Courses

History of European Culture

Tutor: Yana Ostapenko

The focus of this course is the cultural history of European civilisation. Students will be provided with an introduction to and overview of the evolution of the concept of cultural transformation from ancient civilisations to modern times. We will focus on different topics that together will present a range of cultural ‘pictures’ of Europe through time. The units will cover the following topics:

• Ancient Civilisation – West and East
• From Greece to the Renaissance
• Medieval Cities – ordinary life and culture
• Science and University in the Age of Renaissance
• From Renaissance to Reformation
• The Age of Enlightenment
• European Culture in the 18th and 19th Centuries – music, theatre and literature
• Modern Europe in the 20th Century – evolution of art and philosophy of life
• Culture of the Russian Empire from 17th to 20th Centuries
• Contemporary European art and culture
• Modern film and animation as a reflection of modern life
• Russian and Ukrainian masterpiece films and cartoons

Please Note: This class is fully booked, with a waiting list.

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Improving Your English

Tutor: Christine Fittipaldi

This group, mainly made up of women for whom English is a second language, has been meeting for many years, and members have consequently forged a strong bond, but at the same time, newcomers are very welcome.

The tutor of the group is Christina Fittipaldi who holds an Arts degree from Swinburne University of Technology. Her family migrated to Australia when she was a small child. She is fluent in both English and Italian.

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Italian Language for Beginners

Tutor: Adriana Ficarazzi

The course is held on Mondays from 10.30 to 12.00 at Span. It presumes that the learner has completed at least basic studies in written and spoken Italian. Participants will continue to expand their language learning commenced in the previous year.

Topics will be presented under the following broad language themes: Italian cities, tourist attractions, shopping, eating out, public transport, leisure and pleasure, etc.

The language and culture units will be integrated.

The text Book for 2010: Sempre Avanti, is available at CIS Educational, 247 – 249 Cardigan St, Carlton. Phone: 9347 9144. Cost: $50.

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Mah Jong

Tutor: Nancy Keele

This is a western version of a Chinese game, probably of 19th century origin. It is played with tiles similar to dominoes but engraved with Chinese symbols and divided into suits and honours.

We play Mah Jong every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month between 1.30 and 4 pm at Fairfield Station. We all have a lot of fun, win or lose. This is a very mixed group of people, from absolute beginners to very experienced players. Nancy Keele and Val patiently teach us the intricacies of this fascinating game. We would welcome more people to come and join us.

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Needlecraft

Tutor: Jean Garita

Needlecraft is a self-help class. We all bring our own project along – cross-stitch, knitting, crochet, and patchwork, anything you care to bring. We sometimes do a class project if the group wishes. If someone wants to do a project that they have not done before, someone with those skills will show them how. People in the group all help one another and the atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly.

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Painting and Drawing

Tutor: June Pitman

Our art class bubbles along enthusiastically with the understanding guidance and encouragement of our very experienced tutor June Pitman. Each student proceeds at their own rate and is offered suggestions of how to explore new approaches to their art. Expression of feelings through colour is encouraged as well as still life, portraiture, anatomy and creation of cards for special occasions. All this happens according to the needs and desires of each individual. Although the basis is watercolour painting, pastels and watercolour pencils, charcoal and even acrylics are often used. It is a “fun” session including much “life” talk which makes a cohesive group. Students need to bring their own materials.
Arlie Hargreaves

Please Note: This class is fully booked, with a waiting list.

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Poetry Through The Ages

Tutor: Noel Butterfield

The Tutor, Noel Butterfield, has been a teacher of English for 30 years and has provided the following course outline:

Let’s just immerse ourselves in the passion that is poetry. The emphasis will be on appreciation and enjoyment. I have been captivated by poetry for thirty years so I feel qualified to introduce you to the very best.

I will take you through some ballads, odes, sonnets, etc., purely for your enjoyment. We will, however, look briefly at various techniques that make poems ‘work’ and come alive. To achieve this goal, we will have a close look at alliteration in the work of Gerard Manley Hopkins. We will examine the odes of Keats and other evocative romantic poetry. In contrast, we may also look at the metaphysical poets such as John Donne.

The course will conclude with a look at Michael Schmidt’s The Great Modern Poets – the best fifty since 1900. Class members will also be encouraged to create their own poems, using some of the techniques studied.

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Reading and Writing for Retirees

Tutor: Rita Keller

This class is for anyone who has English as a Second Language and wants to improve their reading and writing skills in a friendly, relaxed, stimulating and accessible environment.

The course is designed for people whose English skills are at beginner, post-beginner or intermediate levels.

The course program will draw on students’ needs and give them opportunities to practise their reading and writing in a range of contexts, from notes and messages to letters of complaint, personal writing, imaginative stories and some grammar – all in an atmosphere of fun and laughter.

The tutor, Rita Keller, is a qualified ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher with many years experience. A sense of humour and fun is basic to her teaching style.

Classes: Monday 1-3pm, Merrilands Community Centre, cnr Asquith and Sturdee Sts, Reservoir.

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Shakespeare

Class leader: Albert Stuckey

This year we will begin with King Lear as this is to be performed commercially by the Bell Shakespeare Company in May. We propose to attend a matinee performance as a group.

As usual we will watch a video of the play and then read the text. This way we all can understand how the play develops. After King Lear, we will select another play as the class decides.

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Singing for Pleasure

Tutor: Jim Logan

The U3A Singing for Pleasure group is intended to be a safe place where we all feel welcome. We participate in singing rounds and mostly popular songs and learn to sing some harmonies. As always, Jim intends to pack the time with singing and looks forward to feedback from the singers.

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Tai Chi

Tutor: Barry Watson

Tai-Chi is a recreational fitness technique of flowing movements and forms designed to exercise and develop the body and mind in unison.

The movements are performed in a slow and dreamlike pace, with deep concentration and breathing to transport one into a state of tranquil relaxation. The word Chi literally means “energy”.

As a qualified instructor, I teach the “Traditional Yang Style”, consisting of 108 steps, in a light-hearted and professional manner, including Chi Quong Breathing, stretching exercises, soft exercises for joints, e.g. arms, legs, elbows, etc., and posture and balance.

I give three classes on Tuesdays: Tai Chi in the North, 10am at Merrilands; Tai Chi Basic, 1pm, and Intermediate, 2pm, both at Northcote Town Hall. The movements are modified for people with arthritis.

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Yoga

Tutor: Shyamala Benakovic

The adapted Iyengar Yoga program is specifically designed for older people. The poses are basic but challenging and designed to improve balance and confidence while standing and walking.

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