Starting university can be an exciting yet disorienting experience, and the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), with its unique academic landscape, is no exception. If you’re a student, especially a new one, stepping into the History of Consciousness department, you might feel a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. This guide is designed as your compass to navigate through your initial days, weeks, and even your first year within this intellectually stimulating environment. We aim to provide insights into the department’s offerings, academic expectations, and the overall spirit, ensuring you feel less lost and more oriented towards success and discovery.
Understanding the Intellectual Terrain: What is History of Consciousness?
The History of Consciousness department at UCSC is distinctive. It’s not just history, nor is it simply philosophy or sociology, but a unique interdisciplinary program that encourages students to explore the historical, social, and political conditions that shape thought and being. Many courses challenge conventional disciplinary boundaries, urging students to think critically and broadly.
For instance, courses like HISC 1 Introduction to History of Consciousness immediately plunge into the politics of identity and recognition, foundational concepts for understanding social structures and struggles. You’ll encounter diverse thinkers, from Sartre to Foucault, each offering a lens to examine institutional legitimacy and social dynamics. This introductory course signals the department’s commitment to grappling with complex theoretical frameworks from the outset.
Similarly, HISC 20 Democracy and Dictatorship exemplifies the department’s approach to fundamental political concepts. It doesn’t just define democracy; it interrogates it. Questions like “Who constitutes the people?” and “How is popular will expressed?” are central. The course delves into alternative governance models like dictatorship, autocracy, and tyranny, pushing you to consider democracy not as a given, but as a contested and evolving concept. This course is indicative of the critical and analytical rigor expected within the department.
Navigating Course Selection: Finding Your Intellectual Niche
Choosing courses in the History of Consciousness department can feel overwhelming due to the sheer breadth of topics. However, this variety is a strength, allowing you to tailor your academic journey to your evolving interests.
Lower Division Courses as Exploratory Pathways:
The lower-division courses serve as excellent entry points to different facets of the program. HISC 12 Historical Introduction to Philosophy provides a solid grounding in moral, metaphysical, and epistemological issues through classical texts and contemporary readings. If you’re keen on foundational philosophical questions, this course, taught by instructors like Emmett Peixoto, will equip you with essential analytical tools.
For those drawn to political theory and social movements, HISC 60A What is Revolution? and HISC 60C What Is Resistance? are compelling options. “What is Revolution?” dissects the modern concept of revolution, engaging with thinkers from Hobbes to Lenin. “What is Resistance?” explores the politics of resistance, examining both theoretical frameworks and real-world examples from peasant revolts to feminist struggles. These courses, often instructed by faculty like Banu Bargu, encourage you to connect abstract theory with concrete historical and contemporary issues.
Exploring Specific Themes:
The department also offers courses centered around specific themes, allowing for deeper dives into areas of interest. HISC 65 What is Belief? delves into the historical and political conditions shaping our understanding of “belief,” traversing realms from mysticism to UFOs. HISC 75 Ecological Crisis and Human Freedom addresses pressing contemporary concerns, questioning human roles in nature and exploring paths towards a livable future amidst ecological challenges. Courses like HISC 80R What is Space? challenge you to see space not as neutral but as a socially produced and contested site, examining its relationship to class conflict, violence, and possibilities for liberation.
Utilizing Course Codes and General Education Requirements:
Pay attention to the General Education Codes associated with each course. Many HISC courses fulfill the Textual Analysis (TA) requirement, honing your critical reading and analytical skills. Others might satisfy the Interpretation and Methods (IM), or Ethnic and Racial Justice (ER), or People and the Environment (PE-E) requirements, broadening your academic experience while fulfilling university mandates. For instance, HISC 70 Gandhi and Us fulfills the PE-H (People and History) code, while HISC 80P The Black Panther Party meets the ER requirement.
Thriving in the Academic Environment: Expectations and Strategies
The History of Consciousness department fosters a rigorous yet supportive academic environment. Expect to engage deeply with complex texts, participate actively in discussions, and develop sophisticated analytical and writing skills.
Reading and Engagement:
The reading load can be substantial. Courses often involve grappling with dense theoretical works. Effective reading strategies are crucial. Don’t just passively read; engage with the text actively. Annotate, summarize key arguments, and formulate questions. Course descriptions often list key thinkers you’ll encounter, such as Plato, Kant, Marx, and Foucault. Familiarizing yourself with their core ideas beforehand can be beneficial.
Seminar Discussions:
Many courses, especially upper-division and graduate seminars, rely heavily on class discussions. Preparation is key. Come to class ready to share your insights, ask clarifying questions, and engage respectfully with diverse perspectives. The department values intellectual curiosity and critical dialogue. Courses like HISC 121 What Is Politics? and HISC 127 What is Modernity? are designed to be driven by inquiry and discussion, encouraging students to collectively explore complex questions.
Writing and Analytical Skills:
Strong writing is paramount. Assignments often require you to analyze texts, develop arguments, and articulate your ideas with clarity and precision. Seek feedback on your writing. Utilize UCSC’s writing resources and don’t hesitate to approach professors and TAs during office hours for guidance. Courses like HISC 104 Political Writing directly address the politics of writing itself, prompting you to consider the philosophical and political implications of your chosen forms.
Building Community and Utilizing Resources: Beyond the Classroom
Your university experience extends beyond academics. Building a community and utilizing available resources are vital for a well-rounded and successful journey.
Connecting with Faculty and Peers:
The History of Consciousness department boasts approachable and engaged faculty. Attend office hours, not just for assignment help, but to discuss your intellectual interests and seek mentorship. Engage with your peers. Form study groups, discuss readings, and collaborate on projects when possible. The department’s interdisciplinary nature attracts students from diverse backgrounds, creating a rich environment for learning from each other.
Exploring Campus Resources:
UCSC offers a wealth of resources to support students. Familiarize yourself with the library system, writing centers, student advising services, and counseling and psychological services (CAPS). The university also has various cultural centers and student organizations that can enhance your sense of belonging and provide platforms for engagement.
Embracing Disorientation as Opportunity:
Disorientation, in its initial phase, can be unsettling. However, in an intellectually vibrant environment like the History of Consciousness department at UCSC, it can also be a catalyst for growth and discovery. Embrace the uncertainty. Be open to new ideas, challenge your assumptions, and allow yourself to be intellectually moved and transformed by your academic journey.
This guide is just a starting point. Your path through the History of Consciousness department will be unique and unfolding. By understanding the department’s ethos, navigating course selection strategically, engaging actively in your studies, and building connections, you can transform disorientation into a powerful orientation towards intellectual exploration and personal growth at UCSC. Welcome to the journey.
