Welcome to the Centre for Extra-Mural Studies. Our extra-mural education programme is about educational and intellectual activities that enrich the mind. The aim is to stimulate the mind in areas which traditionally is left out of adult formal education. UCT’s Summer School is precisely such a programme. It contributes to the development of an informed citizenry and a culture of democracy. Summer School is a festival of knowledge and ideas where members of the general public experience what it means to be a student of the Universe in the broad sense of the word. In this way our work contributes directly to the university’s obligations to society, one of which is to stimulate critical debate and discussion.
But we also offer, for those who need a more skills or vocationally based course, practical courses in art, language and writing. For more information visit our short course page. Some of us are also challenged by a fast-changing digital world. We also host regular talks on new developments in technology such as Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and coding.
Upcoming EMS Courses, lectures and webinars
Upcoming Courses
Write a family story that people will want to read
Sally Cranswick
Dates: 30 July–27 August (Tuesdays)
Time: 18:00–20:00
Platform: Zoom
Course fee: R2 000; Staff and students R1 000
Maximum: 20 participants
Booking is via Webtickets: Write a family story that people will want to read - Sally Cranswick (webtickets.co.za)
As I embark on my PhD to write a family story, let’s have some fun together by exploring why we write family stories, who benefits from them, and how we can make them engaging enough for people to want to read.
This five-week course will focus on these main questions, together with examples of wonderfully written family stories. We will look at how to structure the family story that you want to tell, how to create a memorable cast of characters, and we will look at creative ways to use research to fill in the missing gaps.
We will do lots of writing and creative exercises and there will be plenty of opportunity to share your work and to get feedback from me throughout the workshop series. As always, our aim is to come together as a creative community and have fun whilst working towards our highest writing goals.
Sessions
Week 1 Why write your family story and what is it really about?
Week 2 Create a memorable cast of characters
Week 3 Find the best structure for your story
Week 4 Fun research topics that will help to authenticate the ‘truth gaps’
Week 5 How to keep yourself motivated and what to do with your finished story
Recommended reading
Durrell, Gerald. My Family and Other Animals
Fuller, Alexandra. Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight
Sedaris, David. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim
Bio: Sally Cranswick is a writer, story coach and workshop facilitator with a special interest in memoir and life writing. She is a creative writing lecturer at the University of Cape Town’s Department for Extra-Mural Studies and has written many stories, features and columns for magazines and newspapers. Her collection of short stories, Women out of Water (Modjaji Books), was shortlisted for the SALA Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award in 2022 and her novel, Of All Things We Need Hope, is due for release in 2024. She is currently studying for her PhD in Creative Writing through University of the Western Cape, has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Cape Town and a BA in Creative & Media Writing from Middlesex University, London. Before settling in Cape Town, Sally was a singer and lived in many countries around the world.
Highlights from the 2024 Summer School
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Robert and Clara Schumann: Very Private Lives
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100 years of radio: Indelible lessons from the airwaves
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‘The secret communications network that helped end apartheid’
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‘Humanity is at a crossroads’
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Bringing the looters to justice: the case for an international anti-corruption court
Cederberg excursion 15- 17 September 2023 (375834)
The Centre for Extra-Mural Studies organised a unique weekend excursion with Emeritus Professor John Parkington to the Cederberg for an immersive experience looking at rock art in situ which allowed participants a unique insight into the lives of the San by tracing their footsteps and analysing their art and artefacts. The excursion took place during 15 -17 September. Here are some images
Upcoming Study Tours
EMS Recent News
Recent public lectures
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AI, chatbots and ChatGPT: Threat to knowledge work, or a ‘dancing bear’?
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‘A growing swamp’ – Dysfunction and corruption threaten SA’s universities
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