as models for this perspective, we explore how specific cities, schools, neighborhoods, and immigrant communities are generating gardens that educate and empower their communities, grow food and create social spaces for communication and integration.

The course draws upon urban studies, the lively Bay Area urban-farming community, ethnobotany, and collaborative practice. Partnering with Emerson Elementary school in the Temescal District of Oakland, this ENGAGE course works with an enthusiastic group of 4th graders as we continue designing, planting, and maintaining the orchard and pollinator garden that was constructed last spring. We will also publish a garden curriculum and recipe book for the school.

CRAFT-270-04 Wkshp: Eco: Soil to Studio (Spring 2013)
Instructor: Sasha Duerr Fossel
Craft workshops are technical or thematic studio courses that provide opportunities for students to work in an interdisciplinary setting. These courses have an emphasis on making and contextualizing processes within broad craft discussions. Concepts and strategies such as expert skill, material study and knowledge, and DIY approaches are introduced.

Advanced workshops extend these dialogues and practices to economic, political, and social contexts. Individual sections feature readings, slide lectures, videos, gallery and museum visits, and other material. This course presents alternative practices in the design and production of textiles and clothing through an in-depth study of regenerative design, investigative fieldwork, and studio practice.

The curriculum examines living examples of sustainable textile innovation from around the world, building a sense of empowerment.

Students learn about direct sources of organic fibers and dyes, cross-pollinate with the local and global sustainability movement, and look closely at the important role of textiles in the future of green design.

In this class, students follow a trajectory from "soil to studio." By visiting urban gardens and meeting with local pioneers in regenerative design, students gather valuable resources to draw upon, both individually and collectively, in their creative practices. By identifying and gathering nontoxic plants in the urban landscape, students experiment with locally grown materials, learn hands-on dyeing techniques, and gain valuable insight into the politics, aesthetics, and practice of natural dyeing.

Design MBA (graduate)
DSMBA-604-1P (1080) Eco: Sustainability Studio
Instructors: Susan Gladwin & Dawn Danby

DSMBA-604-1R (1082) Eco: Sustainability Studio
Instructor: Michael Sammet

DSMBA-604-2P (1083) Eco: Sustainability Studio
Instructor: Susan Gladwin & Dawn Danby

DSMBA-604-2R (1084) Eco: Sustainability Studio
Instructor: Susan Gladwin & Dawn Danby
While sustainability is a theme throughout every course in the program, this studio focuses exclusively on developing solutions that directly affect financial, natural, and human capital, as well as the systems that govern them. The course takes an in-depth look at various frameworks and approaches to sustainable development, using both historical and contemporary examples. Throughout the semester, students use practical tools and techniques for identifying issues, developing solutions, troubleshooting problems, and measuring progress.

A semester long-project challenges students to apply sustainability skills to a refined solution. By the end of the semester, students present their results along with a sustainability analysis and implementation plan.

Fashion Design (undergraduate)
FASHN-260-01 (658) Eco: Sustainability Seminar
Instructor: Lynda Grose

FASHN-260-02 (1786) Eco: Sustainability Seminar
Instructor: Lynda Grose
What are the social, cultural, and environmental ramifications of our design decisions, and how can we mitigate or leapfrog them through our ideas? What is the role of design in the current ecological crisis?

Students use their skills as designers to develop creative solutions to technical challenges in moving our industry and our society toward sustainability. More specifically, students review the ecological crisis and how fashion/textiles contribute to this crisis. Emerging interdisciplinary eco-philosophies and methodologies are reviewed, and students are encouraged to develop their own eco-design strategies.

The content of the lectures is explored through a series of lectures and tools coupled with class exercises, in which students will have the opportunity to test these methodologies and tools for themselves. Eco-communication strategies and practicing eco-design also is covered through the lectures.

Class time is structured around class exercises and lectures with a studio project as a final.

Relevant field trips, guest speakers, and videos are integrated throughout the semester. A reader is provided. By the end of the course, students will have built their own source guide covering research and design methodologies, resources. organizations, and companies that can be referenced when practicing eco-design, and have participated in a collaborative studio project giving form to new ideas that emerged from the course.

Interdisciplinary Studio (undergraduate)
UDIST-300-01 Engage/Eco: T.Ur.F Studio (Spring 2013)
Instructor: Rebecca Katkin
This class explores design for sustainable urban agriculture both as a subject of creative practice and a means to environmental and social justice. Students investigate the role of local agriculture and food production in sustainable urbanism and human wellness, and the opportunities for incorporating food crops into buildings, backyards, and interstices in the urban fabric.

We examine the changes in form, scale, technology, and modes of production necessitated by the urbanization of farming. We consider the political and theoretical underpinnings of agrarianism and the local/urban food movement, and look at contemporary urban agricultural projects (conceptual and working landscapes), including field trips to local sites.

Finally, through interdisciplinary collaboration, discussion, research, and
studio practice, students propose and develop urban agricultural installations, devices, and systems, both site-specific and deployable -- to cultivate and communicate the value of an urban agricultural infrastructure.

Interdisciplinary Studio (undergraduate)
UDIST-300-02 Off the Grid (Spring 2013)
Instructor: Barney Haynes & Donald Day
This class explores energy efficient technologies that can be used to power interactive, kinetic or "smart" projects.
We will research and build devices that harvest energy from their surroundings rather then from the power grid. These
devices can get their energy from the sun, wind, clothing, plants, raindrops, and kinetic motion. Many strategies for low-
power and efficiency are literally borrowed from, or analogically inspired by biological life-forms, as in the term hibernation
and concepts of symbiosis and parasitism imply. You will apply these strategies by making projects that use low power
modes, such as hibernation, where the device will turn itself on when it accumulates enough energy to function. Possible
projects include but are not limited to: Wearable technologies which use energy harvested from biomechanical sources
such as the knee in motion. Tiny reactive sculptures that use energy collection and hibernation modes to produce
empathetic behavior. Sensor networks that can be integrated into gardens, dwellings and work spaces. Soil moisture can
be monitored to activate drip systems to maximize water use, for instance. There are many other applications as well.
The technologies learned in this class can be applied to your area of interests. It should also be emphasized that this is a
beginning level class.

Interdisciplinary Studio (undergraduate)
UDIST-300-04 Eco: BioEthics - Going Green (Spring 2013)
Instructor: Jody Gillerman
Explore Art and Science to create works integrating art, science, and design in the medium of your choice and in a cross-
cultural environment. You will research and produce art inspired by science principles, ideas, and topics of your choice
- interpretations can be abstract, conceptual or representational. Topics may range in scope from Bio-ethics, Genetics,
Astronomy, Seismology, Nanotech to Global Warming, Health, Ecology, Going Green. Works may be presented in the
medium of your choice including interactive media, web, sculpture, graphic design, architecture, installation, or other.
Students will have the opportunity to explore in depth their chosen science topic, and be exposed to a variety of topics
presented by other students in the class, guest artists/scientists, and myself. Readings and presentations about artists
integrating science and art, field trips to Bay Area museums, science centers, relevant locations, and other outings are
included and will be partially determined by the specific interests of the class.

Science (undergraduate)
SCNCE-200-01 (598) Eco: Natural Hist Field Study
Instructor: Carol Manahan
Historical and contemporary survey of geography, climate, geology, botany, zoology, and human ecology the SF Bay Area, through lectures, reading, discussion, field trips, and hands-on assignments. Focus on California's unique biogeography and native plant communities, including conservation efforts.

Science (undergraduate)
SCNCE-200-02 (599) Eco: Green Science
Instructor: William Alschuler
When we say some thing or practice or process is "Green," what do we mean? Can we believe Green labels? For example, what about LEED ratings for buildings? Energy Star ratings for appliances? Is there such a thing as a process with no waste? Why are renewable energy schemes tied to fossil fuels, and can they be untied? Is there a criterion for examining the sustainability of processes such as making ethanol biofuel from corn? What about impacts of such processes outside the energy market, such as on the food market? Is local food always better? Is there truth to the notion that Native Americans have always lived lightly upon the land? Why was Easter Island abandoned? What is our responsibility to current and future generations? Is there a sustainable future in the face of unlimited population growth? Can technology save us? Was Malthus right? Through examinations of historical and current case studies and topics and hands-on assignments, we will investigate these and related topics, to find our way to an idea of sustainability based on sound science and ethical behavior.

Science (undergraduate)
SCNCE-200-04 (400) Eco: California & Environment
Instructor: Christine Metzger
The environment is dynamic, complex, and always changing, and the study of it requires perspectives from geology, biology, chemistry, and physics, in addition to sociology, policy, economics, politics, the arts, and design. Local and global environmental issues are some of the most urgent and relevant in our society, including biodiversity, global climate change, water scarcity, resource limitations, pollution, energy sources, and sustainable design, among others. California provides a rich backdrop to study environmental science, from its location in the drought-stricken West to its active tectonic history. In this class, we will examine the major Earth systems - the lithosphere (rock cycle), atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere - as they create and interact with our local environment. We will also evaluate media coverage of environmental issues and identify any weaknesses or strengths in presented statements, claims, solutions, and technologies.

Science (undergraduate)
SCNCE-200-05 (1751) Eco: Energetics & Ecology
Instructor: Jay Baldwin
This course introduces students to the underlying principles of efficient and ecologically benign use of energy and resources, allowing students to begin developing the comprehensive, anticipatory whole systems thinking that together form the foundation for a sustainable and professional design practice. This is a seminar course that will include lectures, video, field trips, reading and discussion. SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE INTRODUCED: Sustainability, ecology, scientific method, community awareness, design strategy, abstract and critical thinking, manufacturing, life of a product, ethics, materials, industry awareness

Sculpture (undergraduate)
SCULP-100-02 (1204) Eco: Sculpture 1
Instructor: TBA
This class is a hands-on studio class utilizing both traditional and unexpected materials to create works that are metaphors for experiencing today's world. We will focus on a more inclusive definition of sculpture as a broad discipline, crossing over a wide range of mediums and dealing with a variety of issues - the personal, spiritual, humorous, poetic, formal, social, and political. We will explore materials and objects, structures, installations (environments), and immateriality (performance, video, light) with a more conceptual framework to encourage quick thinking and "flexibility" as artists. Visiting artist lectures, museum field trips, basic casting/mold-making, woodshop, and metalshop demonstration will be included. Periodical readings will be assigned, with discussions to follow. Documentation will also be viewed as part of the work.

Sculpture (undergraduate)
SCULP-370-02 Ecotap: Adv Wkshp: Post Nature (Spring 2013)
Instructor: Mark Thompson
Post Nature is a sculpture workshop focusing on a visual and physical exploration of the complex relationships between
the natural world and the cultural activities and perspectives of humans. The class examines the creative interventions
of artists at these thresholds and boundaries between natural sites, processes, and objects. Extensive discussions and
presentations help develop a deeper understanding of this complicated history over time along with the role of emerging
technologies, both in contemporary art practice and earlier creative human activity with the natural world. Assigned
readings and field trips, including visiting the Underground Gardens of Baldassare Forestiere are a regular part of the
class along with a series of projects to mine and visualize your own private relationship and history between the natural
and artificial, the raw and the cooked. This exploration begins with the acknowledgement that humans are an integral part
of the natural world

Interdisciplinary Studio (undergraduate)
UDIST-300-01 (345) Engage/Eco: T.Ur.F Studio
Instructor: Rebecca Katkin
This class explores design for sustainable urban agriculture both as subject of creative practice and means to environmental and social justice. Students will investigate the role of local agriculture and food production in sustainable urbanism and human wellness, and the opportunities for incorporating food crops into buildings, backyards, and interstices in the urban fabric. We will examine the changes in form, scale, technology, and modes of production necessitated by the urbanization of farming. We will consider the political and theoretical underpinnings of agrarianism and the local/urban food movement, and look at contemporary urban agricultural projects (conceptual and working landscapes), including field trips to local sites. Finally, through interdisciplinary collaboration, discussion, research, and studio practice, students will propose and develop urban agricultural installations, devices and systems, both site-specific and deployable - to cultivate, and communicate the value of, an urban agricultural infrastructure.

Interdisciplinary Studio (undergraduate)
UDIST-300-04 (348) Eco: BioEthics - Going Green
Instructor: Jody Gillerman
Explore Art and Science to create works integrating art, science, and design in the medium of your choice and in a cross-cultural environment. You will research and produce art inspired by science principles, ideas, and topics of your choice - interpretations can be abstract, conceptual or representational. Topics may range in scope from Bio-ethics, Genetics, Astronomy, Seismology, Nanotech to Global Warming, Health, Ecology, Going Green. Works may be presented in the medium of your choice including interactive media, web, sculpture, graphic design, architecture, installation, or other. Students will have the opportunity to explore in depth their chosen science topic, and be exposed to a variety of topics presented by other students in the class, guest artists/scientists, and myself. Readings and presentations about artists integrating science and art, field trips to Bay Area museums, science centers, relevant locations, and other outings are included and will be partially determined by the specific interests of the class.

Writing and Literture (undergraduate
WRLIT-202-03 (559) Eng 2: TBA (Eco)
Instructor: Steve Ajay
English 2 has two goals: first, to introduce students to the pleasures, issues, and formal strategies of literature and, second, to continue the work begun in English 1 on strengthening students' ability to use language both expressively and analytically. Reading will be drawn from a range of genres, periods, and traditions.
Themes: Africa, the Environment, Social Justice. The intention of this course is to understand more about the world and ourselves. We'll read both American and African writers. Africa is a hugely diverse and vast continent. This semester will provide an introduction to some of the literature and history of colonial and modern Africa, the complex environmental issues (including management of wildlife), race and western stereotypes. The readings, discussions and writing assignments are intended to point out the ways in which all peoples are interrelated and interdependent. This is an ambitious menu that encompasses the pleasure of literature, discussion and honing our writing skills. Authors include: Conrad, Camus, Edward Said, Achebe, Alexandra Fuller, Ishmael Beah, Adam Hochschild, Peter Godwin Read more

Writing (undergraduate
WRLIT-304-03 (546) Eco: L: Lit of Environment
Instructor: Steve Ajay
Literature of the Environment is a new course designed to enhance appreciation of our living planet through a careful investigation of selected writings that focus awareness on multiple ecosystems: the mountains, the ocean & rivers, the desert, and the land that is home to all beings. Students will be exposed to a range of authors (poets, non-fiction & prose writers) whose passion is the natural world. The class will be based on the readings, the discussion and assigned writings. There is a wealth of exquisite literature on the natural environment. Our intention in the class is both to be nourished by this and also to delve into the urgent issues involved. Authors include: Barry Lopez, Gretel Ehrlich, Loren Eiseley, W. S Merwin, Edward Abbey, Scott Russell Sanders, Diane Ackerman, Wendell Berry, Rebecca Solnit, Terry Tempest Williams, Leslie Silko, Mary Oliver, Wallace Stegner, Elizabeth Bishop, Stanley Kunitz, Theodore Roethke and others. Read more