Discussion Groups in Detail

DIS 01: Africa Forum

Convenor: Ricky Selwyn
Day and time: Friday 3.15 - 4.30
Venue: Room 1, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Autumn, spring.
Number of places: 20
This is for people with experience of, or general interest in, the African continent. Each week, someone in the group or an outside speaker gives a talk which can lead to discussion and questions. Topics in the past have ranged from 'Chinese in Africa' 'Conservation in Mikumi National Park' and 'Modern African Literature' to 'Elections in African countries' and 'African Food Plants'.

top of the page

DIS 02: Current Affairs

Organiser: Chris Holt
Day and time: Friday 2.00 - 3.00
Venue: Room 4, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Autumn, spring, summer.
Number of places: 15
Most of us listen to the news on radio and television and many read a newspaper so that we build up a picture of current affairs at a local, national and international level. We hope to have a discussion on current affairs, in a humorous way when appropriate, where all members of the group contribute their perception of events. In this way we all gain from the insights and knowledge of other members. We see it as a forum where there is no one 'expert' but rather an opportunity to spend a pleasant hour gaining a wider perspective on world events.

top of the page

DIS 03: Current Affairs Discussion Group

Organiser: Bill Kirkman
Day and time: Tuesday 2.00 - 3.00
Venue: Room 2, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Autumn, spring.
Number of places: 15
Each week members choose topics from the news - national, international and local - and discuss them. All members are encouraged to take part and contribute ideas and opinions. The idea is that we all gain from the insights and knowledge of each other.

top of the page

DIS 04: Medical Ethics and Law 2010-2011

Discussion Leader: John Hyde
Day and time: Friday 11.30 - 12.30
Venue: Room 1, 27-28 Bridge Street
Terms: Autumn, spring.
Number of places: 25
The sessions are intentionally billed as discussion groups and it is hoped that everyone will participate. No prior knowledge of either medicine, law or ethics is required. The course is intended to stimulate and entertain and is for enjoyment rather than to act as a source of detailed academic knowledge.
Both real and fictitious cases will be considered in order to demonstrate the application of applied medical ethics and how the law deals with the resulting problems.
Obvious areas relate to the doctor-patient relationship, consent, confidentiality and negligence, but other areas like body ownership, euthanasia, drug addiction, mental health issues, and rights of the unborn baby will also be considered.
Members of the group may have cases or scenarios that they would like to offer for discussion.

top of the page