UWA Extension

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.

Uncovering the literary history of the wheatbelt

Dr. Tony Hughes-d’Aeth, author of Like Nothing on this Earth: A Literary History of the Wheatbelt, will examine the creation of the wheatbelt through its creative writing. Some of Australia’s most significant writers used their experiences of this landscape in their writing, providing insights into the human and environmental effects of this experiment of mass-scale agriculture. [More]

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

The History of Avant-garde Art

The course explores the evolution and social significance of avant-garde art, from its inception in the early 20th century through to the present day. Beginning in Northern Italy – the birthplace of Futurism – the course will travel through time and space, visiting France, Germany, Russia, Japan and United States. Finally we return to present-day Perth, the home of one of the ground-breaking contemporary creative practice of Bio-art, to consider what exactly is meant by the... [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.

Introduction to Colour

Join Karen Frankel for this colourful workshop. It is for those of you who would like to enhance your drawings and sketches with colour. You will use different media and learn about colour mixing, tone with colour and what warm and cool colours are. Some drawing experience is an advantage. Learn from Karen Frankel, an experienced artist and teacher. OUTLINE • Colour theory – new split primary colour wheel • How not to get ‘muddy’ colours • Using watercolour pencils • What are... [More]

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

Getting published - mastering the process

Completing the first draft of your manuscript – whether for a novel, short story, non-fiction book or magazine article – is a major achievement. Yet this is only the first step in a long journey to getting published. In this course you will learn the step-by-step process including market research, finding an agent, approaching publishing houses, and the pros and cons of self-publishing. Your first draft is only the beginning. Now comes the rewriting, and yet more rewriting; then... [More]

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