• Department: Spanish & Portuguese
• Instructor: Nathalie Bragadir
• Instructor Email: nbragadir@gmail.com
• Day - Time - Room: Tuesday 2:00-2:50 in HSSB 1206
• Enroll Code: 26799

Course Description:  Can one truly return home? In this seminar, we will reflect on constructions of the patria and the home; on migrations, exile, and trauma; possible and impossible returns; personal returns and returns in the place of others; memory, nostalgia, recognition, alienation, and the uncanny. Beginning with the disillusionment of the classic homecoming of Odysseus, we then read the divergent perspectives on the return home of Hölderlin, Nabokov, and Camus, among others. We explore homecomings through the lens of gender, colonialism, immigration, and dictatorship in Latin America, a region whose history is marked by arrival, departure and forced separation. We conclude the course with the diasporic travel between the United States and the Caribbean, where the constant shuttling movement destabilizes the notion of home and belonging. Much of our discussions will be dedicated to understanding the myriad ways in which these journeyers have imagined themselves, their communities, and their nations through literature, film, and in daily life.

Bio:  Nathalie Bragadir holds a B.A. in Spanish and International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania, a M.A. in Romance Languages from Boston University and a Ph.D. in Hispanic Language and Literature from New York University. She taught Spanish and Latin American literature and culture courses in the Department of Latin American and Iberian Cultures at the University of Southern California for seven years before becoming a lecturer at UCSB.  Her research interests include Caribbean, Atlantic, Hispaniola and Border Studies.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery
• Department: Writing Program
• Instructor: Brian Ernst
• Instructor Email: bcernst@writing.ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Monday 1:00-1:50 in HSSB 3201
• Enroll Code: 62166

Course Description:  This seminar traces the evolution of video game storytelling from pure mechanics to complex literature. Students will examine how mechanics-heavy early titles, like Pong and Tetris, gave way to world-building classics, such as The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy VII. Finally, the course analyzes modern interactive narrative blockbusters, like The Last of Us and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, evaluating how player agency, cinematic direction, and emotional depth shape the current landscape. Participants will keep a game journal and sketch their own storyboard concepts or ideas.

Bio:  Brian Ernst is a Continuing Lecturer in the Writing Program and an Affiliate Faculty Member for the Center of Digital Games Research. His interests include rhetorical code studies and narrative design in interactive media, particularly through gaming as a form of storytelling. Dr. Ernst received his Ph.D. in history from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2014 and also served as an Academic Advisor before joining the Writing Program faculty in 2018.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery
• Department: Classics
• Instructor: Annie Lamar
• Instructor Email: aklamar@ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Tuesday 9:00-9:50 in HSSB 4202
• Enroll Code: 62125

Course Description:  This seminar introduces students to the Python programming language and the basic principles of computational humanities research. Students will learn how to implement a variety of data-scientific methods ranging from statistical analysis to word embeddings. Through practice and provided examples, students will also learn how to preprocess texts and datasets, interpret computational evidence, and effectively incorporate data-driven analysis into humanistic arguments. No prior experience with coding is required or expected.

Bio:  Annie K. Lamar specializes in low-resource computational linguistics with special interests in ancient Mediterranean languages and studies. Recent projects include geospatial approaches to catastrophe narratives from the Mediterranean, new approaches to measuring variability in vector spaces across differently resourced languages, and contributions to computational humanities toolkits. Currently, Lamar is an Assistant Professor of Classics and the director of the Low-Resource Language (LOREL) Lab at University of California, Santa Barbara.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery
• Department: EMS Program - Linguistics
• Instructor: Keith Corona
• Instructor Email: kcorona@ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Tuesday 1:00-1:50 in HSSB 2202
• Enroll Code: 62141

Course Description:  This course explores traditional and contemporary earthen building materials, including but not limited to cob, adobe, rammed earth, straw bale, light-straw clay, wattle and daub, hempcrete, and timber-frame construction. Students will examine the historical global use of these sustainable materials and their modern applications. The course also introduces natural finish systems such as clay and lime plasters, tadelakt, and other breathable finishes. By examining buildings from diverse regions, students will consider how these time-tested materials and finishes can inform contemporary housing needs while reducing environmental impact and supporting durable, healthy, and climate-responsive buildings.

Bio:  Keith began teaching academic writing and ESL at the university level in 2012, following several years of living and working in Serbia. After teaching at UC San Diego, he joined UCSB in 2016. His work centers on autonomous learning, instructional design, and educational technology, with extensive experience supporting international and immigrant students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Beyond ESL instruction, his interests include sustainable earthen materials for both building and art.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery
• Department: French and Italian
• Instructor: Carla Borromeo
• Instructor Email: borromeo@ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Monday 1:00-1:50 in HSSB 3202
• Enroll Code: 61978

Course Description:  Italian pop culture is a cultural phenomenon intrinsically linked to modern Italian society, permeating many aspects of everyday life. It represents the creative expression of the masses, influencing the trends, tastes, and desires of a large portion of the population.

Although Italian pop culture emerged in the 20th century, it continues to evolve and transform as a result of technological advances, globalization, and the increasing homogenization of consumer culture. It influences and is reflected in a wide range of fields, including music, style and fashion, food, film and television, technology, shopping habits, art, and language.

This course will introduce students to the different aspects of Italian pop culture and to current trends that, in many cases, differ significantly from traditional stereotypes and conventional ideas about Italy and Italian culture.

Throughout the course, a variety of guest speakers will share their expertise in different areas of Italian pop culture. Each speaker has a close connection to contemporary Italian culture and will provide students with a firsthand perspective on the ways in which Italian society is changing.

The goal of this course is to allow students who are already familiar with traditional Italian culture to deepen their understanding of contemporary Italian pop culture. At the same time, it is designed for students who are new to Italian traditions, customs, and ways of life, offering them a glimpse into contemporary Italy and what it means to be Italian today. Ultimately, the course may inspire students to pursue further study of the Italian language and culture.

Bio:  Carla Borromeo is a Senior Continuing Lecturer in the Italian Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara, with over 28 years of experience teaching Italian language courses at all levels, basic conversation, and discovery seminars. Her interests include music, art and architecture, interior design, photography, and how popular culture influences the evolution of the Italian language.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery
• Department: Education
• Instructor: Karin Lohwasser
• Instructor Email: loh2o@ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Thursday 5:00-5:50 in GIRV 2110
• Enroll Code: 59782

Course Description:  Are you considering a career in education but wondering whether teaching is the right fit for you? Designed specifically for transfer students, this 10-hour discovery course explores modern classroom realities, diverse credentialing pathways, and steps you can take toward a career in teaching in both formal and informal spaces. Through collaboration with your peers, discussions with teachers and teacher candidates, and excursions to formal and informal teaching spaces, you will examine the real-world impact of shaping young minds and learning spaces—giving you tools and ideas to explore further whether teaching might be a viable career for you. This seminar includes two excursions: one to a local school and another to either a garden or a museum, both offering opportunities for informal education. Participation in at least one excursion is mandatory. Dates and times for these excursions will be finalized in the first class to best fit participants’ schedules (a substitution for the excursion portion of the seminar can be arranged if a participant cannot attend).

Bio:  Karin Lohwasser is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Education and the program director of CalTeach, the CalTeach/Science and Mathematics Initiative. Her work centers on supporting teachers to create safe, challenging, and active classrooms where students from all backgrounds can engage in complex and relevant learning. Dr. Lohwasser is particularly interested in collaborating with students, teacher candidates and practicing teachers to develop instruction that integrates climate change and environmental justice while fostering students’ agency toward a sustainable future.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery
• Department: History
• Instructor: Bradford A Bouley
• Instructor Email: bouley@ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Friday 10:00-10:50 in HSSB 1224
• Enroll Code: 62265

Course Description:  This Transfer Discovery seminar will undertake an in-depth examination of Giovanni Boccaccio's The Decameron. Written in the 1350s AD, in the wake of the Black Plague, Boccaccio's work provides a nuanced account of one of the worst demographic catastrophes in human history. In addition, his work also consists of over 100 stories told over ten days while upper class Florentines were hiding from the contagion. These tales are at turns funny, depressing, heartwarming and full of sex, violence as well as piety and faith. Taken together, the stories of The Decameron present an unparalleled window into the European Middle Ages.  Students will read two stories a week and engage in discussion of the themes present in the larger work.

Bio:  Bradford Bouley is a professor of history at the University of California Santa Barbara. His research focuses on the histories of religion and science in the early modern, especially Italian, context. When not teaching, he enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy, cooking, running, and playing with his three sons.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery+
• Department: Spanish and Portuguese
• Instructor: Pedro Craveiro & Mariela Aguilar
• Instructor Email: pedrocraveiro@ucsb.edu, marielaaguilar@ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Friday 1:00-2:50 in ILP 3209
• Enroll Code: 59808

Course Description:  This seminar offers transfer students an interdisciplinary introduction to the diverse musical landscapes of Latin America. Through genres such as cumbia, tango, norteño, son jarocho, Tex-Mex, salsa, reggaeton, samba, Brazilian funk, and bossa nova, students explore how music reflects and shapes identity, migration, politics, and social change. Through critical listening, discussion, and collaborative activities, students engage with historical recordings, documentary films, and other cultural materials while developing a deeper understanding of music’s movement across communities, regions, and borders.

Bio:  Pedro Craveiro is a Lecturer in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at UC Santa Barbara. He holds a Ph.D. in Hispanic Languages and Literatures, with a specialization in Portuguese and Brazilian studies. His research and teaching focus on Lusophone and Latin American cultures, with particular interests in music, literature, and film. His teaching explores how musical genres reflect questions of identity, migration, inequality, cultural exchange, and social change across Latin America and the Lusophone world.

Mariela Aguilar Raya  (she/her) earned her Ph.D. in Hispanic Literatures and Languages from UC Santa Barbara, where she currently serves as a Lecturer in Spanish language and cultural studies. Her research centers on narratives written by and about Mexicana & Xicana women along the U.S.-Mexico border. Her work employs decolonial methodologies, such as the épica invertida, which specifically examines how these texts serve as an archive of historical memory to vocalize and affirm quotidian histories traditionally silenced by dominant narratives, centering the experiences of marginalized characters. She currently serves as the program coordinator for Las Maestras Center for Xicana[x] Indigenous Thought, Art, and Social Praxis, where she was instrumental in organizing and curating Poetry Talk Series, “Flor y Canto.” This series foregrounded the oral tradition and performative aspects of poetry, bridging literature with aural culture and community-based activism, establishing her foundation in cultural production and sonic analysis.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery+
• Department: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Instructor: Norbert Reich & Joan-Emma Shea
• Instructor Email: reich@chem.ucsb.edu, shea@ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Monday 12:00-1:50 in PHELP 1448
• Enroll Code: 59816

Course Description:  Transfer students arrive at UCSB having already learned how to succeed in a classroom — but the skill that matters most going forward isn't following instructions well, it's knowing what to trust. This two-unit seminar puts that skill under a microscope. Across disciplines from the sciences to the humanities, we'll examine how claims get made, how evidence gets evaluated, and how conclusions can go wrong — then turn the same scrutiny on AI platforms that are reshaping how all of us gather and process information. Is an AI-generated answer a shortcut to knowledge, or a new kind of black box we need to learn to interrogate?

Students will read and discuss primary literature, working in small groups to pressure-test arguments and evidence together, and will finish the quarter with a paper on a critical-thinking question of their own choosing.

Students looking to put these skills into practice have the option to volunteer with SciTrek, UCSB's largest science outreach program, which brings hands-on critical thinking activities into local secondary school classrooms through modules on genetic engineering, glucose biosensing, and cancer bioinformatics. It's a chance to teach the very skills this course examines — and see, firsthand, how a middle or high schooler learns to ask "how do we know that?"

Bio:  Norbert Reich is a distinguished Professor of Biochemistry who works in the field of epigenetics with a focus on DNA methylation and drug discovery. He has a long term interest in improving both K-12 and university science education and cofounded SciTrek.

Professor Shea uses computational methods to study biomedically important proteins involved in, amoung other areas, Alzheimers.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery+
• Department: Spanish and Portuguese
• Instructor: Juan Pablo Lupi & André Corrêa de Sá
• Instructor Email: juan.lupi@ucsb.edu, acorreadesa@ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Tuesday 2:00-3:50 in GIRV 1119
• Enroll Code: 56663

Course Description:  Are ghosts and monsters “present” among us? Through a selection of films and stories from Latin America, Brazil, and Lusophone Africa, this course examines how the horror genre, in dialogue with Western and non-Western traditions, opens onto questions of history, trauma, culture, and social life. Students will develop skills in close reading, visual analysis, and comparative interpretation across multiple cultural and national contexts.

Bio:  Prof. Juan Pablo Lupi teaches courses on Latin American culture, literature and film. His areas of research include literature and science, political theory, history of ideas, theories of media and technology, poetry and poetics, and Venezuelan Studies.

Prof. Corrêa de Sá is Associate Professor in the Spanish and Portuguese Department. His teaching and research interests revolve around Afro-Luso-Brazilian literary and cultural studies. Drawing on a comparative and interdisciplinary approach, he is interested in an eclectic range of topics, such as environmental criticism, cultural history, literary theory, Portuguese American literature, decolonial studies, and medical humanities.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery+
• Department: Chemistry & Earth Science
• Instructor: Morgan Gainer & Alex Simms
• Instructor Email: mjgainer@gmail.com, asimms@ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Monday 4:00-4:50 in NH 1111*This seminar has a field trip on a Saturday during the quarter
• Enroll Code: 62174

Course Description:  Join us for a broad exploration of the geology and chemistry of the petroleum industry, as well as alternatives to petroleum. From rocks to factories to plastics and medicine, we will discuss the ways that petroleum is sourced and used. We will take in sights with a mandatory class field trip on February 20 to see natural tar seeps at Carponteria Bliffs and a leaky oil well at Towsley Canyon. At the end of the quarter, each student will prepare a short presentation about a topic of their choice that is relevant to our class discussions.

Bio:  Dr. Gainer teaches organic chemistry and organic chemistry laboratories in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

A native of Oklahoma, Dr. Simms earned a BS in Geology from Oklahoma State University and a PhD in Earth Science from Rice University.  His research focuses largely on sedimentary rocks and coastlines.  He has worked along the coasts of Texas, California, Antarctica, and Scotland.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery
• Department: Writing Program
• Instructor: Martha Webber
• Instructor Email: mwebber@ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Tuesday 10:00-10:50 in GIRV 1108
• Enroll Code: 57273

Course Description:  This seminar explores upcycling and mending clothing: we’ll try practices, consider examples of creators who upcycle, and explore the environmental values behind these practices. We’ll also visit the UCSB Makerspace to learn about the equipment they have to support mending. You’ll emerge with at least one upcycled clothing item and write a reflection about it. No previous sewing experience is required and all mending materials are provided. You will need one item of clothing you want to mend or upcycle (with an optional field trip to Alpha Thrift store in Goleta outside of the scheduled seminar time to learn how to select items and fabrics well-suited for upcycling).

Bio:  Martha Webber teaches a number of lower and upper-division courses for the Writing Program. She has a PhD in English with a specialization in Writing Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (and even an AA in Fashion Design from LA Trade-Technical College). Her research on nonprofit organizations and literacy sponsorship has been published in Reflections: A Journal of Community-Engaged Writing and Rhetoric. Her creative writing, including short humor, has appeared in journals including Slackjaw, Bending Genres, and Graywolf Lab.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery
• Department: Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology
• Instructor: Shane Jimerson
• Instructor Email: Jimerson@ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Tuesday 12:00-12:50 in ED 1203 
• Enroll Code: 27029

Course Description:  The central aim of this seminar is to provide students with information and insights regarding the professional domain of school psychology. School psychologists have expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. This seminar introduces how school psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and others to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments. Students are encouraged to bring their lunch and actively engage in the exploration and discussions about school psychology. Topics will include: 1) What is a school psychologist? 2) What is required to become a school psychologist? 3) How do I prepare if I want to go to graduate school in school psychology? Apply online at - https://ucsbeducation.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0OKiD2D10EBEVzE

Bio:  Professor Shane Jimerson is a nationally certified school psychologist, and recent President of both National and International School Psychology organizations. Dr. Jimerson has received numerous awards for his scholarship focused on understanding and promoting the social, emotional, behavioral, academic, and mental health of children.  You can learn more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shane_R._Jimerson

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery
• Department: Sociology
• Instructor: Elena Raymond
• Instructor Email: eraymond@ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Wednesday 2:00-2:50 in HSSB 1210
• Enroll Code: 61614

Course Description:  The Transfer Student Seminar in Sociology is designed to mitigate "transfer shock" and accelerate the integration of incoming students into the Sociology major. Grounded in sociological theories of education and using an asset-based approach, the course demystifies the hidden curriculum of Tier 1 institutions, helping students to build navigational skills, social connections, and vital institutional knowledge. The seminar integrates engagement with student-led systems, institutional support, and alumni connections to facilitate the experience of transition and build professional toolkits for careers and graduate study in sociology. By combining academic planning with relationship-centered support, this seminar aims to cultivate belonging and empower transfer students' academic and professional identities.

Bio:  Elena Skapoulli-Raymond is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Sociology. A member of the UCSB faculty since 2005, she has dedicated over two decades to fostering inclusive and academically rigorous learning environments for a diverse student body. She is a strong advocate for institutional belonging, committed to bridging the gap between academic expectations and students’ lived experiences. Her teaching and pedagogical work focus on supporting the academic and social transitions of underrepresented and first-generation students, with particular attention to mentorship, community-building, and student engagement. Through her courses and programmatic involvement, she seeks to create supportive spaces that empower students to navigate the university successfully and develop a strong sense of belonging.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery
• Department: Spanish and Portuguese
• Instructor: Pedro Craveiro
• Instructor Email: pedrocraveiro@ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Friday 1:00-1:50 in HSSB 1206
• Enroll Code: 57299

Course Description:  This seminar introduces students to Brazilian film. Through a mix of classic and contemporary movies, we will explore how cinema reflects Brazil’s history, culture, and social issues. Students will watch films, analyze visual storytelling, and engage in discussion-based activities to develop critical thinking and cultural awareness. No prior knowledge of film studies or Brazilian culture is required. By the end of the course, students will gain a deeper understanding of Brazilian society and the power of cinema to shape perspectives.

Bio:  Pedro Craveiro is a Lecturer in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at UC Santa Barbara. He has a Ph.D. in Hispanic Languages and Literatures, with a specialization in Portuguese and Brazilian studies. His research and teaching focus on Lusophone studies, and his recent work explores how Brazilian cinema reflects social inequalities, urban life, and cultural memory. He is particularly interested in how films invite new ways of thinking about Brazilian culture, history, and artistic expression.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery
• Department: Chemistry and Biochemistry
• Instructor: Norbert Reich
• Instructor Email: Reich@chem.ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Thursday 11:00-11:50 in HSSB 1207
• Enroll Code: 57307

Course Description:  Students will read primary literature on how science deals with controversies, how ignorance drives research, how to analyze a series of research papers and the process of identifying the next logical topics. If interested, students can participate in the SciTrek outreach which brings science inquiry into local secondary schools.

Bio:  Norbert Reich is a Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry working in the field of epigenetics and drug design; he has a keen interest in improving science education at all levels from K-12 thorugh graduate school.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery
• Department: EMS Program - Linguistics
• Instructor: Keith Corona
• Instructor Email: kcorona@ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Tuesday 11:00-11:50 in HSSB 1207
• Enroll Code: 57315

Course Description:  This course explores traditional and contemporary earthen building materials including cob, adobe, rammed earth, straw bale, light-straw clay, wattle and daub, hempcrete, and timber-frame construction. Students will examine the historical global use of these sustainable materials and their modern applications. By examining buildings from diverse regions, participants will learn to evaluate thermal mass versus insulative properties, assess cost and labor requirements, and understand basic site planning principles including solar orientation. The course emphasizes how these time-tested materials can impact contemporary housing needs while reducing environmental impact.

Bio:  Keith began teaching academic writing and ESL at the university level in 2012, following several years of living and working in Serbia. After teaching at UC San Diego, he joined UCSB in 2016. His work centers on autonomous learning, instructional design, and educational technology, with extensive experience supporting international and immigrant students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Beyond ESL instruction, his interests include sustainable earthen materials for both building and art.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery
• Department: Environmental Studies Program
• Instructor: Iris Holzer
• Instructor Email: irisholzer@ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Monday 5:00-6:50 in BREN 4316 *This seminar will meet in BREN 4316 on Monday October 5th and 12th only. This seminar has a mandatory weekend field trip on Saturday October 10th from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Enroll Code: 27060

Course Description:  Soils are the dynamic skin of the Earth, where a multitude of chemical, physical, and biological processes come together to support human health, agriculture, thriving ecosystems, and complex landscapes. This seminar will introduce transfer students to the diverse discipline of soil science, with a focus on viewing local soils during a Saturday field trip. Our meeting before the field trip will cover field safety, set community expectations, and provide an overview of our local Central Coast soils and their formation. Students will have opportunities to reflect on the intersections of soils with their other interests or desired career paths.

Bio:  Hi everyone! My name is Iris Holzer (she/her), and I am an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Environmental Studies Program, where I specialize in soils and environmental chemistry. I’m originally from Mississippi and Missouri, but I came to California for college and got my B.A. in Geology from Scripps College. I completed my Ph.D. in Soils & Biogeochemistry at UC Davis in 2023, where I studied rock weathering in the soils of agricultural and natural systems. My primary areas of focus are elemental cycling in soils, soil formation, and enhanced rock weathering for carbon removal. I'm happiest digging or doing field work, and I'm committed to fostering supportive, safe, and engaging field experiences for students at every stage.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery
• Department: MCDB
• Instructor: Brooke Gardner
• Instructor Email: brookegardner@ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Friday 3:00-3:50 in ILP 3101
• Enroll Code: 61861

Course Description:  This course, meant for pre-biology transfer students, will discuss how biochemistry concepts and approaches presented in the MCDB 108A - Biochemistry of Macromolecules course are used in research on campus. In addition to reading and discussing scientific articles related to research on campus, we will discuss how to get involved in research, graduate school, and summer research opportunities.

Bio:  I joined the MCDB department as an Assistant Professor in March 2019.  My research uses protein biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology techniques to determine how cells make and maintain the peroxisome – a membrane-bound organelle required for specialized metabolism.  Prior to starting at UCSB, I was a postdoctoral fellow at UC Berkeley, a graduate student at UCSF, and an undergraduate at Middlebury College in Vermont.  Outside of work, I love sailing and exploring with my two daughters.

• Seminar Type: Transfer Discovery+
• Department: CCS Music Composition / Writing and Literature
• Instructor: Andrew Watts / Rebbecca Brown
• Instructor Email: aawatts@ucsb.edu, rebbecca.brown@ccs.ucsb.edu
• Day - Time - Room: Monday 2:00-3:50 in PHELP
• Enroll Code: 62992

Course Description:  In this Discovery Seminar, students will create original compositions that explore the connections between sound, poetry, music, and language.  Throughout the quarter, we will investigate the ways in which expressive communication in music and language can be heightened despite the presence of ambiguity and indeterminacy. We will look at manipulations to the quality of sound and language in poetry and music in order to discover how compositions can elicit a number of exciting interpretive possibilities.  This course will provide an introduction to theories that explore how musicians and poets create meaning in their work, culminating in the presentation of original student compositions that engage with sound, language and signification in unique and compelling ways. Students of all disciplines are welcome!

Bio:  Andrew A. Watts is a composer of chamber, symphonic, and multimedia works performed worldwide. His compositions have been featured at cultural events like Burning Man (Corpus Clock) and venues such as The Kitchen (NYC). He has been commissioned by leading new music groups including Ensemble Dal Niente, Ekmeles Vocal Ensemble, and Splinter Reeds, with support from organizations like New Music USA. Watts's music mines the ramifications of technology and the post-human, exploring extremes of freedom and restriction, purity and distortion, or the very distinction between musical signal and noise. He often incorporates invented instruments and AI-generated media, recently premiering large-scale works like AI and the Heat Death of the Universe. He holds degrees from Stanford University (DMA), Oxford University (MSt), and the New England Conservatory (BM). Watts is on the Music Composition faculty at the University of California Santa Barbara's College of Creative Studies, where he is an affiliate in the Mind & Machine Intelligence initiative and was a finalist for the Distinguished Teaching Award. He has been a featured composer at renowned international festivals, including the Darmstadt Summer Courses, MATA Festival, and impuls Academy, and has given guest lectures at institutions like IRCAM and Harvard.

Rebbecca Brown is a multi-genre artist and writer who also dances, sings, and plays the drums. Author of the novel They Become Her (What Books Press), the lyrical prose collection Mouth Trap (Arc Pair Press), and the prose chapbook Anybody Home (Gnashing Teeth Press), she has received Honorable Mention from the Academy of American Poets, the Rachel Sherwood Prize for Poetry, First Place in the LACC Writing Contest for Creative Nonfiction, and an Honorable Mention in the Starcherone Innovative Fiction Contest. Her work has appeared in American Literary Review, Confrontation, Eclipse, Quibble Lit, and Artwife (among others).  She is currently the Faculty Advisor of Spectrum Literary Journal, the longest-running undergraduate literary magazine produced in the UC system, and is also a member of What Books Press, a publisher based out of Los Angeles.  A former Fulbright-Nehru Visiting Lecturer at Kannur University in Kerala, India, she currently teaches in the College of Creative Studies at UC Santa Barbara.  Most recently, she was honored with the 2025-2026 Distinguished Teaching Award for excellence in teaching at UCSB.