1)     Left, Right or Centre: A brief Introduction to Political Ideologies

The origin of ideologies and the types and characteristics of political ideologies from conservatism to liberalism, socialism, communism, fascism and democracy.

2)     Autobiography and Journaling (keeping a diary)

Topics include: how to get the greatest benefit from the course; why use a journaling basis; types of autobiography and first prompts; stimulating your creativity; techniques for capturing memories; dealing with the dark side of life; considerations regarding other people’s privacy; journaling as a healing tool and the bright light of meaning; writing using all the senses to make your descriptions come alive; organising your work; writing simply and publishing and research resources online.

3)     The History of Mystery

Why do mysteries fascinate us? Why has Sherlock Holmes continued to captivate readers generation after generation, while other fictional detectives of the Victorian period have been forgotten? Over the decades, the detective story metamorphosed into the more general crime novel. This has always been a genre that has attracted as many, if not more,  women writers as men. There is a challenge to work out the culprit in a witty short story.

4)     Train your Brain

Every human being thinks – it’s part of what makes us human – but do you think critically?  Your brain needs exercising just as your body does and, in fact, the two are inter-twined. Physical exercise will improve your brain, as will specific mental exercises.

Our abilities are not always reflected by a simple IQ test and that people have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to learning. Some of us are language oriented while others are numerically oriented. Some have better interpersonal skills while others have good spatial awareness. Knowing these strengths and weaknesses can help us to learn better.

5)     Antarctica

The last great wilderness, the Antarctic land mass, covers almost one tenth of Earth’s surface and is the world’s coldest, driest and windiest continent. Topics covered include climate, landforms, flora and fauna, exploration history,  resources and management.

6)     Food for thought-the history of food cultures and their impact on the world throughout the ages

The Romans brought new food practices to Great Britain. The foods of Spain and Portugal provide a background to the cuisines of China and Japan, India, South East Asia and the Middle East and reveal widely different attitudes to food. The effects of globalisation of food are being felt in many ways but are they new? What were the origins of some foods and beverages that have now been adopted internationally, such as chocolate, rice, beer? Where is food globalisation leading us, particularly in Australia?

7)     Resources for the Future – Renewable and Non-Polluting

This course describes non-renewable resources, then covers renewable energy resources such as hydro, wind, solar, thermal, tidal and even biological energy sources. It then discusses applications for the transport industry.

8)     Saving the Soil

Definition of soil. How soil is formed from the breakdown of rocks and minerals. The movement of the Earth’s surface by water, wind and ice. The main types of soil degradation are discussed: soil erosion, structural change, pollution, desertification and salinisation. Some land management systems are examined: soil fertility management, conservation farming, agroforestry, and precision agriculture. Some regional and global strategies for land rehabilitation are discussed.

9)     Australian Flora