This page provides an overview of each type of Creative Writing and Screenwriting course offered including what to expect in beginning, intermediate, and advanced-level courses.
For help in choosing a course or determining if a course fulfills certificate requirements, call our main line at 310-825-9415 or email writers@uclaextension.edu.
These basic creative writing courses are for students with no prior writing experience. Instruction is exercise-driven; the process of workshopping—in which students are asked to share and offer feedback on each other’s work with guidance from the instructor—is introduced.
Courses in this section are open to students at all levels and in all genres who want a deeper understanding of a specific craft issue or area of study.
Beginning Fiction
Courses in this section are recommended for students with some prior writing experience. Instruction is a mix of lecture and workshopping. With the close guidance of the instructor, students share and offer feedback in a supportive environment focused on assessing the strengths and weaknesses of their work. Those new to writing should consider courses in the Basics of Writing section.
Intermediate Fiction
These courses are designed for students who have fulfilled the prerequisites stated in each description. Instruction includes lectures as appropriate, but the focus is on workshopping. Students continue to share and offer feedback in a supportive environment.
Advanced Fiction
A manuscript submission is required for entry into these workshops. Courses are primarily workshop-driven. It is recommended that students take intermediate level courses prior to submitting their work to an advanced-level course.
Beginning Creative Nonfiction
Courses in this section are recommended for students with some prior writing experience. Instruction is a mix of lecture and workshopping. With the close guidance of the instructor, students share and offer feedback in a supportive environment focused on assessing the strengths and weaknesses of their work. Those new to writing should consider courses in the Basics of Writing section.
Intermediate Creative Nonfiction
These courses are designed for students who have fulfilled the prerequisites stated in each description. Instruction includes lectures as appropriate, but the focus is on workshopping. Students continue to share and offer feedback in a supportive environment.
Advanced Creative Nonfiction
A manuscript submission is required for entry into these workshops. Courses are primarily workshop-driven. It is recommended that students take intermediate level courses prior to submitting their work to an advanced-level course.
Courses in this section offer opportunities for writers to specialize in the full array of books for children, including picture books, easy readers, chapter books, middle grade novels, and young adult novels.
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These workshops are tailored to students with specific levels of experience in poetry writing. Please review course descriptions carefully or call an advisor to determine which course will best help you reach your writing goals.
These courses are designed for writers who want to improve their editing skills or develop competencies toward a career in editing and publishing. Some courses help advanced writing students prepare and submit their work for publication. Call a Writers’ Program advisor for more information.
Courses in this area are designed for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills but aren’t interested in working on a creative project. Courses focus on practical skills applicable to daily life, including clear expression of ideas in writing, persuasion, and writing for specific audiences. Adults who want to improve their ability to write for work purposes will find helpful skill development here as well.
Courses in this section are open to students who want a deeper understanding of a specific craft issue or area of study. These courses fulfill the elective requirement for screenwriting certificates.
Beginning Feature Film
Recommended for beginning students, these courses build on one another in a four-part sequence. With the close guidance of the instructor, students share and offer feedback in a supportive environment focused on assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the work. By the end of the sequence, students have a completed draft of their first feature film script.
Intermediate Feature Film
Courses in this section are for students who have completed at least one screenplay. A new project is begun with an emphasis on craft issues such as structure, character development, and emotional content. Self-editing techniques are introduced.
Advanced Feature Film
A script-submission is required for these advanced-level courses which are primarily workshop driven. It is recommended that students take courses at the intermediate level prior to submitting their work to an advanced-level course.
Beginning Television
Recommended for beginning students who are writing a spec script of an existing comedy or drama series. With the close guidance of the instructor, students share and offer feedback in a supportive environment focused on assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the work.
Intermediate Television
Courses in this section are for students who have completed at least one draft of a spec script of an existing series. The focus is on writing and polishing a solid first draft of an original pilot. Students also gain a better understanding of the business of writing for television.
Advanced Television
A script-submission is required for these advanced-level workshop-driven courses. It is recommended that students take courses at the intermediate level prior to submitting their work to an advanced-level workshop. Students write original pilots or further refine their existing projects.
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