UWA Extension

The Insider's Guide to: Florence circa 1500

After the French invasion in 1494, the Florentine people revolted against its de facto rulers and exiled the Medici family from Florence. Subsequently, the followers of the Dominican preacher Girolamo Savonarola (called piagnoni: weepers) instituted a theocratic government, taking fierce control over the city, while Savonarola was preaching the end of times and called for a large ‘bonfire of the vanities’ to ‘cleanse’ the city. Savonarola’s disgust of splendour is famous, but what... [More]

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

Introduction to Digital Photography

photo by Nick Melidonis Photography is one of the world’s most popular pastimes and yet many people who own or are thinking about upgrading their camera equipment don’t understand how to use and maximise the creative controls of their camera. Regardless of whether you use a compact; DSLR or a mirrorless camera; this workshop will explain the many creative choices you have in setting up and using your camera with the aim of shooting some stunning images the way you want to. Join... [More]

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

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.

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.

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.

DNA and genealogy - what DNA tests can reveal about your family tree

Millions of people around the globe are enthusiastically charting their bloodlines. Genealogy has become a cultural phenomenon! Join Genealogist Mike Murray in our upcoming seminar and learn what DNA tests can reveal about your family tree. We all have two family trees – one that we can build up from family stories and genealogical records, and another that’s hidden within your DNA. Easy access to inexpensive DNA testing is revealing family secrets, breaking down stubborn brick... [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 science of happiness

Everyone wants to be happy and there are many ways to define and pursue happiness. But how many of those ways are supported by science? Learn the fundamentals of positive psychology and explore wellbeing, happiness and human potential from a whole new perspective. Discover what happiness is according to science, the important role it plays in our lives, and the benefits it brings. Let positive psychology expert Annika Rose guide you through the insights from research and how to... [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.