Humanities

Choose from an array of courses in history, literature, philosophy, culture, cuisine and personal development. Gain fresh insights on vital issues in the humanities and cultural studies. Develop your communication skills. Or refine your palate by discovering and comparing fine wines.

Classes are regularly offered in multiple locations throughout the Bay Area—including Berkeley, San Francisco and Belmont—and online.

View all courses in Humanities.

Featured Courses

New! Pharaoh's Tomb Crew: The History of Deir el-Medina

Study the history and archaeology of Egypt's New Kingdom (1567–1070 BCE), the everyday lives of its people, and their preparations for death and the afterlife. Learn more.

New! Vampires and Steampunk

Read new twists and old standards in fantasy, science fiction, paranormal fiction and urban fantasy. Learn more.

Children's Literature: The Golden Age

Examine classic children’s literature to discover what visions they present of childhood, of the social world and of the self. Learn more.

Professional Certificate (What is a professional certificate?)

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Writing (EDP 022466)

Formalize your training and prepare for an M.F.A. program in writing with this professional certificate that's the only one of its kind in the Bay Area. Build your writing portfolio, join a dedicated community of writers, and discover what it takes to be published. Learn more.

Specialized Programs of Study (What is a specialized program of study?)

Editing (EDP 022343)

Whether you want to begin a rewarding editing career, rise to a management position in publishing or apply editing expertise in a related profession, this program can help turn your editorial sensibilities into marketable skills. Learn more.

Professional Writing (EDP 022559)

Learn how to craft well-written communications; describe ideas, products and services succinctly and compellingly; analyze and process large amounts of data into narrative form; and write for new and emerging forms of communication. Learn more.

Learn more about all of UC Berkeley Extension's professional certificates and specialized programs of study.

Information Sessions

Learn more about Extension—without making a commitment. Come to a free, no-obligation information session to discover how we can help you achieve your goals. Learn more about courses and programs, meet other prospective students, talk to instructors and staff and ask questions.

Enroll in a free information session, or call (510) 642-4111 to reserve your space.

Events, Programs and Resources

Berkeley Meets Oxford

Learn about the University of Oxford's rich and storied 900-year-old history and the exciting Oxford Berkeley Program in this entertaining, illustrated lecture given by Christopher Day. Watch the full video.

LASER: Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous (EDP 055392)

The LASER series, chaired by cultural historian Piero Scaruffi, is a local forum for art and science
projects that are creative, original and interdisciplinary in nature. Each evening program features
a medley of four artists, scientists, philosophers, historians, inventors and scholars who are
working on projects that expand existing paradigms.

Dates and Times: Wednesdays, June 5 and Aug. 7, 6:30–8:30 pm
Location: Berkeley Campus
Cost: FREE

What Every Career-Minded Professional Should Know (EDP 055376)

Join noted career-coach Marty Nemko for an afternoon of practical tips, strategies and advice to get the most out of your career skills and your talents to ensure full and productive employment in the years ahead.

Date and Time: Wednesday, June 12, 12–10 pm
Location: San Francisco: Art and Design Center
Cost: FREE

The State of the Object: How Art Interacts With Technology, Society and Life (EDP 015602)

Moderated by author Piero Scaruffi—with individual presentations and a panel discussion by distinguished Bay Area practitioners in art and design—this event ranges across the contemporary art and design field to underscore the importance of creativity for business, technology and the way that people live.

Date and Time: Wednesday, Aug. 14, 7–8:30 pm
Location: San Francisco: Art and Design Center
Cost: FREE

UC Berkeley Library Exhibits

View "Story Hour in the Library" videos at webcast.berkeley.edu.

Berkeley Arts & Letters presents engaging and provocative speakers and conversations in Berkeley. View its upcoming calendar.

Every October, readers and writers gather to hear work in fiction and poetry at Litquake, the largest nine-day literary festival on the West Coast. UC Berkeley Extension is proud to be a sponsor.

Contact

To contact the department office, email humanit@unex.berkeley.edu or call (510) 643-1110. For more information on online courses, email online@unex.berkeley.edu or call (510) 642-7343.

Subject Areas

Courses Available in