Neither comprehension nor learning can take place in an atmosphere of anxiety
                                                                           Frank Smith

On-line Form for proposals

How to Mount a Course

Akademos welcomes courses in all areas. We particularly welcome courses of the kind that universities are now neglecting: courses that cross disciplines and courses that emphasise principles rather than facts, learning rather than training. All members are urged to consider designing and presenting courses in their areas of interest. Here 'course' includes lectures, tutorials, performances, workshops, any structure aimed at sharing knowledge.

A course run under the aegis of Akademos is called an 'endorsed' course; the board must formally approve such a course. Even if the course is opposed to the aims and principles of Akademos, the board may still endorse the course with the condition that time is allocated to present the viewpoint of Akademos.

There are many ways to mount an Akademos course. The following is a rough guide based on our current experience.

1. Design the course. You may do this alone or (as we recommend) share with others with similar interests.
2. Consider the practicalities. Who will be interested in the course? What resources do you need? Members of Akademos may be able to assist in finding a venue.
3. Present the course to the board for approval. The board will want to know:
• the title and content,
• suggested dates and times,
• the nature of the assessment (if any),
• the resources and budget required,
• who are the potential participants,
• the maximum number that can be accomodated, and
• the minimum number for a viable course.
4. You should also consult the Akademos "Checklist of Required Policy".
5. Assuming that the board endorses the course, you will be covered for public liability by the cooperative's insurance.
6. Publicity is the trickiest task. We have found three avenues that seem to work.
7. First consider the natural interest groups. For example a course involving history could be advertised to the History Teachers Association. A course on solar energy should interest the Sustainable Living Foundation. You probably are aware of the groups relevant to your course. Secondly the members of Akademos have been strong supporters of our courses. Finally word of mouth has been effective. Tell everyone about the course. The most unlikely person may have a nephew who is fascinated by the subject.
8. Before approaching any of these groups you should have a supply of brochures to circulate. Akademos will assist the production of these. The course details should also be featured on the Akademos website. Contact the webmaster to arrange for assistance on this.

Possible Venues

• The Hawthorn Library Meeting Room 584 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
  This holds up to 40 persons and is available at reasonable rental which includes insurance cover.
• The Augustine Centre
  2 Minona St. Hawthorn
  The Alexander Room and the Borderlands Library are available for rasonable rental. Both hold ~20 people.
• Trotter's Restaurant
  400 Lygon St Carlton
  This will hold ~20 in the upstairs room. This is available for free on "slow" nights on the understanding that some will order food. Some noise from below.
• The Kingston Hotel
  55 Highett St Richmond
  Holds ~30 in a side room. This is available for free on Wednesday nights (in the "off season") on the understanding that some will order food/drinks. Some noise and smoke from the public bar.
• The Mathematical Association of Victoria
  61 Blyth St. Brunswick
  The meeting room, holding ~30, may be available for free for a course relevant to the association.
• The Bridge Hotel
  642 Bridge Rd. Richmond
  A very large room, holding ~100, may be available with the understanding that there will be some use of the adjoining bar.
• Northcote Town Hall Meeting Rooms
  189 High St. Northcote
  Has a variety of posh rooms, capacity from 30 to 140. Discounted rates are available for non-profit organizations. Phone 94819408.
• The Stork Hotel
  504 Elizabeth St. Melbourne
  This hotelhas a program of lectures, music and plays; they are willing to add other events to their list. Facilities are free of charge on the understanding that some business will flow to the hotel and, presumably, that the course is "suitable". There is a large room secluded from the noise of the pub and another room closer to the bar.
  Ring the publican Helen Madden on 0417 589987.

Equipment

Akademos has the following equipment donated by supporters:

• A large white board, ~2m by 1m.
• A whiteboard ruler and compasses.
• Two overhead projectors.