Personal Communication, Politics, and a Touch of Criminology

Brian Kearney earned a master's degree in law from UNSW. He has been a criminologist with the UWS, a political speech writer, and an adviser to cabinet ministers. He is ideally suited to teach his three subjects. In his retirement he keeps his mind active through his involvement with U3A and his body through regular rounds of golf.

Criminology is a popular course although Brian said it is necessarily simplified. It covers the history of criminology, crime and mental disorders, the causes of crime, criminal law, and sentencing. He also covers the philosophy of punishment, rehabilitation efforts, and some crime prevention techniques.

Brian said that Some Elements of Communication, given fortnightly at Penrith, is both popular and useful. It is aimed at improving students' communication abilities leading to better self-expression and extended social contracts. He covers topics such as better conversation techniques, speech making, and how to present an argument. It also covers topics like assertiveness and how to deal with angry people.

Politics in our Lives deals, as you would expect, with the great political systems and how they impact on us—but it also deals with the day-to-day politics of normal living. The course includes such areas as politics in the family, in the workplace, in sport and has a lot of practical application in our daily lives.

If you have any questions about any of Brian's courses you can get his phone number from U3A's Penrith office by CLICKING HERE.