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The University of the Third Age

U3A Okeover

Programme for Term 1, 2024

Term Completed

A Out of Africa and DNA: Human migration and global connections

Dates: Thursdays 29 February, 7, 14, 21, 28 March

B Miscellany

Dates: Thursdays 4, 11, 18 April, 2, 9 May

Scroll down for full details of each course.

Times: 10.30 a.m. - 11.30 a.m.

Enrolments for this term closed on Thursday 09 May 2024.

Officers:

Chairman:Howard Harvey021 1363043
Treasurer:Colin Freeman027 2369476
Please hand your enrolment form to the treasurer at the desk if he is available.


Course A

Out of Africa and DNA: Human migration and global connections

Course organiser:Barrie and Caroline Greenwood

Presenter:Frieda Looser

We are living in exciting times when new discoveries through science are expanding our
knowledge from the vast expanses of the universe to the minutest cells that are the building
blocks of all life. Theories are proposed to answer fundamental questions of human existence,
and knowledge is a ‘work in progress’. Paleoanthropology is the scientific study of human
evolution. In recent decades, huge strides have been made in knowledge of our early human
ancestors and how they came to populate planet Earth. In the 21 st century, the theory of the
emergence of homo sapiens ‘Out of Africa’ is widely accepted, and supported by the global
study of genetics and DNA. This lecture series will borrow from scientific knowledge to
offer an historical perspective of our global relationships.
Frieda Looser has an MA (Hons) in History and is the author of Fendall’s Legacy, a history
of Fendalton and Northwest Christchurch. She was a Senior Tutor in the History Department
at the University of Canterbury, tutoring and lecturing in a number of courses, and currently
teaches in the UC Academic Skills Centre. Frieda was a contributor to the University’s
Community Education programme from 1998 to 2012, offering a wide range of courses
exploring European, as well as New Zealand and local Canterbury history. When the
University disestablished Continuing Education, Frieda founded her own business in 2013
and teaches history courses, leads overseas study tours, and offers talks to U3A, Probus and
other community groups.

29 Feb:
In the beginning… the world, creation myths, and Africa



7 Mar:
Homo sapiens, early migration, and DNA



14 Mar:
Australia, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific



21 Mar:
Indo-European studies



28 Mar:
Implications and beyond the horizon




Course B

Miscellany

Course organiser:Howard Harvey

Presenter:Various

4 Apr:
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).

A Fire Safety Presentation Team will present information about home fire safety, Community Team roles, smoke alarms, escape plans, kitchen safety, electrical issues -especially heaters, winter and summer fire safety. If time permits, operational systems at call outs and systems of training.


11 Apr:
Dr. Brad Hurren. Future Learning and Development Team, UC on 'University in the Digital Age.'

Dr. Hurren will focus on the changes and challenges in learning processes and assessments. He will look into the profound impact of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) on the tertiary sector-speaking to the many ways in which this cutting-edge technology is reshaping approaches to education, with both positive and negative perceptions. He will also explore the exciting possibilities and overall implications of this technology with interactive examples.


18 Apr:
Dr. Colin Meurk Research Associate involved with Landscape Policy and Governance, on 'Our Wetlands.'

Colin will talk about The National Picture. with examples of the role of wetlands in the preservation of our flora and fauna, followed by the reasons behind their overall decline in the area.
Then he'll focus on the Local Scene, Including the conflict over whether local wetlands should be drained for farming or used for housing such as a Travis Country Estate.
He'll also discuss which groups have been involved in preserving and restoring bio-diversity and enhancing water and land such as the Travis Wetlands Nature Heritage Trust. We'll learn about the plans the Trust has for the future and be given guidance for our visit to the Travis Wetlands, including maps of the circuit and what we should see.


2 May:
Judith Coullie on 'The Ethics of Memory - When is remembering or forgetting right or wrong?'

Memory is fundamental to the identity of both the collective and the individual. In this lecture, I consider socially sanctioned and individual memory practices and how we decide what should be remembered and what should be forgotten. To illustrate, I focus on specific memory practices which I have researched (and published on):the use of “memory work” for orphaned children in South Africa; and the confrontation of painful memories in South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the endeavour to heal and build a nation in the aftermath of apartheid.


9 May:
Ross Gumbley on 'The Court Theatre Development.'

Ross has had a long association with the Court Theatre. He will return to give us an update on the new theatre and precinct.