UWA Extension

The Insider's Guide to: Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa

What has made the Mona Lisa the most famous picture in the world? Why is it that, of all the 6,000 paintings in the Louvre, it is the only one to be exhibited in a special box, set in concrete and protected by two sheets of bulletproof glass? Why do thousands of visitors throng to see it every day, ignoring the masterpieces which surround it? For nearly 500 years the painting – and the mysterious smile on the face of the sitter has been a source of mystery, speculation and... [More]

This course has no current classes. Please the waiting list.

Wild about flowers - wildflower photography for everyone

Digital cameras enable anyone to make close up and macro images of WA’s spectacular wildflowers. Whether you have a DSLR or a compact you can learn the controls and features on your camera to produce pin sharp, correctly exposed wildflower images with accurate colour. This day course includes a classroom session, lunch and a hands-on field session among the flowers. Learn with Master Photographer Dale Neill. Wildflower image by Gail, one of Dale Neill's past students. Digital... [More]

This course has no current classes. Please the waiting list.

Philosophy Feast - Animal Rights and Farmers' Rights

As the international movement for the rights of animals continues to gain momentum, the Australian farming community is coming under greater scrutiny and opprobrium from vegan activists. In this session, we will discuss the philosophical arguments that underpin claims for animal rights, for dietary choices such as vegetarianism and veganism, and for the right to farm. This Feast of Philosophy, chaired by Dr Nin Kirkham, UWA Chair of Philosophy, will tackle these big questions and... [More]

This course has no current classes. Please the waiting list.

Philosophy Feast - Social Equality

Appeals to equality are pervasive in public life, both at work and in the home. In this session, we go back to the philosophical basics of equality. Are all people equal? If so, in what way? Why should we care about equality, and if we care about it, what should we do about it? Come and join us at the Philosophy Feast for an evening of friendly and forthright discussion on the question of equality. This Feast of Philosophy, chaired by Dr Nin Kirkham, UWA Chair of Philosophy, will... [More]

This course has no current classes. Please the waiting list.

The Linguistics of Swearing from F to S

This session is a frank yet genteel look at swearing and taboo language from a linguistic perspective. Swear words show some surprisingly unique behaviour, doing things in English that other words can’t. Why are certain words considered ‘dirty’, and why do people use them? How did they end up in English, and what new swears are on the horizon? This session will help you understand linguistic concepts such as syntax, etymology, history, and pragmatics, from a sweary perspective. [More]

This course has no current classes. Please the waiting list.

Politics, art and madness in Putin’s Russia

Russian artists have often deployed ostensibly ‘mad’ tactics to provoke public response, and provide commentary on social and political affairs. In turn, Russian authorities have turned to the label of madness to discredit, marginalise and institutionalise artists who dared to engage in such activities. In this fascinating public talk Dr Iva Glisic will explore historical and contemporary examples of the interplay between politics, art and madness in Russia, providing insight into... [More]

This course has no current classes. Please the waiting list.

Introduction to Portraiture

Many drawers are happy with drawing still life but have difficulty with, or are afraid of drawing portraits. In this session you’ll work through techniques and exercises to learn how standard proportions fit with faces that you wish to draw. You’ll receive tips on improving your work and how to relax with the process. Some realistic drawing experience is needed for this workshop. Learn from Karen Frankel, an experienced artist and teacher. OUTLINE • Basic ‘front on’ face... [More]

This course has no current classes. Please the waiting list.

How Children Learn Language

By about three years old, every human has performed one of the most complex cognitive feats in the animal kingdom: learning a language. How do they do it, and when? And what can adults do to encourage a child’s language learning? This session is an accessible look at child language acquisition and its implications for the human mind. There are also some adorable baby videos. [More]

This course has no current classes. Please the waiting list.

Philosophy Feast - Drug Use

Philosophy involves thinking about some of the big questions we ask during our lifetime: Should recreational drugs be legalised? Should performance enhancing drugs be allowed in sports? Come along to the May Philosophy Feast, join in the conversation and hear the arguments for and against the legalisation of recreational and performance enhancing drugs. This Feast of Philosophy, chaired by Dr Nin Kirkham, UWA Chair of Philosophy, will tackle these big questions and more over... [More]

This course has no current classes. Please the waiting list.

The Philosophy Feast - Consequentialism

Philosophy involves thinking about some of the big questions we ask during our lifetime: What is consequentialism? What is utilitarianism? Is utilitarianism the best moral theory? At this Philosophy Feast we will discuss the benefits and the limitations of the utilitarian approach to ethics. We will look at alternatives, and highlight the practical implications of adopting the utilitarian approach to ethical decision making. This Feast of Philosophy, chaired by Dr Nin Kirkham, UWA... [More]

This course has no current classes. Please the waiting list.