U3A BRISBANE

University of the Third Age Brisbane


Connecting Seniors to Lifelong Learning

University of the Third Age Brisbane


Connecting Seniors to Lifelong Learning

Tuesday 28 January, Term 1 (week 1)



Click on class name to obtain more information, or to enrol.

City Campus


9:00am
Y19 Matters Arising
Y19 Matters Arising (class full)
Tutor: Garth Sherman
The group members will raise and discuss issues or events that occur in our society, economy, history, evolution, environment etc. Members may read a paper or other media to inform the issues raised in the class. Members contribute to the discussion from their own experience, values, knowledge and research.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 11
Tuesday 9:00am to 10:15am


(full) Garth Sherman (9:00am to 10:15am)  (Adelaide St, Room 11)
H24 History through the Ages
H24 History through the Ages (class full)
Tutor: Jim Moloney
This class covers the broad spectrum of history from Ancient Times to the present, sometimes with a broad brush and other times through minute by minute detail. The class has a "learning by doing" philosophy. Members are encouraged to contribute on history topics of their own choosing by researching the topic, then preparing their talk and presenting it to the class. Talks are typically an hour in length. Lively class discussion is strongly encouraged. Over the year, everyone has the chance to give a talk, if they so choose (it is not obligatory).
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 16
Tuesday 9:00am to 10:15am


(full) Jim Moloney (9:00am to 10:15am)  (Adelaide St, Room 16)

9:30am
A20 Budding Artist Group
A20 Budding Artist Group (class full)
Tutor: Lesley Dalyell
**This is a double class.** We are a friendly group, concentrating on water colours. We learn together using various resources and access tutoring help from water colour artists when we can. As the class does not have a regular tutor in water colours, this class is not suitable for people who have never used water colours before. There is a suggested materials list available on request.
Venue: Creek St, Room 5
Tuesday 9:30am to 12:15pm


(full) Lesley Dalyell (9:30am to 12:15pm)   (3 hours)  (Creek St, Room 5)
K08 Basic Writing
K08 Basic Writing
Tutor: Thomas Nelson
Is that great Australian novel lurking in your subconscious? Do you lie awake at night with thoughts racing through your mind? Have you forgotten how to write for fun? The basic writing course at U3A can help you answer these questions. The course covers the basics: plot, character development, dialogue and like the advertisements, much, much more. The course is run over two terms. We will write and discuss writing techniques. If you are ready for the challenge this course is for you.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 13
Tuesday 9:30am to 10:45am


Thomas Nelson (9:30am to 10:45am)  (Adelaide St, Room 13)

9:45am
U06 Spiritual Psychology
U06 Spiritual Psychology
Tutor: Barbara Kiao
Spiritual Psychology delves into the intersection of spirituality and psychology, exploring how beliefs, values, and consciousness impact human behaviour and well-being. Integrating principles from various spiritual traditions with modern psychological theories, it seeks to foster self-awareness, inner growth, compassion, forgiveness and holistic healing. Through practices like compassion inquiry, mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection, individuals learn to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience, compassion, and authenticity.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 14
Tuesday 9:45am to 11:00am


Barbara Kiao (9:45am to 11:00am)  (Adelaide St, Room 14)
B101 Mindfulness and Metta Practice
B101 Mindfulness and Metta Practice (class full)
Tutor: Georgia Cummings
Meditation and metta/self-compassion in the mindfulness (Vipassana) tradition. This class includes discussion and lightly guided meditation and metta practice. Class topics will include spirituality and ageing, neuroscience and ageing, narrative gerontology (our stories) and will also include examining articles and the literature of Buddhist and other faith traditions.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 18
Tuesday 9:45am to 11:00am


(full) Georgia Cummings (9:45am to 11:00am)  (Adelaide St, Room 18)

10:30am
M03 Popular Music Sessions
M03 Popular Music Sessions
Tutor: Peter O'Reilly
Our main goal is to enjoy music in the company of friends and others (it can magnify the benefits of listening and some might even be inclined to dance!). Secondly, it is an opportunity to explore and learn a little about popular music (not 'Pop' music). For our purposes we will start from 1955 when Frank Sinatra and Nelson Riddle's "In The Wee Small Hours" quietly introduced the 'Album Era', though we may reference earlier periods. In this term we will have four sessions experimenting to see how we might run a full program. Fortnightly 4th and 2nd Tue of the month.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 11
Tuesday 10:30am to 12:00pm
Fortnightly


Peter O'Reilly (10:30am to 12:00pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 11)
Fortnightly

11:00am
B52 Successful Ageing
B52 Successful Ageing
Tutor: Christiana Chau
A group discussion that shares our knowledge, personal life experiences and opinions with others; of issues, or events with a general objective of understanding and promoting our health and wellbeing in facing life changes. We adopt a holistic approach in exploring the challenges as we age, based on scientific evidence-based findings and from different cultural perspectives - the Western and traditional Chinese philosophies.
Venue: Creek St, Room 8
Tuesday 11:00am to 12:15pm


Christiana Chau (11:00am to 12:15pm)  (Creek St, Room 8)
E31 Dangerous Ideas to Challenge Us
E31 Dangerous Ideas to Challenge Us (class full)
Tutor: Garth Sherman
This group will discuss dangerous and creative ideas put forward by leading thinkers and culture creators of the 21st century. Will these ideas help or hinder science, economics, military, society, arts, philosophy, psychology, and sociological development? The group will watch or read about new/old ideas and pause to discuss and debate the points raised. (Dangerous? Maybe).
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 16
Tuesday 11:00am to 12:15pm


(full) Garth Sherman (11:00am to 12:15pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 16)

11:15am
X76 Theatre Through the Ages
X76 Theatre Through the Ages (class full)
Tutor: Jane Lock
We have enjoyed the theatre of the Dark Ages, and have reached the 'golden age' of Elizabeth 1. We willi meet the young dramatists who worked with and inspired William Shakespeare. We will research the period to enhance our understanding of the plays. Each student needs to provide a copy of the set texts and will hopefully be ready to contribute short talks on relevant topics from time to time. We read the texts around the class so that everyone is involved as much as possible. It requires a bit of concentration but is great fun. We have lively discussions and watch appropriate video clips.
Venue: Creek St, Room 4
Tuesday 11:15am to 12:30pm


(full) Jane Lock (11:15am to 12:30pm)  (Creek St, Room 4)
P04 Photography from Beginner to Accomplished Photographer
P04 Photography from Beginner to Accomplished Photographer
Tutor: Richard Egglesfield
This comprehensive photography course is designed to take you on a transformative journey, from a photography beginner or enthusiast to a skilled and confident photographer capable of capturing stunning images across different genres. Whether you're a complete beginner with a smartphone, have a new DSLR camera or an intermediate photographer with a smart phone, DSLR/Mirrorless or even someone looking to buy a camera. The course is an excellent way to develop photography skills.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 14
Tuesday 11:15am to 12:45pm


Richard Egglesfield (11:15am to 12:45pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 14)
L09 Tips on Writing Short Fiction Stories and Poems
L09 Tips on Writing Short Fiction Stories and Poems
Tutor: Yvonne Pick
This class offers a general discussion on favourite authors and poets and offers tips to build confidence in writing. At the end of the morning, members will be given an optional writing topic for the following week, but they are welcome to bring something different they have written.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 15
Tuesday 11:15am to 12:30pm


Yvonne Pick (11:15am to 12:30pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 15)
J66 Indonesian Language for Beginners
J66 Indonesian Language for Beginners
Tutor: David Truman
You've never studied Bahasa Indonesia, the language of our nearest large neigbour? For the first time, here is a class for beginners in Indonesian, offered in Brisbane CBD. David to provide notes electronically and by short handouts.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 17
Tuesday 11:15am to 12:30pm


David Truman (11:15am to 12:30pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 17)
S12 Science and the Big Issues of our Time
S12 Science and the Big Issues of our Time
Tutor: Martin Gellender
Each week, the class will discuss the science behind the big issues facing Australians in the 21st century. Could Australia derive all its energy needs from renewable energy, and what would be the implications? Could humans colonise other planets? What are the implications if Australia adopts nuclear energy? Can food production be increased to meet rising demands of a growing world population? What are the key environmental challenges that will confront our grandchildren? The class runs in conjunction with Zoom class SO3.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 18
Tuesday 11:15am to 12:30pm


Martin Gellender (11:15am to 12:30pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 18)

11:30am
J65 German for Beginners
J65 German for Beginners
Tutor: Claudia McKay
You will learn the basics of German by mainly focusing on the practical use of the language in this easy-going class. Learn how to eg introduce yourself, order a meal or ask for directions. We will practise speaking, listening, reading, writing... with a dash of grammar and vocabulary!
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 12
Tuesday 11:30am to 12:45pm


Claudia McKay (11:30am to 12:45pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 12)
H07 British History - Continuing Class
H07 British History - Continuing Class (class full)
Tutor: Judy Catts
Henry VIII has died and his three surviving children, Edward, Mary and Elizabeth - plus Lady Jane Grey - follow him to the throne. The 16th century is a time of considerable change in England with religious conflict causing considerable grief, both at home and abroad There is continued exploration and of course, Mary, Queen of Scots, the Spanish Armada and the Bard himself, William Shakespeare.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 13
Tuesday 11:30am to 12:45pm


(full) Judy Catts (11:30am to 12:45pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 13)

12:00pm
X10 Irish Women Cinema
X10 Irish Women Cinema
Tutor: Albert Moran
This course concentrates on Irish films. This is loosely understood as films made by women, about women, with women actors in leading roles. Very often progressive, these stories run the range from dramas where women are heroines as well as bystanders and even victims, activists as well as peacemakers. They can be happy, comic and even tragic. Some of the films will be routine but others will certainly turn out to be more interesting, feisty and progressive than might be expected.
Venue: Creek St, Room 5
Tuesday 12:00pm to 2:00pm


Albert Moran (12:00pm to 2:00pm)   (2 hours)  (Creek St, Room 5)

12:30pm
M14 Classical Music Unveiled, A Journey Through Genres and Eras
M14 Classical Music Unveiled, A Journey Through Genres and Eras
Tutor: Barbara Levien
Join us for an enlightening journey through the rich tapestry of classical music, spanning from the Renaissance to contemporary compositions. This course offers attendees an exploration of various genres, including Baroque, Classical, Romantic and the Modern eras. Through guided listening sessions engaging discussions and multimedia resources, participants will deepen their understanding of historical context, key composers and stylistic elements. By examining the evolution of musical forms and expressions, attendees will broaden their appreciation for classical music's influence on culture and society.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 11
Tuesday 12:30pm to 1:45pm


Barbara Levien (12:30pm to 1:45pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 11)
U11 Psychology: Exploring Contemporary Topics
U11 Psychology: Exploring Contemporary Topics
Tutor: Peter O'Reilly
This program touches on some important essential concepts, and identifies the topics and questions occupying members' minds and popular culture. These topics could include personal development, cognitive biases, topical personality issues (e.g. narcissism), depression, anxiety, the psychology of change and much more. The goal is to discuss some of the discipline's theories, frameworks and applications. Members will have an active role in shaping the course.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 16
Tuesday 12:30pm to 2:00pm


Peter O'Reilly (12:30pm to 2:00pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 16)

1:00pm
C08 Gmail and Android Phone/Tablet
C08 Gmail and Android Phone/Tablet
Tutor: Harry Gilman
The course covers Android OS fundamentals, including its functionality. Participants must have a Gmail account to access Google services. A brief introduction to Gmail features and settings is included. Security awareness for Android devices is emphasized to protect personal data. The Google Play Store will be explored, focusing on app and widget installation. The course introduces several Google apps: Google Keep for notetaking; Google Calendar for event management; Google Drive for file storage (without detailed usage instructions); Google Photos for image organization and editing; Google Maps for navigation.
Venue: Creek St, Room 8
Tuesday 1:00pm to 2:30pm


Harry Gilman (1:00pm to 2:30pm)  (Creek St, Room 8)
P03 Learn ON1 Photo RAW the best Post Processor program.
P03 Learn ON1 Photo RAW the best Post Processor program.
Tutor: Richard Egglesfield
ON1 Photo RAW is a Photo Manager & non-destructive Photo Editor. The programme is dedicated to enhancing your photography and managing your photos. ON1 Photo Raw performs better than both Photoshop & Lightroom. It's cheaper as well; buy it outright. Course will give you the skills & knowledge to use ON1 Photo Raw to let you become the best photographer you can be. This in-depth U3A course on ON1 Photo RAW will teach you to master ON1 powerful features. The extensive Course Notes, Slides and Hands-on practice will let you understand how to manage & develop your photos to look just like the scene you saw when you captured your photo.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 14
Tuesday 1:00pm to 2:30pm


Richard Egglesfield (1:00pm to 2:30pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 14)
J54 Mandarin for Beginners
J54 Mandarin for Beginners
Tutor: Fay Lee
This class is for beginners, using the text book Chinese Made Easy 1.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 17
Tuesday 1:00pm to 2:15pm


Fay Lee (1:00pm to 2:15pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 17)

1:15pm
J40 Learn Chinese, Explore China Easy Travel Mandarin and Cultural Journey
J40 Learn Chinese, Explore China Easy Travel Mandarin and Cultural Journey
Tutor: Nia (Lara) Xiao
Language is the gateway to understanding the world, and in this course, we invite you to embark on a journey of discovery. This fun and engaging course is designed specifically for seniors in Australia who want to learn simple Mandarin. You will gain essential conversational skills while exploring practical language lessons and fascinating aspects of Chinese culture, such as traditional festivals, mythical legends, and idioms. We look forward to sharing this enriching cultural experience with you, offering unique insights into China that may enhance your travels and deepen your connection with its rich heritage.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 12
Tuesday 1:15pm to 2:30pm


Nia (Lara) Xiao (1:15pm to 2:30pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 12)

1:30pm
J85 Italian - Intermediate
J85 Italian - Intermediate
Tutor: Jocelyn Giordano
The focus of this class is oral work and conversation. People who are familiar with Italian and have completed most of the verb tenses are expected to prepare short talks to present to class for discussion. Speaking in Italian occupies half of the weekly class time. Grammar, reading and viewing complement the oral work. Ongoing enrolment is dependent on frequency of attendance, completion of tasks and standard of Italian. **New students must phone the tutor before enrolment.**
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 13
Tuesday 1:30pm to 2:45pm


Jocelyn Giordano (1:30pm to 2:45pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 13)
H18 Russian History, Literature and Culture
H18 Russian History, Literature and Culture
Tutor: David Truman
2025 is the third year of a three-year course covering the entire sweep of Russian history. We begin at the Bolshevik Revolution and the avalanche of reforms making "the end of civilization as we knew it," including the attack on the church, and the struggle for power over the country's direction after the death of Lenin in 1924.We will cover also the collectivization of agriculture, the command economy, the Five Year Plans and forced industrialization, Stalin's purges, the Great Patriotic War, the cold war, the dissident movement, collapse of the Soviet Union and post-communist Russia.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 18
Tuesday 1:30pm to 2:45pm


David Truman (1:30pm to 2:45pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 18)

Zoom Classes (Online)


9:00am
C02 MS PowerPoint: Basic and Advanced. Exercise your Brain
C02 MS PowerPoint: Basic and Advanced. Exercise your Brain
Tutor: John Canny
This class covers the PPT basics and beyond. PPT isn't just a presentation tool, it can become an artistic hobby. There are so many "bells and whistles" (including some AI) to explore. Create exciting presentations: a travel show, a family picture show, a show for U3A or your club. Make stunning slides with PICTURES and SHAPES, add AUDIO and VIDEO, use different FONTS and TEXT effects. Add excitement with ANIMATIONS and TRANSITIONS. You are limited by your imagination. A reasonable knowledge of computer and Windows basics is helpful. Each class consists of a number of PPT presentations. Digital files are provided.
Venue: Online via Zoom
Tuesday 9:00am to 10:30am


John Canny (9:00am to 10:30am)
C167 Gmail and Android Phone/Tablet
C167 Gmail and Android Phone/Tablet
Tutor: Harry Gilman
The course covers Android OS fundamentals, including its functionality. Participants must have a Gmail account to access Google services. A brief introduction to Gmail features and settings is included. Security awareness for Android devices is emphasized to protect personal data. The Google Play Store will be explored, focusing on app and widget installation. The course introduces several Google apps: Google Keep for notetaking; Google Calendar for event management; Google Drive for file storage (without detailed usage instructions); Google Photos for image organization and editing; Google Maps for navigation.
Venue: Online via Zoom
Tuesday 9:00am to 10:30am


Harry Gilman (9:00am to 10:30am)
L75 Poetry
L75 Poetry
Tutor: Kev Warburton
The course will continue to study poetry from all eras, focussing on one selected poet each week. Some sessions will be used to share other poems, including those written by members of the class.
Venue: Online via Zoom
Tuesday 9:00am to 10:15am


Kev Warburton (9:00am to 10:15am)

9:30am
C11 How to make the most of iPads and iPhones
C11 How to make the most of iPads and iPhones
Tutor: Deslyn Taylor
This course will look at using iPads and iPhones effectively. Do you have the right settings? What is the Wallet and is it secure? Make the most of Notes. Get the latest news, access eBooks, Audio Books and Music using the BCC Apps. Q&A sessions on your Apple Devices will be included and we will also look at organising your device to suit you.
Venue: Online via Zoom
Tuesday 9:30am to 10:45am


Deslyn Taylor (9:30am to 10:45am)

10:45am
L10 Literature Out of Africa
L10 Literature Out of Africa
Tutor: Catherine O'Donoghue
Reading Literature out of Africa provides rich learning about different cultures, a delight in appreciating writing styles, and empathy for the human experience. A variety of different texts are explored at a reading pace suitable for the group. There are one or two major works, such as a novel or autobiography each term, with some short works such as short stories and poetry. The class format includes presentations and discussions. It is a relaxed class with participation by choice. There will be opportunities for members to take the lead on discussions if you wish. Reading information will be issued on enrolment.
Venue: Online via Zoom
Tuesday 10:45am to 12:00pm


Catherine O'Donoghue (10:45am to 12:00pm)

11:15am
S03 Science and the Big Issues of our Time
S03 Science and the Big Issues of our Time
Tutor: Martin Gellender
Each week, the class will discuss the science behind the big issues facing Australians in the 21st century. Could Australia derive all its energy needs from renewable energy, and what would be the implications? What are the implications if Australia adopts nuclear energy? Could humans colonise other planets? Can food production be increased to meet rising demands of a growing world population? What are the key environmental challenges that will confront our grandchildren? Runs in conjunction with face-to-face class S12.
Venue: Online via Zoom
Tuesday 11:15am to 12:30pm


Martin Gellender (11:15am to 12:30pm)

2:00pm
J19 Spanish Book Reading
J19 Spanish Book Reading
Tutor: Sally Steffens
In this class we read contemporary Spanish novels. In class we take turns to read aloud and translate. In Term 4 we will continue reading "Hija de la fortuna" by Isabel Allende. This book is Intermediate B2 Level.
Venue: Online via Zoom
Tuesday 2:00pm to 3:15pm


Sally Steffens (2:00pm to 3:15pm)

7:00pm
X26 Using Zoom and Google Classroom to teach
X26 Using Zoom and Google Classroom to teach
Tutor: Joe Smith
A year-long course, accepting students any time, if there is a vacancy. We will learn how to use Zoom and Google Classroom to conduct U3A courses online. Doing so may be done in conjunction with face-to-face classes to get more participants. Help in getting set up to join the first time, could be arranged.
Venue: Online via Zoom
Tuesday 7:00pm to 8:00pm


Joe Smith (7:00pm to 8:00pm)

Logan District


9:30am
Y13 Philosophical Discussion
Y13 Philosophical Discussion
Tutor: Bronwyn Statham
The group discusses a range of subjects of philosophical interest, both historical and contemporary. New members are welcome.
Venue: Contact tutor for details of venue etc
Tuesday 9:30am to 11:30am


Bronwyn Statham (9:30am to 11:30am)   (2 hours)  (Contact tutor for details of venue etc)
B91 Advancing in Tai Chi Group 1
B91 Advancing in Tai Chi Group 1
Tutor: Cheryl Smith
We are practicing a shorter version of Yang Style Tai Chi and the gentle exercise of Chi Hung. The class is easy to follow and has proven to be a great benefit to our overall health and general well being. We focus on breathing exercises, stretching and flexibility practiced in a safe manner.
Venue: Riverdale Park
Tuesday 9:30am to 10:30am


Cheryl Smith (9:30am to 10:30am)  (Riverdale Park)

10:00am
K10 Creative Writing
K10 Creative Writing
Tutor: Marlene Wood
Participants may share short extracts of less than 1000 words of their writing with the group. This can be short stories, personal reflections, poetry etc. This is an opportunity to learn from each other by offering encouragement, constructive suggestions and support and insights gained from general reading. There is no instructor with all the answers. Please note this is a fortnightly class, starting in the first week of term.
Venue: Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre
Tuesday 10:00am to 11:30am
Fortnightly class


Marlene Wood (10:00am to 11:30am)  (Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre)
Fortnightly class

11:00am
B02 Chi Kung for Beginners
B02 Chi Kung for Beginners
Tutor: Cheryl Smith
This is a class of gentle exercises. "The 8 Brocades" are said to have multiple benefits and have been practised in China for more than three millennia. It is easy to learn and is designed to improve mood, balance, flexibility, health and general wellbeing when practised daily in a safe manner. Exercises practised are from the Shibashi sets 1, 2, and 3 and created from Yang Style Tai Chi.
Venue: Riverdale Park
Tuesday 11:00am to 12:00pm


Cheryl Smith (11:00am to 12:00pm)  (Riverdale Park)

1:00pm
J162 French Skills
J162 French Skills
Tutor: Col Davies
Take your French language skills to the next level. Designed for students at the A2 level of CEFR. The class is a mix of speaking, listening, writing and reading.
Venue: Contact tutor for details
Tuesday 1:00pm to 2:30pm


Col Davies (1:00pm to 2:30pm)  (Contact tutor for details)
F07 Canasta Variation Card Game (Hand and Foot)
F07 Canasta Variation Card Game (Hand and Foot)
Tutor: Yvonne Mappas
Canasta is a popular card game. Come along to learn and play this variation of the game in a friendly and supportive class. This is a great way to meet new friends. Beginners and beyond welcome.
Venue: Contact tutor for details of venue etc
Tuesday 1:00pm to 4:00pm


Yvonne Mappas (1:00pm to 4:00pm)   (3 hours)  (Contact tutor for details of venue etc)

Southside


12:30pm
F15 Chinese Mahjong
F15 Chinese Mahjong (class full)
Tutor: Ronda Marshall
This class is a continuation of the class held in the city before the COVID problem. If you played in the city with me, you are welcome to rejoin this group. You do not need a Mahjong set to play. There is no printed book for this type of Mahjong. No new players in this quarter.
Venue: Coorparoo RSL
Tuesday 12:30pm to 2:30pm


(full) Ronda Marshall (12:30pm to 2:30pm)   (2 hours)  (Coorparoo RSL)

3:00pm
J186 French Intermediate B1
J186 French Intermediate B1
Tutor: Wendy Collins
Due to health reasons, the start date is to be advised. J186 is intended for students who already have a sound knowledge of the French language and who wish to progress further in their study. We will cover oral, aural and written work, with an emphasis on expanding vocabulary, using more advanced grammar structures, and comprehension skills. We will have fun learning to communicate in everyday situations and discussing current issues. The course also incorporates French culture and history. The aim is to ensure that students feel comfortable participating in a friendly and welcoming learning environment.
Venue: Garden City Library
Tuesday 3:00pm to 4:15pm


Wendy Collins (3:00pm to 4:15pm)  (Garden City Library)