U3A COURSES FOR TERM 1, 2010

ACTIVE LIFESTYLES 2010 --> THIS COURSE IS OVERSUBSCRIBED
"A fun low impact class designed specifically for the senior population. Every class has a cardio section for a healthy heart, a strength component for strong muscles and bones and balance work for falls prevention. This class will burn body fat, increase your strength and bone density and improve your fitness and flexibility. Participants are able to exercise at their own pace with lots of options given for all exercises. Please call into the Bowral Health Club during the week before the term commences to complete the pre-exercise questionnaire & a Blood Pressure check. Requirements:tracksuit/ comfortable clothes & runners, towel & water. Cost $6 per session"
Starts Tuesday, 2 February 2010
9 sessions per term

ART IN THE AFTERNOON --> THIS COURSE IS OVERSUBSCRIBED
"For those who enjoy painting, drawing, discussing, experimenting or just doing your own thing. We use most mediums including pastels, watercolours and mixed media. If using oils an odourless solvent must be used. BDAS membership is required."
Starts Monday, 1 February 2010
9 sessions per term

ASPECTS OF CHINESE HISTORY AND CULTURE
"“2009 lectures concluded with the Qin Dynasty's incredible achievements.2010 begins with those who overthrew Qin, ruling for 4 centuries. Han emperor Gao Di began a ""golden age"", instituting administrative practices used for the next 2000 years. In 138 BCE General Zhang Qian was sent to forge diplomatic links with Central Asia, effectively establishing the fabled Silk Road. Inveterate record keepers, the Han provided us with ample information….eg. the 2 CE census recorded China's population as 57,671,400 individuals. Slides, modern ""historical"" film etc, will be used to study Chinese art & culture. Notes may be available for purchase at each lecture."
Starts Tuesday, 2 February 2010
9 sessions per term

AUSTALIAN HISTORY BEFORE 1850 --> THIS COURSE IS OVERSUBSCRIBED --> THIS COURSE HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
"This revised course, which will run for all four terms in 2010, will cover the Colonial history of Australia from 1788. It will include some aspects of why the Colony was established. Also included will be some details of exploration in the Pacific before 1788. Learn the day by day historical development of Australia from Governors Phillip to Darling. Included will be projected digital images of our past and discussion on the Rum Rebellion, Castle Hill Riots, Macarthur and Bligh and much more. A course which will take you through the first sixty years of our history. There will be a small charge for informative typed notes and morning tea. Bring your pen & paper to make additional notes."
Starts Tuesday, 2 February 2010
5 sessions per term

CHESS CLUB
"How does Lewis Carroll's ""Through The Looking Glass"" relate to Chess? It is in fact, the game which has been played for over 1,500 years, with its origins in India. It is beloved of the worlds famous from Canute to Dickens, Shakespeare to HG Wells. Now it is your chance to revisit and revitalise your game in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Beginners are Welcome, but please contact the Course Leader Prior to Enrolment."
Starts Wednesday, 3 February 2010
9 sessions per term

CINEMA ON THURSDAY
"The New Year sees the return of our Cinema Course. Once again you are invited to join fellow members for an afternoon at the movies followed by tea or coffee at Coffee Culture. This group will be meeting on THURSDAY on the dates shown below. Richard and Gerard will as usual, select films from their current releases. If past years are any indication, we will have a most enjoyable time. (At this stage we are considering either ""Invictus"" or ""Bran Nue Day"" for our first movie. However, the title of the first movie will be sent to you with your enrolment notification.) Term Cost : Combined Cinema and Coffee Afterwards $25 * Money is to be paid at the time of enrolment. * Members who enrol but neglect to pay will be excluded prior to processing. * If you cannot attend a movie you may transfer the use of your ticket to another member BUT money cannot be refunded."
Starts Thursday, 28 January 2010
3 sessions per term

CINEMA ON WEDNESDAY
"The New Year sees the return of our Cinema Course. Once again you are invited to join fellow members for an afternoon at the movies followed by tea or coffee at Coffee Culture. This group will be meeting on WEDNESDAY on the dates shown below. Richard and Gerard will as usual, select films from their current releases. If past years are any indication, we will have a most enjoyable time. (At this stage we are considering either ""Invictus"" or ""Bran Nue Day"" for our first movie. However, the title of the first movie will be sent to you with your enrolment notification.) Term Cost : Combined Cinema and Coffee Afterwards $25 * Money is to be paid at the time of enrolment. * Members who enrol but neglect to pay will be excluded prior to processing. * If you cannot attend a movie you may transfer the use of your ticket to another member BUT money cannot be refunded."
Starts Wednesday, 3 February 2010
3 sessions per term

CLASSICAL GARDENS OF CHINA:HISTORY CULTURE DESIGN
"China has a tradition of extraordinary gardens going back to at least 1000BC, the tradition from which the English 'gardenesque' arose. This course over 6 sessions, will review the historical, philosophical and economic origins of famous and influential gardens, many of which are located in the basin of the Yangtse river, including Shanghai and the ancient cities of Suzhou, Nanjing and Hangzhou. Commencing with the examination of the geographical, religious, and economic forces from which garden development arose, course members will gain an understanding of how these historical origins were woven, in particular, into the actual designs and layouts of the classical gardens of the Yangtse region which for many centuries has been a pinnacle of Chinese culture and art, and of political and economic power."
Starts Thursday, 4 February 2010
6 sessions per term

COMPUTERS COFFEE AND CHAT
"The course is designed to remove much of the anguish of computer ownership by the exchange of skills and experiences. We try to keep up-to-date with what is new and useful to us. Some of this news and information is found in our own website hhtp://sites.google.com/site/computerscoffeeandchat/home. CCC is a light hearted look at ourselves and how we use our computers and associated technologies. While not designed for beginners, beginners will glean quite a lot from our mistakes and discoveries."
Starts Friday, 5 February 2010
4 sessions per term

CRYPTIC CROSSWORDS
Designed for those who have got off the ground with Cryptics and would like to advance their experience and knowledge of the art. A very hands on course. Having email to allow contact between sessions is a distinct advantage. (3 sessions)
Starts Monday, 1 March 2010
3 sessions per term

DIGITAL CAMERAS, PHOTOGRAPHY AND YOU --> THIS COURSE IS OVERSUBSCRIBED
"Primarily this course is designed for the novice digital camera user who wants to understand more about their camera, digital photography, how to compose photos and send them over the internet. Some knowledge of the use of e-mail procedures would be a help. A camera and access to computer are essential."
Starts Thursday, 28 January 2010
5 sessions per term

DOWSING FOR BEGINNERS
"Looking for answers?….. Would you like guidance on: health, lost objects, gardening, relationships, finding water, archaeology, money, earth energies, and many other topics? ......Learn to dowse. Dowsing is a means of accessing your inner guidance. Sometimes known as divining, it is an ancient method of obtaining answers to specific questions or to check for compatibility. It can be used for tangible things like lost objects, or intangible things such as astrological birth times or relationships. Learn to use tools such as the pendulum, divining rods or bobbers. It is a very useful skill and great fun!"
Starts Friday, 5 February 2010
6 sessions per term

EMBROIDERY PLUS
"We have a variety of things to do but its mainly what you want to do. We do Candlewicking Embroidery & Cross Stitch and many different embroidery styles. Christmas decorations were made in the last term. We will do Easter themes and have an enjoyable time in each other's company. Please bring your own scissors, needles, pins tape measure & any appropriate sewing items. Cost per term $5 (in addition to tea/coffee"
Starts Monday, 1 February 2010
9 sessions per term

EXPLORING OPERA --> THIS COURSE IS OVERSUBSCRIBED
"Opera, as an art form, has been around for over 400 years. What has made it enduring? What has been its appeal? How has it changed and been modified over time? What we propose is an exploration of this ""exotic and irrational entertainment"" as Samuel Johnson once described it. What we suggest is something part history, part anecdote, part gossip, part celebration, part story, part universal themes, part performance, part suspension of belief, but above all exposure to the most sublime music that lifts and transcends beyond the ordinary. Come and be enchanted."
Starts Wednesday, 3 February 2010
5 sessions per term

FIVE ASPECTS OF MOUNT GIBRALTAR
"Mount Gibraltar, The Gib, is a unique landmark, centrally located in the Southern Highlands and a source of water for the Wingecarribee and the Nattai Rivers in the Sydney Drinking Water Catchment. The course will consider five aspects of the mountain: its natural history; the influence it has had on human occupation; stone quarrying for construction of heritage buildings and the restoration of the endangered ecological community with its rich bio-diversity. One session will be an on site inspection of the public reserve. The course will draw on material prepared for the book “The Gib. Mount Gibraltar, Southern Highlands”."
Starts Wednesday, 27 January 2010
5 sessions per term

FROM PAINTING AND DECORATING TO RESTORATION --> THIS COURSE IS OVERSUBSCRIBED
This course offers to teach the basics of painting and decorating through to restoration undertaken by Master Craftsmen in historic buildings such as Windsor Castle. The use of painting brushes and the techniques of the oldest profession - Decoration! Some of these skills are almost lost to time and are not to be found in any manual or book but are only preserved in memory. Techniques never even heard of in modern times can only be guessed at in the work that Master Craftsmen leave behind.
Starts Monday, 1 February 2010
9 sessions per term

FUN WITH WATERCOLOUR
"Watercolourists at varying stages of development meeting to paint, exchange ideas and pass on skills learned in order to improve techniques & knowledge of this challenging medium. Demonstration DVDs will be shown occasionally during the term. There is no tutor for this course."
Starts Friday, 29 January 2010
7 sessions per term

HENRY'S WOMEN
"In an attempt to overcome the tendency to reduce their significance to the rhyme ""Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived"", this course looks at the lives of the six very different women who married Henry VIII. It considers their early years, their personalities, aspirations, achievements and the problems they faced, not the least of which was Henry himself."
Starts Tuesday, 2 February 2010
5 sessions per term

HIGHLAND BUSKERS
"How many people of U3A age - and younger! - have you heard say ""I wish I'd kept on playing the…."" . Are you one of the ""used to's"" of the world? The Buskers exists for you, offering the opportunity to resume your playing of whatever instrument you 'used to' play.Dust off that lonely instrument which has languished under the bed all these years, let Kerith know what notes you still remember, and join in. Music is written especially for each member of the group, suiting individual musical experience and confidence. The range of music tackled by the Buskers is truly mind-blowing. Everything from early German dances to South American folk, film themes, Mozart and Vivaldi, Jazz - even the fussiest musician has to find something to enjoy. And most important of all, we're wonderfully supportive of each other and our individual efforts. Senior moments are our specialty. So don't go on as a ""used to"" - let's do it, now"
Starts Monday, 1 February 2010
9 sessions per term

HIGHLANDS PEOPLE
"There are many people living in the Southern Highlands who have interesting stories to tell about their lives and interests. This is an opportunity for you to hear from some of them. This term our speakers will include Ken Wilder CEO of Collins the book publishers for more than 20 years (returning for Part 2) - Bert Flugelman Local sculptor and Garry Barnsley, local lawyer for more than 30 years who has lived in the Southern Highlands all his life. Please note the commencement time has changed to 10.15 Cost for tea & coffee $15 per term PLEASE pay on enrolment"
Starts Tuesday, 2 February 2010
5 sessions per term

HISTORY OF BOTANICAL ART --> THIS COURSE HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
"This course (series three) follows the development of botanical drawing and flower painting during the 18th, 19th, 20th centuries with the work of both English & Australian artists. Computer digital projected images of the artists' work will be a feature. An appreciation of the specialized art form from a past period in history. There will be a small charge for typed biographical notes on the artists and for morning tea."
Starts Tuesday, 2 February 2010
5 sessions per term

INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCHING
"The TV series ""Who do you think you are"" has generated considerable interest in researching family stories. This new course will introduce members to the basics of research, the forms to use to record data, where to look for information, and how to find others interested in the same family lines."
Starts Thursday, 4 February 2010
4 sessions per term

ISLAM
"According to information from the 2001 Census, ""Muslims form an increasingly important part of Australia's diverse modern society"". At the same time surveys indicate that the majority in our society know little about Islam - except what is read in press reports. What is Islam? How, where, when and why did it originate? During this course we will attempt to answer these and other questions about what is claimed to be the fastest growing religion in the world today. Cost: It is anticipated that we will visit a mosque as part of this course. There will be a cost involved for those members of the course who wish to undertake this excursion. Also if course notes are desired there will be an associated cost ."
Starts Tuesday, 2 February 2010
9 sessions per term

ITALIAN
An advanced course in which we study Italian texts. Conversation in Italian is an integral part of the class and continual revision of grammar is carried out.
Starts Saturday, 6 February 2010
8 sessions per term

LA PETITE FILLE DE MONSIEUR LINH
"We are going to spend the next two terms (Term1 & Term 2) reading a novel. La Petite Fille De Monsieur Linh is a very short novel written by Philippe Claudel. It is a story about an old man coping with life, recently immigrated, lonely and isolated & clinging to what is important to him personally. Phillipe Cladel is an author and film director and winner of the Prix Renaudot in 2003. To enjoy the book you need to have a good understanding of French and be willing to speak French in the class. Cost $20 for a copy of the novel."
Starts Thursday, 4 February 2010
8 sessions per term

MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORY
"This course is in its fifth year. We continue the course of the Enlightenment from the late 17th century to the French Revolution and the European wars which followed; looked at the subsequent Romantic reaction & the 1848 revolutions. Working from this base of knowledge we have unified Germany & followed its fortunes to the NSDAP period & this year will do the same for Italy to the establishment of the republic. Without sound understanding of the already covered issues, you will have difficulties with this course!"
Starts Friday, 5 February 2010
8 sessions per term

NORDIC WALKING
"Nordic Walking, originally developed for Finnish ski teams, is walking assisted with poles (like ski poles). This provides greater cardiovascular exercise (+25% to 40%) and less stress on joints. It also aids stability where required and is aimed at pleasurable exercise rather than a strenuous workout. Enjoy social contact while gaining significant benefit to fitness and flexibility. Ring John to ask about buying or hiring Nordic Walking Poles."
Starts Tuesday, 2 February 2010
5 sessions per term

PAINTING WITH OILS
We aim to provide a friendly atmosphere where members can paint with oils or acrylics and share their ideas and experience. Members must provide all their own materials and equipment and work on their own projects - it is not a tutored group. Membership of BDAS is a requirement and odourless solvent must be used. .
Starts Thursday, 28 January 2010
9 sessions per term

POETRY LOVERS GROUP
"The emphasis of the group will be on the enjoyment of poetry, but we will try to understand what makes some poems more effective than others. To help with this I will use the books ""How to read a Poem and fall in love with Poetry"", by E Hirsch, and ""Understanding Poetry "" by Brooks and Warren. Each session we will read and discuss poems selected by the members and by me. I will also prepare discussion notes and questions on poems, always remembering that there is no right or wrong way to love a poem."
Starts Wednesday, 3 February 2010
5 sessions per term

PRACTICAL FIRST AID FOR SENIORS
"This course will be presented by Paramedic David Harker from Bowral Ambulance Station. Objectives ........To give practical information on when and how to call for an ambulance and how to treat medical emergencies such as heart attack, stroke and asthma. There will be a Question and Answer session towards the end. Cost $3 for tea or coffee to be paid on arrival"
Starts Tuesday, 9 February 2010
1 sessions per term

READING - MONDAY GROUP
"As with many other reading groups the members attending the group select books for the term. Book reviews can often tempt books to be chosen, though sometimes these prove to be a challenging read, but always well worth tackling, and next time quite a different book could be selected. For further details contact Robin."
Starts Monday, 1 February 2010
2 sessions per term

READERS THEATRE DRAMA GROUP
"Readers Theatre is a script-in-hand style of performance which is fun to do and does not require costumes, lighting, props, or memorizing lines for it to be successful. As the voice is mainly used to convey the meaning and to entertain, our sessions will include some dramatic voice work exercises. We will also rehearse and present different styles of scripts each week for our own enjoyment. It is lots of fun! So if DRAMA is your interest then why not give Readers Theatre a try? Cost :- a small charge for photocopying."
Starts Thursday, 4 February 2010
8 sessions per term

READING FOR PLEASURE
A monthly discussion group on books of various genres chosen by the members. In 2010 we will be reading Australian authors. We meet in members' homes on the first Wednesday of each month and conclude the afternoon with a delicious afternoon tea.
Starts Wednesday, 3 February 2010
2 sessions per term

READING TOGETHER
"Our friendly group will continue with a new facilitator and venue for 2010. Monthly meetings with books chosen by the members. The focus in 2009 was on Australian writers finishing in Term 4 with ""The Tall Man"" by Chloe Hooper. The choice of books for 2010 is still to be decided."
Starts Tuesday, 23 February 2010
2 sessions per term

RECORDER ENSEMBLE --> THIS COURSE IS OVERSUBSCRIBED
Commencing in Term 1 there will be an apportunity for 3 members to learn to play the Recorder with a 45 minute lesson each fortnight on Fridays from 11.45 - 12.30. Please contact Vanessa if you are interested. The regular members of the Recorder Ensemble will continue to explore and perform music from the Renaissance to the 21st century. Minimum standard for new players wishing to join this group - Grade 3-4.
Starts Friday, 29 January 2010
5 sessions per term

RUSSIAN WRITERS OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY --> THIS COURSE IS OVERSUBSCRIBED
"In this course we will explore the works and lives of some major Russian writers of the nineteenth century, including Pushkin, Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy and Chekov. The course will run fortnightly for two terms beginning January 27th"
Starts Wednesday, 27 January 2010
5 sessions per term

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE FOR SENIORS
"Do you want a new experience? Then try Scottish Country Dancing. The aim is to have fun and social interaction while exercising the mind & body with movement, to the stimulating music of Scotland. As 'seniors', we are encouraged to 'stay active'. SCD provides mental stimulation and gentle exercise with a friendly social spirit - you will not be expected to do the ""Highland Fling'! It is an activity enjoyed by both men & women. The course is now in its fifth year and new folk are always welcome to join this enthusiastic group. No special dress is required, just soft soled flat shoes."
Starts Thursday, 11 March 2010
4 sessions per term

SHARE TRADING - IS IT GAMBLING? --> THIS COURSE IS OVERSUBSCRIBED
"Are you feeling depressed and concerned on seeing your hard earned savings disappear as a result of the current global meltdown and unable to discuss your various investments in ""brokers' language"" with your financial adviser? If this sounds like you, attend these classes especially designed to examine various forms of investment in the Australian and Asian Share Markets, including investment of a notional $100,000 in various shares of your choice. The leading investor will receive a prize at course end. Your leader is Bruce Walter formerly a commercial litigation lawyer of some 50 years as well as a survivor of the Poseidon bubble & continues to invest in the Australian & Singapore Share Markets over the past 40 years. This course is designed to last a minimum of two terms, fortnightly & thereafter, if there are sufficient interested people, to establish a Share Club to meet on a monthly basis. Bruce Walter wishes to emphasise that any opinion expressed by him in relation to any share does not constitute investment advice nor is he providing any specific personal advice in relation to your investments"
Starts Friday, 29 January 2010
5 sessions per term

SIR JOSEPH BANKS: AN INSIGHT
"Child of the Enlightenment, gifted youth, adventurer, botanist, zoologist, eccentric, philanderer, President of the Royal Society, Director of Kew Gardens, scientific patron & mentor. Who was this extraordinary individual who strode his world of the 18th & early 19th centuries like a colossus and who wielded such influence upon the European settlement of Australia? In exploring his life & achievements we shall trace his amazing adventures in New Foundland, Tahiti, Australia and his rich web of relationships with his sister, his wife, his mistress, Daniel Solander, Captain Cook & George 3rd. In these two sessions we shall gain a broader understanding of the fascinating character of Joseph Banks, his life & times."
Starts Thursday, 18 February 2010
2 sessions per term

SOCRATES' CAFE
The focus of Socrates' Cafe is to provide a venue for U3A members to discuss and enquire about current/problem issues that are considered important. Each session will provide discussion on two topics which will be selected by 2 presenters. Before the beginning of term all members will be approached to volunteer to be presenters in Term 1. Those selected as presenters will advise the members of their topic two weeks before their presentation. All members of the group must be prepared to discuss/debate the selected topics. Tea/coffee & petit fours will be served at the Cafe. Cost $25 for the term to be paid on the first morning
Starts Friday, 29 January 2010
5 sessions per term

SPIRITUALITY IN A SECULAR AGE --> THIS COURSE IS OVERSUBSCRIBED
"A series of talks by various speakers, mainly via C.D.s leading to active discussion by the group. Topics such as: The Place of Meditation in the Search for Meaning in the 21st century (John Main). The Contemplative Executive (Peter Ng). Indigenous Spirituality. Contemplation & Action (Richard Rohr) A New Earth. (Eckhart Tolle) The World Community for Christian Meditation (Laurence Freeman)"
Starts Monday, 1 February 2010
9 sessions per term

TALKING POINTS
"Lively discussions on current affairs. Topics cover issues in the news and matters of the times. No subject is barred and everyone is encouraged to participate.Each session is led in turn by John Deck (48614898), Allan Jones (4862 3652) & Peter Collyer (4872 1238)"
Starts Monday, 1 February 2010
9 sessions per term

THE ARTIST'S WAY
"An interactive workshop to explore the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. Learn better how to live the life of your choice, awaken the part of yourself you've never known and understand who you really are. No special skills necessary and certainly no need to be an artist. Invest in yourself and enrich your life. It would be preferable to own your own copy of the book (approx $35 ) There will be a cost of $15 to cover course materials & morning tea. The course will possibly extend into Term 2."
Starts Wednesday, 3 February 2010
9 sessions per term

THE IDEA OF SELF
"'The Idea of Self' explores the rise of the philosophical ideas centred within the ideals of Humanism dating back to the ancient Greeks & Romans & also to the city of Constantinople & rediscovered in 13th century Florence. Humanistic writings, particularly those of Dante, Petrarch & Boccacio informed the avalanche of creative endeavours in sculpture architecture & painting. These ideals continue to form the basis of our own awareness today, our own 'self' or 'being"". We will examine some of these ideas & how they evolved from paintings of Giotto through to the 20th century by examining portraits and self-portraits painted over that period."
Starts Thursday, 18 March 2010
1 sessions per term