American Government: Foundations, Functions, and the Constitution in Action
This course examines how American government really works—on paper, in practice, and in the news right now. We’ll break down the three branches and see where the Constitution’s original design meets modern reality. Topics will include civil liberties and civil rights, elections, major Supreme Court cases and more. Each week, we’ll use both historical context and current events to see how the president, Congress, and the states sometimes go beyond established Constitutional limits. In the last week we’ll look at the controversy surrounding where our democracy might be heading and what if anything can change its course. This course will help you understand the connection between the constitution, our government’s actions and the stories making the headlines.
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Drawing Fundamentals
Fee: $75.00
Dates: 11/3/2025 - 12/15/2025
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Days: M
Sessions: 6
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center A
Room: A-113
Instructor: Jack Flanigan
Seats Still Available: 31
In this six-week course, beginners will build a strong foundation in the art of drawing. We’ll explore one-, two-, and three-point perspective, logarithmic patterns, light and shadow, and the structure and nature of shapes. Along the way, you’ll develop observation skills, experiment with techniques, and gain confidence in expressing your creativity on paper. All you need is a pad of paper, a #2 soft pencil, and an eraser. Whether you’ve never picked up a pencil or are returning to a long-lost hobby, this class will help you see—and draw—the world in a whole new way.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
International Cinema
Fee: $75.00
Item Number: F25COU105601
Dates: 11/5/2025 - 12/17/2025
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 6
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center A
Room: A-113
Instructor: Dale Knorr
THIS CLASS IS FULL. Please click the "Add to Waitlist" button below.
Enroll and investigate cinematic storytelling as an art form. We’ll view and discuss one film per week including critically acclaimed classics, overlooked gems, and the very best of contemporary foreign language film. The films will be presented in their language of origin with English subtitles.
The U.S. Intelligence Community: Purpose and Capabilities
Fee: $75.00
Dates: 11/5/2025 - 12/17/2025
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Days: W
Sessions: 6
Building: UCR-Palm Desert Center A
Room: A-114
Instructor: Gary Gomez
Seats Still Available: 17
Explore the U.S. intelligence enterprise, its disciplines, and its role in shaping foreign policy. Go beyond media portrayals and popular myths to gain a clear understanding of how intelligence truly works and impacts national affairs. Topics include intelligence collection, how policymakers use intelligence, the risks of politicization and distortion, and the causes of intelligence failures.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
The Week's News in Review - Palm Desert
An interactive discussion of events shaping the news each week. Media sources include print, TV, the internet, and social media. This course will discuss politics, the economy, sports, show business, and topics pulled from the "headlines."
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
Current Events Discussion Group
This course covers legal, social and political topics of the day based on articles, studies and brief foundational lectures. Articles, on both sides of an issue, will be taken from a variety of publications such as The New York Times , The Washington Post , The Wall Street Journal , The Economist , and more. All thoughtful views are welcomed and will be respected. This course will be a hybrid course.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
Tis The Season:: Inspirational Movies To Ring In The New Year
Escape the holiday madness with three inspiring films you may have missed, each followed by a thoughtful discussion. The Miracle of the Bells (1948) tells the story of a press agent (Fred MacMurray) who returns the remains of an unknown actress (Valli) to her coal-mining hometown while trying to convince a Hollywood studio head (Lee J. Cobb) to release her only film. The Finest Hours (2016) recounts the true story of a daring Coast Guard rescue off Cape Cod after two oil tankers are destroyed during a 1952 blizzard. Joyeux Noel (2005), nominated for Best Foreign Language Film, portrays the unofficial Christmas truce of December 1914, when soldiers from opposing sides of World War I briefly set aside the conflict to share in each other’s humanity.
Please note that if you do not see the "Add to Cart" button under your course, you must first create a new account or sign in to your current account. If you do not have current membership, once you have signed in, add your membership to the cart in order to register for courses.
PALM DESERT CENTER