<p>Hey -
I'm a freshie admit, and a Haas hopeful.
If anyone's taken these classes that I'm signed on for, or if anyone's heard stuff about them, please advise.</p>
<p>It's a total of 17 units, which I know is a lot for first semester. But, I've also heard that the Chinese and ESPM classes aren't too bad. I wish to also minor in Chinese, reason for the 1AX class. The Astro/ESPM classes satisfy my Physical/Bio science breadth requirements. </p>
<p>Astronomy C10 (4 units), Introduction to General Astronomy (Filippenko†): "He was funny, and at the same time you learn about many things in the class. The class also fulfills an L&S breadth requirement. You don't have to be an astronomy major to take this course!" "Changed my life. He is what being a teacher is all about: interesting, intelligent, and inspirational." "He is a remarkable professor. His ability to explain the cosmos in a fun and informative way is one of a kind." "He's an amazing lecturer! He'll make you want to drop engineering or sociology or integrative biology or whatever it is you are studying and become an astrophysicist!" "Until Astro 10 I had never been in a class where the students line up on the last day of lecture to shake the professor's hand, obtain his autograph on their reader, and take a picture with him." "The material is challenging, but it is a great class to ease the transition from high school to college level courses." "Alex takes an interesting subject and makes it even more interesting! Not a blow-off course - you'll have to work for your grade - but one of the most enlightening and fun classes I've taken. Alex genuinely loves his subject and his students, and he will be there for you. Go to Lick Observatory with him - you won't regret it!" "The professor is amazing! He can find ways to make throwing doughnuts around the room and dropping tubs of yogurt on the ground into lessons on physics. It is blatantly obvious how much he loves his field; in fact, it may take you a few weeks to get over just how smart he is." "The man is the most captivating teacher I have ever had! His passion for his material is magnetic! He is an astroballer!" "His class has been by far my favorite at Berkeley. I especially loved the star parties and hiking at one in the morning to watch a meteor shower! He simply made the subject matter come alive by getting all the students involved." "Convinced me to become an astronomy major!" "He's enthusiastic, easy to approach, and he's the kind of professor who will get you as a freshman fired up about being a college student." "He has won so many teaching awards that he is a living god among teachers." "This course was fascinating and Alex always made lectures fun and exciting with in class demonstrations and a general enthusiasm for the subject. This enthusiasm helped make the course interesting and I would definitely recommend taking this class sometime while at Cal."</p>