Fung-Sponsored Courses

This course provides engineering majors with the fundamental skills for effective technical communication. During the course of the semester, students will develop communications for public dissemination, covering a project or initiative within UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering. This work will call on students to: (a) cultivate interest in a broad range of topics related to Engineering; (b) become an engaged and critical reader of academic and general-interest science publications; (c) learn how to assess, plan for, and respond to a variety of communicative situations; (d) produce focused, and at the same time, narratively-rich, accounts of Engineering research. View more information.

2023 Summer Session A
ENGIN 185 001 – LEC 001
Format: Online
Dates: May 22-June 30 (6 weeks)
Instructor: Dr. Mark Bauer

The past three years have shown that the need for clear science writing is stronger than ever.  They have also underscored that the challenges of communicating scientific principles and findings lie not simply in the complexity of those ideas, but in audiences’ willingness and ability to listen.  How, then, can writers offer compelling narratives about scientific and technological impacts amid the din of competing interests and outright misinformation?  In this environment, science writing needs not just to be clear, but persuasive, and that requires writers to mobilize strategies that go well beyond the usual imperative to report and contextualize data.

This seminar seeks to develop a toolkit for writers who are looking to convince decision makers about the need to incorporate research findings into their planning, and also to convince a broad audience of non-scientists about the importance of acting on them.  From mask mandates to climate policy, we’ll consider not only how to make our points effectively, but also how to account for other, often conflicting interests that audiences are weighing when thinking about how to prioritize scientific findings. To achieve these goals, we’ll draw lessons from reading case studies and other works by experts in the field, and students will write a variety of pieces ranging from short summaries to longer academic research papers.

The course examines the challenges of innovation beyond new technology development: from the challenges of global expansion, to the issues of unintended consequences of technology and the ability of technology to support or hinder social justice. The course will provide examples in a variety of global locations (e.g., Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa, China, and India), utilizing case examples (written and presented by speakers) that illustrate the challenges faced in a range of fields of engineering and technology, from water and transportation to information and communications technology, and from start-ups to major corporations, government entities, and policy makers. View more information.

Terms offered: Fall 2019

Units: 2
Terms offered: Spring

This course provides the framework for leadership development. The class focuses on development of self and emotional intelligence; identification of core values, creation of purpose statements; growth mind-set; ethical decision-making; inspiration of others, conflict resolution, goal setting and teamwork; global and cultural awareness; and development of plans of action. Weekly introspective reflections are required. The class comprises three parts: (I) Exploration of your leadership journey; (II) Discovery of your Personal Leadership Style; and (III) Development of a Personal Leadership Plan. View more information.