UCLA Extension Writers' Program

Online Courses

To see a full list of WINTER 2010 courses, download the Writers' Program section of the UCLA Extension catalog! Click here.

Creative Writing (Online)

The UCLA Extension Writers' Program offers approximately 100 Online Creative Writing courses each year.

Our online workshops are offered through Blackboard, which can be accessed through almost any internet service provider. Courses are conducted asynchronously so that students can log on any time to participate, following the weekly schedule set by the instructor. Instructors check in at least every 48 hours so that discussions may be ongoing throughout the week. Many students appreciate the intensity and flexibility of the online experience. The geographical diversity is also appealing, as fellow students and instructors may be participating from all over the world.

To learn how online courses work, visit http://uclaextension.blackboard.com
and participate in a free UCLA Extension Blackboard Orientation.

The Writers' Program offers courses for all levels of writers.

For advisement on online creative writing courses call or email
Sara Bond at sbond@uclaextension.edu or (310) 794-1846
or Corey Campbell at ccampbel@uclaextension.edu or (310) 825-0107.

Screenwriting (Online)

The UCLA Extension Writers' Program offers approximately 70 Online Screenwriting courses each year.

Online courses offer students the opportunity to take classes anywhere, anytime. Students simply need a PC or Macintosh computer with reliable internet access to participate in our online courses on Blackboard. Many students benefit from the flexibility that online courses provide, as well as the opportunity to connect with fellow writers from around the world. The Writers' Program offers beginning to advanced-level courses in feature film writing and television writing. Classes range from short one-week courses to full-length 10 weeks courses. Enroll in an online class and share your stories with students across the globe.

To learn how online courses work, visit http://uclaextension.blackboard.com and participate in a free UCLA Extension Blackboard Orientation.

The Writers' Program offers courses for all levels of writers.

For advisement on online screenwriting courses contact Daniel Sanchez at dasanche@uclaextension.edu or (310) 825-9416 or Mae Respicio at mrespici@uclaextension.edu or (310) 206-0951.

All You Need to Know About Online Courses at UCLA Extension Writers' Program

Back in 1996, the UCLA Extension Writers' Program ventured into cyberspace, pioneering what has become the country's largest online writing program. Now we offer more than 150 online workshops annually. Whether you're in North Dakota, Italy, or even Los Angeles, all you need to take a Writers' Program online course is a computer and reliable Internet connection. The courses are asynchronous, so you can log on to participate any time of day or night.

Since online learning is relatively new, it still draws many questions. We asked a group of online students to demystify the experience.

How are online courses personal if you can't see anyone?

As one Onliner, Julia Bradley from the Netherlands, put it, "The anonymity of the virtual classroom makes habitually shy writers braver; we dare to ask questions, to write things we may normally keep to ourselves, and critique in a more honest way." Not only does the online environment make some bold, it offers discussion without pretense, as Craig Conklin from Raleigh, North Carolina says: "Conversations and comments feel more frank than one might encounter in a face-to-face classroom setting. Online we're brought together without pretenses so there's no need to feel nervous or uncomfortable." And Craig adds, "There's also a certain camaraderie among classmates that I don't think you get in the classroom."

What's the advantage of online courses being asynchronous?

For working professionals, like Rebecca Graham from Boston, not logging in at a particular time can be an advantage. She says, "As a working professional in film and TV, this is a fantastic way for me to take classes on a hectic schedule. Being able to check an online board and correspond via postings is great to fit in at odd hours of the day." And for some, the virtual classroom means less anxiety, like for Jennifer Robinson, now a published author, from Newbury Park, California. "Often, I completed my assignments after work, in my pajamas, eating chocolate, and so I was more relaxed," she says. And for all you insomniacs (you know who you are) studying online can mean utilizing those sleepless nights, like for Diane Alpaio of Atlanta, who says, "You can participate as your schedule allows or when the muse hits at 3 am."

How are writing projects workshopped online?

Online students definitely feel that workshopping online has its benefits. For Lia Keyes of Van Nuys, California, it offers merit-based critique:"The writing is judged on its own merits, the way that a publisher or reader judges it, and not based on the looks, charm, education (or lack of it!) of the writer." And John Cant of Berkeley notes, "The experience of communicating to one's classmates and tutor solely in the written word is an exercise in clarity and simplicity of expression in itself."

What's the advantage of having classmates around the world?

Having classmates from around the world! Julia notes that many international students "bring their own unique perspectives and cultures to the classes. This enriches the learning experience so much and makes interaction with the other students interesting and stimulating."

How does the online discussion measure up to an in-class discussion?

Craig feels the online environment requires a certain dedication: "You have to be disciplined and proactive to take an online class since it is up to the individual to really set aside their own time to participate. So for that reason I feel the classmates are more eager about their work and giving feedback and participating." And Julia agrees, "People tend to formulate their questions well and the teacher has more time to respond to those questions. There's less rushing through material and more in-depth study and discussion."

Do you have to be a "techie" to do this?

Short answer, no. UCLA Extension's course manager Wayne Wong says, "Students do not have to be a tech wizard to take an online course; however, online students do need to feel comfortable with the technology of email, the Web, and opening and sending file attachments."

If you're not convinced now, listen to the professionals, two Writers' Program instructors who have taught both online and on-campus:

Paul Chitlik says, "Online education has grown by leaps and bounds because it offers the best of two worlds you have the convenience of going online anytime and anywhere, yet you have close contact with the instructor and the other students. You also get more personal attention from the instructor who normally will be in contact with you a couple of times per week, so if questions come up, they are quickly answered."

Erica Byrne adds, "I would say that the students' level of dedication about the class and their work is on average 75 to 80 percent in the classroom; online it is consistently 95 to 100 percent. This may be because they aren't dragging themselves to a class after a full day's work when they're exhausted, have fought L.A. traffic and have had no dinner. Online they choose when to click in and they probably are alert and focused...and possibly [the online students] like the anonymity of it all. They can fully express their thoughts and take chances they may not take in a 'classroom' full of peers."