2025 Fall
POLECON 156 001 - LEC 001
Silicon Valley and the Global Economy
Crystal Chang
Class #:24250
Units: 4
Instruction Mode:
In-Person Instruction
Offered through
Interdisciplinary Social Science Programs
Current Enrollment
Total Open Seats:
5
Enrolled: 45
Waitlisted: 15
Capacity: 50
Waitlist Max: 15
Open Reserved Seats:
5 reserved for Students with Enrollment Permission
Hours & Workload
3 hours of instructor presentation of course materials per week, 9 hours of outside work hours per week, and 1 hours of the exchange of opinions or questions on course material per week.
Other classes by Crystal Chang
Course Catalog Description
This course investigates the historical origins and institutional ecosystem of Silicon Valley by identifying key factors in the development of Silicon Valley, as well as political circumstances and cultural conditions that have sustained its important role in the global economy. Questions like these will be addressed: Will Silicon Valley and artificial intelligence render workers irrelevant? Have the region’s tech giants like Google, Apple and Facebook become the monopolists of the new Gilded Age, and should they be broken up? Has Silicon Valley peaked? Is the “Silicon Valley model” unique or can it be replicated elsewhere? Lectures are discussion-driven, interactive, and will be complemented by films, debate, and group work.
Class Notes
If you are a declared/intended GS/PE major or minor and cannot enroll in this class via standard methods, please complete this form, which will open July 25 and close August 15: https://forms.gle/PMZ4Y5Yve9WGSEh17. Permission seats will be given only to declared/intended GS/PE majors or minors who a..
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If you are a declared/intended GS/PE major or minor and cannot enroll in this class via standard methods, please complete this form, which will open July 25 and close August 15: https://forms.gle/PMZ4Y5Yve9WGSEh17. Permission seats will be given only to declared/intended GS/PE majors or minors who are on the waitlist. Completing this form is not a guarantee of a seat.
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Rules & Requirements
Repeat Rules
Course is not repeatable for credit.
Reserved Seats
Reserved Seating For This Term
Current Enrollment
Open Reserved Seats:
5 reserved for Students with Enrollment Permission
Textbooks & Materials
See class syllabus or https://calstudentstore.berkeley.edu/textbooks for the most current information.
Guide to Open, Free, & Affordable Course Materials