All Courses

"Personal Essay" is a broad term that encompasses essays, opinion pieces and mini-memoirs—but which always details the writer's journey through a specific experience. This workshop teaches aspiring personal essayists how to be a compelling first-person…

Designed for those who have already begun to explore memoir or other narrative nonfiction genres, this workshop guides you to take your skills to the next level by focusing on a collection of essays, a single project or other types of nonfiction prose;…

This in-depth exploration of photographic portraiture covers approaching subjects, establishing a rapport, collaborating with your subject, and digital workflow. Through a series of in-class projects and assignments, students master simple and inexpensive…

In Chinese art and culture, a flower is never merely a flower nor scenery merely a place; each has its legends, romantic stories and symbolic spirituality. Take a journey into the world of Chinese Brush Painting in this comprehensive 11-week course which…

Join us for a live online open house to learn more about our Architecture and Interior Design program. Speakers will include the program advisor, instructors, current students, and graduates. Learn more about the program curriculum for our Interior Design:…

Through lecture and demonstration, this hands-on workshop introduces the basic concepts and tools of Revit, a building information modeling program for architects and interior designers. Students are introduced to Revit's powerful 3D model organization to…

This beginning course focuses on basic freehand drawing and drafting. All the components essential to good drawing are presented and discussed. Working almost exclusively in black-and-white, students embark on a series of exercises that introduce important…

This course covers basic lighting topics, including light and texture, light and color, focal lighting, light sources, fixture schedules, switching patterns, and the required drawings used by designers in both residential and commercial spaces. Instruction…

Introduction to principles of economic analysis, economic institutions and issues of economic policy. Emphasis on aggregative economics, including national income, monetary and fiscal policy, and international trade. Transferable for UC credit.

Introduction to principles of economic analysis, economic institutions and issues of economic policy. Emphasis on allocation of resources and distribution of income through price system. Transferable for UC credit.

Working from evidence-based case studies, students define UX challenges and apply appropriate methods across research, synthesis, design, prototyping, testing, iteration, and presentation for real-world application. Emphasis is placed on intentional method…

Today's designers must satisfy the needs of multiple constituents, including clients, colleagues and especially end-users. The ultimate goal of experience research is to inform design decisions that meet the critical needs of constituents. User research helps…

In this course, students apply what they have learned to real-world case studies and UX design challenges. Topics include research and observational techniques, the art of information gathering, prototyping, scope definition, journey mapping and empathy maps.…

Work one-on-one with an instructor who guides your development of a meaningful project geared toward a portfolio piece, design competition, freelance assignment or other advanced goal. Students choose their own mentors, who are usually DCA or UX instructors.…

This course covers the tools necessary to construct digital drawings in 2D and 3D. Using AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape and Adobe Illustrator/Photoshop software, students learn many skills and techniques to expand their knowledge of drawing and presentation and…

This course covers theories and practical applications to understand the makeup of color and how best to use it. Areas covered include general color theory and psychology, effective color creation, perception, management, color language, digital issues,…

This course provides an introduction to the functions and capabilities of Adobe InDesign. Students are guided in establishing a professional workflow to design documents for print and digital distribution. Learn how to manipulate type and image and create…

Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign are covered in this intensive and immersive course to learn the essential Adobe CC programs utilized in graphic design. Become fluent in editing, building and creating design using Photoshop. Learn client branding and how…

This course further introduces the student to the use of line drawings as a medium for communicating design concepts. Beginning with the connections of architectural plan, section, and elevation, the course proceeds to explore the full range of constructed…

Learn to create, manipulate and combine digital images. Develop a working knowledge of Photoshop's features; use the program in 2D print, interactive and web applications; and learn importing and exporting features. Students must have a subscription to Adobe…

Students with knowledge of the fundamentals of UX move on to iteration: rounds of work and experimentation to hone problem-solving skills. Instruction covers MVP builds, pattern libraries, design at scale, voice and gesture, and end-to-end projects. The…

Internships facilitate the transition from student to professional designer. Students must be registered in the Design Communication Arts (DCA) Advanced Design Communication Arts (ADCA), or User Experience (UX) certificate program and have earned a "C" or…

In this thesis-oriented capstone course, Design Communication Arts students put all they've learned into action to tackle real-world design projects in the civic realm. Public presentation, collaboration, observation, research and problem-solving skills are…

This course introduces students to strategies in design communication and covers utility of systems, programs, campaigns and design families. Visual presentation and concept development are emphasized.

A continuation of lectures, demonstrations, and exercises dealing with the understanding of design fundamentals, this course examines abstract structuring in 2D and 3D design, use of construction materials, and fundamentals of modular systems and their…

This is a hands-on introduction to the creative process and core elements of graphic design for a variety of outputs, including print and electronic media. Topics include research, typography, imagery, strategy and concept development. Projects are…

UCLA Extension's Publication Design course delves into the essential techniques of magazine layout, annual report creation, and branded collateral development. As part of our Emerging/Needs Review category, this program covers fundamental principles including…

Explore the stylistic and expressive potential of typography as a critical element of graphic design solutions in this hands-on course. Students learn about word/image juxtaposition, eclectic stylization, and contemporary design trends. Substantive projects…

This hands-on course covers the fundamentals of type, its characteristics, vocabulary and nomenclature, as well as creative uses of type and how it is integrated in successful design. Working with letterforms is a critical element to successful design.…

Gain a broad understanding of design and its dynamic past to discover inspiration for the present. Survey the history of visual communication, design's sociopolitical and cultural contexts, and the artistic and technological characteristics of various…