<p>Why is it that some classes marked as being taught (SP) or (F) in the course catalog aren't taught every spring or fall? Is there some place beyond the course catalog to get more accurate information about which semesters certain classes are taught? I feel like whenever I check on individual department websites their course descriptions either contain less information than what is in the catalog or they just redirect me there. It makes trying to make a long-term class schedule a pain : /</p>
<p>The course catalog book is outdated as soon as it is published. Best way to figure it out is to directly ask/e-mail one of the department staff who has the tentative schedule for the next semester or two. Believe it or not, they actually know which courses they’re going to offer and who’s going to teach it, it’s just that we never ask.</p>
<p>Often the department website has a list of courses they offer and indicate when it will be offered. Some are only given certain years on a given semester - thus you may be able to take a class in Spring 13 but not Spring 12, Spring 14 or any Fall or Summer semester. Part of mapping out your courses to complete your major involves understanding those details. </p>
<p>For example, [IB:</a> Undergrad Curriculum](<a href=“http://ib.berkeley.edu/student/courses/curriculum.php#ecology]IB:”>http://ib.berkeley.edu/student/courses/curriculum.php#ecology) </p>
<p>Most do not list that plan, so the course catalog is pretty much your only guide if you don’t speak to the department. Your advisor, once you are declared, can help you with that. </p>
<p>Things do change, thus a course planned for a future semester might be cancelled, but the classes that are broadly required tend to be pretty dependable year after year.</p>
<p>I feel your pain.</p>
<p>Thanks for the tips!</p>