U3A :: University of the Third Age

ONGOING COURSES
2008

About our courses
Ongoing courses

The mainstay of our annual program are the ongoing courses that run generally from March until early December. These fill up quickly in February, but vacancies may occur throughout the year and are filled from waiting lists or, if no waiting list, made available to new applicants.
Enrolment in ongoing courses must be applied for on a special form, available only to financial members.

Short courses

Each bimonthly newsletter advertises a number of short courses ranging from 1 to 10 sessions and running over the following few weeks. Enrolments for short courses are taken by phone on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ongoing courses 2008

Disclaimer: The material presented in classes is at the discretion of the tutor or leader and does not necessarily reflect the views of U3A City of Melbourne. Members are solely responsible for the choices they make. Course summaries indicate the content to be covered and members are advise to seek clarification from the tutor if required.

Note: No classes on public holidays and the Monday preceding Cup Day
MR = Meeting Room

Monday courses

RELAXATION OF MIND & BODY (John Radecki) Class limit: 12

Gentle exercises in the forms of Chi Kung (remove tension) Tai Chi (continuous energy flow) and Prana Maya (breathing force). Contains special stretching light movements and is ideal for those wishing to enhance their body suppleness. (Breaks in school holidays)

GENTLE YOGA (Alma Kristensen) Class limit: 20

Aims to create awareness and balance of body, mind and spirit. The class includes asana (yoga exercises), pranamaya (yoga breathing), relaxation and meditation. Students should wear loose comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat and avoid eating before class.
(Breaks in school holidays)

CHESS – LEVELS I AND II (Blair Cramer, Julia Beatty) Class limit: 30

The benefits of chess can hardly be overstated. As popular today as it has ever been, chess is a fascinating game to learn and play. Level I is designed to take beginners to competency within a few weeks, while level II is structured to enable more experienced players to improve their skills. New members, whether they are absolute beginners or experienced, are made to feel welcome in a friendly environment. (Continues in school holidays)

FRENCH PLUS (Robert Hooke) Class limit: 15

Une classe de française destinée aux étudiants qui ont déjà une connaissance linguistique de base. Ce n’est pas une classe pour débutants! (If you could not understand the above without a dictionary, then this course is not for you. And homework will be essential!)
(Continues in school holidays)

MONDAY WRITERS (Mary Horsfall) Class limit: 12

We meet to read stories written during the week. We laugh a lot. We set subjects or possibilities to write about for the following session.
(Continues in school holidays)

MINDS AND MACHINES (Rom Jagielski) Class limit: 12

Discuss selected ideas of philosophy, science and computing, which directly or indirectly relate to the most ambitious idea of humankind – the creation of an intelligent machine or virtual person. Fundamental principles of philosophy, science, logic and some human mental faculties will be looked at, as well as capabilities and limitations of computers. Problems will be presented in a non-technical way with discussion following presentation.
(Continues in school holidays)

MUSIC ENSEMBLE (Juliette Zeelander) No class limit

Are you proficient with a musical instrument? Come and join us!
(Continues in school holidays)

WISDOM OF THE AGES (Chris Dargan) Class limit: 19

Ever wondered about right and wrong? If God exists? If you have a soul? All these questions and many others examined. Bring curiosity and an open mind.
(Breaks in school holidays))

Tuesday courses

UNDERSTANDING ECONOMICS (John Besley) Class limit: 25

The course studies the basic concepts of economics illustrated with class discussion of current economic issues such as unemployment, inflation, growth and markets, including the stock market. No class on March 4 and June 3 (Continues in school holidays)

FRENCH CONVERSATION – ADVANCED (Hilary Adair) Class limit: 18

Topics for discussion are selected by the students from fields including current events, the arts and sciences.
(Continues in school holidays)

CRAFT GROUP (Betty Westerland) Class limit: 20

A self-help group participating in helping each other with various projects during the year.

(Continues in school holidays)

MAHJONG TUESDAY (Dorothy Davis) Class limit: 24

Ongoing learning experience playing this ancient Chinese game. Beginners welcome. (Continues in school holidays)

MMM EXERCISE FOR WELL-BEING, INTERMEDIATE (Jill Perry) Class limit: 15

Keep yourself flexible and co-ordinated with MMM. Improve posture and balance to specially selected music, and leave with a wonderful sense of well-being.
(Breaks in school holidays)

MMM EXERCISE FOR WELL-BEING, BEGINNERS (Jill Perry) Class limit:15

Margaret Morris’s Method is based on a series of exercises - each a set of co-ordinated movements designed to develop a sense of rhythm and balance; to stretch and strengthen muscles and mobilise joints. Loose clothing recommended. (Breaks in school holidays)

ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS (Harold Penaluna) Class limit: 20

An ongoing course for anyone seriously desiring to learn Italian. The focus is on ‘how the language works’ to form a foundation for more advanced study.
No class on March 4 and June 3 (Continues in school holidays)

PHOTOSHOP FOR BEGINNERS (George Boag) Class limit: 12

This course is designed for those who have an understanding of computers and would like to know how to repair a precious photo that has been damaged by time. It is also designed to bring out the artistic skills you never knew you had. (Continues in school holidays)

PAINTING GROUP (Laura Angus) Class limit: 12

For those with some experience in using acrylics, pencils, pastels or Chinese painting materials, to share what they know and learn together. (Breaks in school holidays)

THE WORD’S THE THING (Russell Griffin) Class limit: 8

This course is all about the pleasures of writing and literacy, whether fact or fiction, in a structured and good humoured atmosphere. Topics: style, research, language, sources and vocabulary. (Continues in school holidays)

PHILOSOPHICAL ISSUES & ARGUMENTS (Margaret Ledley) Class limit: 20

This is a friendly interactive class in which we read about the lives and ideas of the great philosophers and discuss many and varied concepts.
(Breaks in school holidays, except in Mar-Apr hols)

Wednesday courses

U3A CITY CHOIR (Margaret Shilton) Class limit: 30 women, 10 men

The choir sings part songs and some unison songs. New people welcome.
(Breaks in school holidays)

FRENCH – INTERMEDIATE (Robert Hooke) Class limit: 15

SPANISH - ADVANCED (Flora Anderson) Class limit: 9

This class converses only in Spanish for the duration of the class. Grammar exercises, translation (written) and informal discussion of topical subjects.
(Continues in school holidays)

FLORISTRY (Judy Eldred) Class limit: 12

Come and have fun making beautiful arrangements for your home or special occasions. (Breaks in school holidays)

PAINTING IN WATER COLOUR (Ann Hewett) Class limit: 15

A happy group of painters who enjoy painting in various forms
(Continues in school holidays)

WEDNESDAY WRITERS (Betty Caldwell) Class limit: 11

Drawn from diverse backgrounds, the Wednesday Writers have blended into a happy group whose writings reflect their history, hopes and aspirations. Articles, poetry, travel experiences and short stories are shared on a regular basis.
(Continues in school holidays)

GREAT WORKS OF LITERATURE (Christina Hill) Class limit: 25

In 2008 we shall be studying the drama of classical Greece, the English Renaissance, 19^th century Europe, 20^th century modernism and Australian plays. Each week we will discuss a play and conduct class readings.
(Continues in school holidays)

WINE APPRECIATION – Monthly (Liz Gloury) Class limit: 40

Third Wednesday of the month. Wine tasting at Ross House (on Mar 19, Apr 16, May 21) and restaurant nights or excursions in the second half of the year. Phone Liz on 9429 8626 for details of venues etc.
(Continues in school holidays)

Thursday courses

JAPANESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE (Shinei Sakai) Class limit: 10

In 2007 the class began with lesson 1 of Japanese for Busy People and ended at lesson 6. In 2008 the class will revise lessons 1 – 6, and continue from lesson 7. Therefore this class will be suitable for any student interested in Japanese language and culture.
(Breaks in school holidays)

ITALIAN – ADVANCED (Eva Meredith) Class limit: 10

Focus is on conversation and reading; all class members take turns to run the class and to provide suitable reading material. No formal teaching but some mutual assistance.
(Continues in school holidays)

SHAKESPEARE REVISITED (Sandra Joicey) Class limit: 20

Shakespeare in contemporary society – where does he fit in? Discover how the poetry, themes and psychology that underpin his plays are still relevant today. (Continues in school holidays)

CURRENT AFFAIRS (George Boag) Class limit: 40

National and international affairs discussed. Discuss present and impending issues – all points of view welcomed.
(Continues in school holidays)

A MUSICIAN’S THOUGHTS ON MUSIC (Harry Wenig) Class limit: 10

A look behind the notes. The personal, cultural, and historical sources of great music.

(Breaks in school holidays)

PHOTOSHOP ADVANCED (George Boag) Class limit: 12

This course is designed for the past students and experienced Adobe Photoshop users. It will give a wider experience of the various aspects of Photoshop including animation, gradients and filters.
(Continues in school holidays)

WRITE NOW! (Russell Griffin) Class limit: 6

Specifically for students who want to write fact or fiction at an advanced level. Class size ensures time for plenty of workshopping and discussion. Topics: structure, characterisation, description, dialogue, research and reference. Students will need to have a writing project at the outline stage.
(Continues in school holidays)

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP – Monthly (Sandra Joicey) Class limit: 19

Last Thursday of month. A friendly group of readers who meet together to choose their own books, then discuss them each month in a relaxed atmosphere. Participants take turns to lead the group. New members welcome.
(Continues in school holidays)

Friday courses

FRENCH BEGINNERS (Robert Hooke) Class limit: 15

French for those with no, or very little, previous knowledge of the language. Please note that homework will be essential!
. (Continues in school holidays)

GERMAN GROUP (Gisela Schade, Margret Hannan) Class limit: 19

For those who wish to remain familiar with the German language. Our discussions will cover literature, poetry and topical issues. Class participation is encouraged.
(Breaks in school holidays)

THE WEISS REPORT (Edward Weiss) Class limit: 25

Twice a month on various Fridays; Mar 7, Apr 11, May 9 and 23. Subsequent dates will be provided in later newsletters. A review of Australian and world events and their social and economic implications for Australia.
(Continues in school holidays)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORDS – Fortnightly (Kelvin Edwards) Class limit: 14

This friendly group of enthusiasts meets every two weeks to work together and do battle with the setters of cryptic crosswords. Not suitable for beginners..
(Continues in school holidays)

MAHJONG FRIDAY (Laurel Mott) Class limit: 22

Learn the western version of this ancient Chinese game. Develop skills to manipulate the bamboos, circles, characters, suits and the winds and dragons. Challenging, stimulating and enjoyable.
(Continues in school holidays)

EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN THEATRE (Arthur Irvine) Class limit: 10

A study of European and American theatre in the 20^th Century. Emphasis is on direction and past influences.
(Breaks in school holidays)

HISTORY OF THE WORLD (Chris Dargan) Class limit: 70

Historical highways and byways from ancient times to the present day. Chris continues his fascinating and popular series.
(Breaks in school holidays)

BONJOUR FRANCE (Marguerite Grynberg) Class limit: 20

Come and join us to stimulate your brain by having an enjoyable taste of life in France. We cover various topics in a relaxing and informal atmosphere. Your French vocabulary is sure to increase. Bonne chance et à bientôt! (Breaks in school holidays)

Sunday course

KRISHNAMURTI – Monthly (Joan Deerson) Class limit: 20

First Sunday of each month. We will view videos of various and comprehensive talks and dialogues with scientists, scholars, philosophers and other leading thinkers about how to create a good society.

Course venue addresses

Venue	Address and directions
Ross House	247 Flinders Lane (between Swanston and Elizabeth) - use street level entrance next to City Library with direct access to lift. Ground Floor can be accessed by lift or directly through main entrance up steps
Welsh Church Hall	320 La Trobe Street (between Elizabeth and Queen). Hall on left with green door.
RMIT Computer Lab	Building 48, 449 Swanston Street (between A’Beckett and Franklin). Lab is at back of ground floor, past lifts.
City Library	251 Flinders Lane. Ask at desk fordirections to Group Study Room or Seminar Room
CAE	253 Flinders Lane, other side of City Library. Room B311 is on Level 3.
Legacy House	293 Swanston Street (between Lonsdale & La Trobe – doorway beside Starbucks)

ROSS HOUSE MEETING ROOMS (MRs)

Meeting room	Location (alternative signage in brackets)
Ground Floor, MR1	On left at end of corridor
Mezzanine Room	Up short flight of stairs from reception desk; ask there if lift access is needed
1st Floor, MR 1	On right near start of corridor (‘Large Front First Floor’)
1st Floor, MR 2	On right midway along corridor (‘Small Front First Floor’)
1st Floor, MR 3	On right near end of corridor (‘Back First Floor’)
2nd Floor, MR 1	On right halfway along corridor
3rd Floor, MR 1	On left at start of corridor (‘Front Third Floor – Jenny Florence’)
3rd Floor, MR 2	On right at end of corridor (‘Back Third Floor – 3.18’)
4th Floor, MR 1	On left at start of corridor (‘Hayden Raysmith’)

Watch out for Ross House room changes

Ross House room bookings may occasionally be changed at short notice during the year. This is unavoidable. Always check the Ross House whiteboard. There is a whiteboard in the street level entrance, and another on the ground floor near the entrance, both showing the day's room bookings.