Extension Courses at UCI Reflect What’s Happening

From the turbulent ‘60s to the career-oriented 80s, UCI Extension programs have mirrored the tenor of the times.

The socially conscious 1960s found these offerings: Beyond the McCone Report, a course describing the causes and implications of the Watts Riots; Vietnam--Civil Strife or World War?; American Culture: the Negro’s Contribution, and the Golden Age of Radio.

Also formed during the 1960s was Project 21, an organization of prominent Orange County leaders, who, working with “citizen study groups” assembled by UCI Extension, produced reports and conferences on such issues as poverty in Orange County, transportation needs, open space, population growth and low-income housing.

Some courses and programs in the reflective 1970s were: Zen; An Approach to Intimacy; Psychic Healing; Mid-Life Crisis; Endangered Species and Wildlife Management.

Reflecting the growth of the women’s movement, 1970 also marked the founding of extension’s Women’s Opportunities Center, which offers career counseling and special programs for women.

Courses and programs in the career-minded 1980s include Hazardous Materials Management; Personnel Management; Marketing Communications; Legal Assistantship; Electronic Music Synthesis and Fund-Raising.