Spring 2024


Splash Biography



OSVALDO BARBA, UC Berkeley Sophomore studying PoliSci and French




Major: Political Science

College/Employer: UC Berkeley

Year of Graduation: 2024

Picture of Osvaldo Barba

Brief Biographical Sketch:

I am 19 years old, and I grew up in Los Angeles in a largely Latine community. I am interested in local, federal, and international law and politics. I am especially ecstatic about International Law. In my free time, I write poetry, spend quality time with my friends, and explore new cities.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

O945: The Modern Supreme Court and Us in Splash Spring 2022 (Apr. 16 - Oct. 29, 2022)
Why is it so difficult to pass comprehensive gun reform? Who was RBG, and who is Stephen Breyer? Where do voting rights stand? What happened in the election of 2000? What is Roe v. Wade—is it actually overturned? How does social identity play a part in the Constitution? Is affirmative action considered Constitutional? What is the Constitution, and how does it affect our everyday lives? Should we still follow the Constitution, or create a new one? What does it mean when people say the Supreme Court is 6-3? And where do we go from here? This course examines all of these topics and more by delving into the most important institution of the judicial branch—and how the civil rights, civil liberties, and lives of millions repeatedly lie in the hands of nine people. This discussion-based course will serve as an introduction to the modern Supreme Court and give students the opportunity to learn about the intersection of law, race, religion, and identity.