The haiku form was developed by Basho in seventeenth-century Japan and has spread round the world. Haiku writing is a way to deepen perception of the nature around us. It is meditative and refreshes our capacity for expression, especially of the season. This course combines haiku writing and walking (a ginko) in the historic precinct of the Botanic Gardens. We'll stop mid-morning for refreshments at the kiosk. Both beginners and experienced writers will benefit. Please bring walking shoes, cap or hat; backpack with water and snacks; clothing as befits the weather and a small notebook & pen. Meet at Wharf 1, Circular Quay Station 10 minutes before the tour starts so it can commence on time.

This walk will go ahead whatever the weather, except where the guide deems there to be a threat to health and safety. In this situation you will be contacted with an alternative date. Please ensure your mobile phone number is up-to-date with WEA before enrolling and ensure that you have it with you on the day in case the tutor needs to contact you.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

SUGGESTED READING

• The Haiku Foundation, The Haiku Foundation Digital Library

COURSE OUTLINE

• Brief history of the "haiku"
• The essentials of English language haiku
• Write haiku and evaluate
• A brief group reading aloud of the best work

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Know what a modern haiku is
2. Write a haiku in response to nature