PALM LATITUDES

In his tongue-firmly-in-cheek rundown of the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program classes (“Verbatim,” Aug. 4), R. Daniel Foster calls particular attention to several of our current offerings. Although we appreciate the attention, I’d like to put his witty remarks in a broader context.

First, although we do offer a selection of courses that are inspired by such trends in American culture as an interest in Jungian psychology and the human potential movement, 90% of the curriculum consists of the very courses--practically “verbatim”--Mr. Foster clearly implies we don’t carry: “Writing the Short Story,” “Writing for Children,” “Introduction to Screenwriting,” etc.

Second, all of the Writers’ Program courses--both the colorfully and mundanely titled--are taught by professional writers.

Finally, although the courses that Mr. Foster cites (“Writing for Medusa: The Creative Transformation of Anger,” “A Jungian Approach to Creative Writing,” et al.) may comprise good quick-and-dirty copy for the quarter-page columnist, these courses do, in fact, reflect the interests of many of the community’s adult learners.

LINDA VENIS

HEAD

THE WRITERS’ RROGRAM,

UCLA EXTENSION