Courses and Workshops

American Civics 101 is a timely discussion using “real-time” events and issues to tackle what every person applying for U.S. citizenship needs to know ... how our U.S. government actually works!

Many Americans tend to take their U.S. Citizenship for granted. Just imagine if the rules changed and you now had to take a government civics test every year to remain a U.S. citizen. Would you be able to pass? Could you identify the co-equal branches of Government, their functions, responsibilities and current critical issues Understand the rationale and ramifications of recent Supreme Court decisions on voting, gun control, affirmative action and others? Explain the importance of the U.S. Constitution and its 27 amendments including its Bill of Rights? Explain the concept of “gerrymandering” and its restrictive effect on states voting rights? Explain and speak to the ongoing issues surrounding the Electoral College, budget “reconciliation," the "debt ceiling" and our National Debt? American Civics 101 will explore all these topics and more. Given the importance of the upcoming 2024 election, being informed as a voter and how our government works has never been more important!

Faculty Bio

Alan Perper has trained with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services to develop an adult U.S. citizenship curriculum and has taught civics and citizenship classes across the country.

This is a Livestreamed + Recorded Course

• Classes will stream live on the scheduled day and time.
• Classes will also be video recorded.
• You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.

Schedule Highlights

• Course starts on Monday, Jan. 22 and ends on Monday, March 4
• There is no class on Monday, Feb. 19
• Classes meet for six weeks, 1.5 hours per session (9:30–11 AM)
• Videos will post on Fridays in Member Dashboards
• All course materials, including videos, will be available to view and enjoy through March 31