01 Feb 2025

In this interactive lecture, participants will explore the historical background, key influences and contemporary impact of popular culture from various Asian countries. Through discussions, multimedia presentations and case studies, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how these cultural products reflect and shape societies, identities and global connections. From the intricate art of Japanese comics and Korean dramas to the colourful world of Chinese reality television and livestreaming, this course will take participants on a fascinating journey through the Asian cultural phenomena that have captured global attention.

By the end of the nineteenth century the British Empire stretched around the world. Then a shift occurred in the perception of colonisation. This lecture-performance examines changing attitudes in the British Empire, reflected in literature by authors from various parts of the empire: India, Trinidad, the Caribbean, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Botswana and South Africa which all challenged colonial narratives in their writings. The historical events are presented in lecture form. The literary excerpts are performed.

This lecture focuses on the pleasures and pitfalls of adapting theatrical and literary works for radio; the advantages of radio drama over theatre – and its limitations. Does dramatising a short story or a novel involve inevitable compromise? The lecturer will support his theories with examples of his own work and other radio playwrights such as Michael McCabe and Jack Mullen. He will also point participants towards opportunities for writing for radio, which is in many ways the most exciting medium to write for – you are limited only by your imagination.

These two-hour excursions on UCT campus will explore the local moss diversity across a range of habitats and substrates. Participants will be introduced to the rudiments of moss identification and will learn the names of some of the more common local species. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat and water.

The first part of this double lecture will focus on the theory and principles of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, including an introduction to the history and development of Chinese medicine and acupuncture. It will also discuss the prevention of disease, differential diagnosis and understanding the theories of pathology – all from a Chinese medicine perspective. The second part of the lecture will focus on practical methods and skills: methods of diagnosis, acupuncture, cupping and medical massage.