U3A BRISBANE

University of the Third Age Brisbane


Connecting Seniors to Lifelong Learning

University of the Third Age Brisbane


Connecting Seniors to Lifelong Learning


Upcoming Special Events
Wednesday 10th April 2024, 10:00am. Annual General Meeting -

More Info and Bookings


Tuesday 19 March, Term 1 (week 9)



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 and 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: Ralph Carlisle
This class covers the broad spectrum of history over time. It is not restricted to any specific historical period. 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). In 2023, topics ranged from 'Shoot Straight You Bastards (Breaker Morant)' to 'Failed Invasions (Yuan China against Japan)'.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 16
Tuesday 9:00am to 10:15am
(full) Ralph Carlisle (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 will run over two terms with the first term concentrating on the basics, and during second term we will extend your writing by expanding on those basic building blocks. 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)
K02 Writing - a Life in 10 Objects
K02 Writing - a Life in 10 Objects (class full)
Tutor: Cheryl Hayden
Have you ever fancied writing a life? Your life? The life of an ancestor? The life of someone in your family? Or a friend you have admired and loved forever? Inspired by the television series 'A Life in Ten Pictures' this course invites you to explore the life of your chosen subject through a collection of objects - photographs, medals, certificates, toys, items of jewellery or clothing, souvenirs, art works, dreams and memories... in fact, anything at all that reminds you of them. If there is someone you would like to honour with some writing about their life, this course might be for you.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 14
Tuesday 9:30am to 10:45am
(full) Cheryl Hayden (9:30am to 10:45am)  (Adelaide St, Room 14)
J90 Spanish Beginners Conversation
J90 Spanish Beginners Conversation (class full)
Tutor: Raul Garcia
Learn and speak Spanish in a fun and simple way. We will talk about current issues, listen to music, watch movies and play games which will help you to memorize vocabulary. You will surely enjoy learning Spanish. I would like us to listen to music in Spanish from Latin America and to appreciate the lyrics.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 15
Tuesday 9:30am to 10:45am
(full) Raul Garcia (9:30am to 10:45am)  (Adelaide St, Room 15)

9:45am
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)

10:15am
J11 Latin - Level 6
J11 Latin - Level 6 (class full)
Tutor: Yvonne McGann
In Term 1 we will begin Cambridge Latin course book IVB. We supplement the text with other readings and exercises.
Venue: Creek St, Room 8
Tuesday 10:15am to 11:30am
(full) Yvonne McGann (10:15am to 11:30am)  (Creek St, Room 8)

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

11:15am
X76 Theatre Through the Ages
X76 Theatre Through the Ages (class full)
Tutor: Jane Lock
We are finishing our studies of Ancient Roman theatre with a selection of Senecan tragedies while learning about the Roman Empire in general. We will move on to early English plays after a period in the Dark Ages. Each student needs to provide a copy of the set texts and will hopefully be ready to contribute short talks on topics that increase our understanding of the authors and their life and times. We read the set texts around the class so that everyone is involved as much as possible. It requires a bit of concentration but is great fun. The class is kept small for good reasons, so please note that it is currently full.
Venue: Creek St, Room 4
Tuesday 11:15am to 12:30pm
(full) Jane Lock (11:15am to 12:30pm)  (Creek St, Room 4)
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 a short story from a published author to read around the group and a writing topic for the following week.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 15
Tuesday 11:15am to 12:30pm
Yvonne Pick (11:15am to 12:30pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 15)
J42 Indonesian - Bahasa Indonesia Intermediate
J42 Indonesian - Bahasa Indonesia Intermediate
Tutor: David Truman
Conversation practice and grammar for people who are beyond beginners. Notes and texts will be provided electronically and in 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 (class full)
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? Runs in conjunction with Zoom class SO3.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 18
Tuesday 11:15am to 12:30pm
(full) Martin Gellender (11:15am to 12:30pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 18)

11:30am
H07 British History- Continuing Class
H07 British History- Continuing Class (class full)
Tutor: Judy Catts
We are now finishing the tragedy of the Wars of the Roses, and its devastating effect on the noble houses of England, and will soon be starting a new century and the wonderful Age of Discovery. In England, Henry Tudor has taken the throne as Henry VII, the first of the Tudor dynasty.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 13
Tuesday 11:30am to 12:45pm
(full) Judy Catts (11:30am to 12:45pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 13)
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 11:30am to 1:00pm
Peter O'Reilly (11:30am to 1:00pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 16)

12:00pm
X10 Ireland and the Irish
X10 Ireland and the Irish (class full)
Tutor: Albert Moran
This course is intended for tourists, descendants and the curious. It is broad-ranging and will look at the very many things that make up the place and its people, both past and present. We all know maybe a bit about the subject so that we can learn more together. Beside our own resources, we will frequently draw on films, recordings, printed notes and other aids to help us on our journey. In Term 1 we will map out where we might go in later classes. You may find Fintan O'Toole's book "We Don't Know Ourselves" and Rick Steve's two tourist guides to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland useful reading.
Venue: Creek St, Room 8
Tuesday 12:00pm to 2:00pm
(full) Albert Moran (12:00pm to 2:00pm)   (2 hours)  (Creek St, Room 8)

1:00pm
X07 Chinese Calligraphy for beginners.
X07 Chinese Calligraphy for beginners.
Tutor: Fay Lee
This term teaching Chinese New year red couplets for the year of the dragon.
Venue: Creek St, Room 5
Tuesday 1:00pm to 2:15pm
Fay Lee (1:00pm to 2:15pm)  (Creek St, Room 5)
X09 Australian Public Policy and Contemporary Issues
X09 Australian Public Policy and Contemporary Issues
Tutor: Prue Brown
In this course we will look at governance systems in Australia and what that means for contemporary policy issues. We explore the formal institutions that underpin our system of government. We will also look at some of the informal forces that work to sustain existing power relations. This includes looking at management paradigms, that is the assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that underpin how decision-makers view the world. We will also look at framing of policy problems and how this influences solutions that are considered.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 15
Tuesday 1:00pm to 2:15pm
Prue Brown (1:00pm to 2:15pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 15)

1:30pm
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 weeks 3, 5, 7, 9.
Venue: Adelaide St, Room 11
Tuesday 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Fortnightly
Peter O'Reilly (1:30pm to 3:00pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 11)
Fortnightly
J85 Italian - Intermediate
J85 Italian - Intermediate (class full)
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 14
Tuesday 1:30pm to 2:45pm
(full) Jocelyn Giordano (1:30pm to 2:45pm)  (Adelaide St, Room 14)
H18 Russian History Literature and Culture
H18 Russian History Literature and Culture
Tutor: David Truman
This is the Second Year of a three-year cycle covering the whole sweep of Russian history. Last year covered from earliest times up to the death of Catherine the Great (1796). This Year Two covers the whole 19th century and up to the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. We'll look at the birth of the intelligentsia, the Culture War between Westernizers and Slavophils, the birth and brilliance of Russian literature, painting, music and ballet; the growing gulf between the intelligentsia and the government; and the path to revolution. Term One will introduce Pushkin and Lermontov and Nicholas I "the Gendarme of Europe."
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
L75 Poetry
L75 Poetry
Tutor: Kev Warburton
The course will continue to study poetry from all eras, focussing on one selected poet each week. Also, part of each session will be used to share other poems, including those written by members of the class. Although the course is inactive in terms of face-to-face contact, like other U3A courses group members continue to meet online via Zoom.
Venue: Online via Zoom
Tuesday 9:00am to 10:15am
Kev Warburton (9:00am to 10:15am)
C02 PowerPoint Basics plus Advanced. Be creative and exercise your Brain
C02 PowerPoint Basics plus Advanced. Be creative and exercise your Brain
Tutor: John Canny
This class covers the PPT basics and well beyond. PowerPoint is not just a presentation tool, it can become an artistic hobby. There are so many "bells and whistles" 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 special text effects. Add excitement with animations and transitions. You are only limited by your imagination. A reasonable knowledge of computer and Windows basics is helpful. Each class consists of a number of PPT presentations and digital notes are provided.
Venue: Online via Zoom
Tuesday 9:00am to 10:30am
John Canny (9:00am to 10:30am)

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)

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? 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? 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: Teresa Lynch
In this class we read contemporary novels. We will be reading "La Desconocida" by Rosa Montero (ISBN: 978842047583, available in Kindle and paperback.) In class we take turns to read aloud and translate.
Venue: Online via Zoom
Tuesday 2:00pm to 3:15pm
Teresa Lynch (2:00pm to 3:15pm)

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 will be practising the principles of authentic Yang Style 85 Tai Chi as taught by Marcel.
Venue: Riverdale Park
Tuesday 9:30am to 10:30am
Cheryl Smith (9:30am to 10:30am)  (Riverdale Park)

10:00am
L66 Creative Writing
L66 Creative Writing
Tutor: Gwenda Vayro
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 the second week of term.
Venue: Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre
Tuesday 10:00am to 11:30am
Fortnightly class
Gwenda Vayro (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. Learners are welcome at times.
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
This course will resume from where we left off in Term 3, 2023. 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)