Short Courses

This is the second in a trilogy of courses on the History of Western art which aims to provide a brief but essential survey of modern Western art from the early twentieth century to the 1960s. This course will survey the major art movements and artists of the twentieth century as well as the emergence of abstract art. It will discuss how the arts and artists responded to the social, political and cultural milieu of the times such as capitalism, urbanisation, technology and wars. Artists covered include Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Henry Moore, Salvador Dali, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol.

This course acquaints learners with the artistic language and conventions employed by Italian Renaissance artists, especially in the realm of painting. Learners will discover the context and knowledge required to understand the time-specific allegories, visual puns, signs and symbols of an Italian Renaissance painting, enhancing their intellectual and visual experience of the art. Rather than taking a chronological approach, this course will focus on specific themes and genres to discuss and illustrate the “secret” language used by Renaissance artists such as Botticelli, Fra Angelico, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo and Titian. There will also be a session where claims in …

The course will trace the history and development of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism and the artists within these movements. It will discuss how the innovations of both the Impressionists and the Post-Impressionists ushered in the beginnings of modern art. The course will take a thematic approach in understanding the changes which took place that created an artistic revolution. Themes that will be covered include the impact of science and technology on art, particularly in the development of photography art patronage, styles and techniques, and Japonisme (influence of Japanese art). Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Pierre Renoir, Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cezanne …

Learn to be more aware of your body in space and how to move with different dynamics in classes that focus on bodily release, organic movement and the connection between your centre and extremities. Classes progress weekly, and will provide you with approaches and techniques that build your core strength, posture, flexibility and musicality. Each session includes time on the floor (to focus on alignment and strength), movement (through travelling steps and jumps) and balance (curving with your body and shifting your weight). You will also tackle handstands and go upside-down. Every class ends with a short choreographed piece. For …

This business course examines a mix of consumer and business-to-business case studies to help boost one’s public speaking and business networking skills. Based on proven practical global business experience across a diverse spectrum of settings and personality types, it teaches an arsenal of actionable tips and techniques students can use immediately. Many professions and industries require people at all levels to interact verbally and in person with strangers in order to generate business results. Whether a student or senior corporate leader, most people experience some degree of awkwardness and even fear, even with a strong command of language and a …

This foundational course explores the historical evolution and cultural significance of Chinese calligraphy, tracing its origins from ancient China to its modern influence on artistic expression. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how this revered art form developed through different dynasties, studying iconic calligraphers such as Wang Xizhi and Zhang Xu and their contributions to various script styles. Hands-on sessions will introduce the Four Treasures of the Study—brush, ink, inkstone and rice paper—allowing students to practice fundamental brush techniques and master different script styles, including Seal Script (篆书), Clerical Script (隶书), Regular Script (楷书), Running Script (行 书) and …

Why do products look so good in photographs? Learn the techniques and technicalities of studio product photography, from lighting to product placement and composition. Understand the fundamental principles and challenges of product photography and how to use a full range of studio equipment, while exploring how different products respond to different types of light.  

Use clay to form objects that are both functional and non-functional. Techniques covered in Level I include pinching, coiling and slab construction. Levels II and III focus on wheel-throwing techniques. The prerequisite for Level II and above courses is the completion of the previous level or prior experience. Applicants who wish to join Level II and above and have prior experience in ceramics are required to submit artworks for the trainer’s review. Applicants with no prior experience are encouraged to start from Level I. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

Ballet for Adults I (Beginners) Go beyond the mere execution of steps and discover the understanding of ballet, its history and development of certain movements and traditions. Learn the basic principles of ballet, with an emphasis on safety and understanding of alignment and the biomechanics involved in executing particular ballet movements. Ballet for Adults II (Intermediate) This course builds upon the Ballet for Adults I (Beginners) course. A wider vocabulary of barre work, and centre work will be introduced. Participants are expected to have some level of understanding of safe turnout and foot control. The emphasis on safety and understanding …

From basic sewing techniques to accurate pattern making and construction skills, this course will show you how to make a top, skirt, pants, dress and women’s jacket from start to finish. Learn to draft and adapt your patterns to create different styles of high quality tops, skirts, pants, dresses and jackets that look professional. Note: Unit 1 is a compulsory complimentary unit that you are required to attend when signing up for Pattern Making & Sewing: Techniques of Top, Skirt, Pants, Dress and Jacket. Applicants with no prior experience in sewing and pattern making are encouraged to start from units …