Politics, Culture and Society Courses
Understand the forces shaping politics, culture, and society today.
Explore political systems, cultural change, and social structures that influence everyday life and global events. Build a deeper understanding of how societies function and evolve across time and place.
Making Sense of the 2026 US Elections
Available Classes
Making Sense of the 2026 US Elections
<p>The American electoral system is unlike any other, and its midterm elections often have major consequences. This course explains how the 2026 elections work, who is contesting power, and why the
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Understanding Democracy and the Rise of Authoritarianism
Available Classes
Understanding Democracy and the Rise of Authoritarianism
<p>Democracy promises representation, accountability and the rule of law, yet many people now feel those promises are fraying. This course takes a critical look at democracy from its Greek origins to
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Arabic Society and Culture
Available Classes
Arabic Society and Culture
<p>Explore the richness of Arab society and culture - from family life, food and hospitality to language, dress, music and dance. Discover traditions shaped both before and after Islam, and the
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Philosophy Club: The Flourishing Life - Perspectives on Eudaimonia
Available Classes
Philosophy Club: The Flourishing Life - Perspectives on Eudaimonia
<p>This 10‑week Philosophy Club explores the concept of a <em>Flourishing Life.</em> Few philosophical questions have proved as enduring—or as relevant—as this: <em>What does it mean to live a
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Modern Zionism: History, Conflict and Contemporary Debates
Available Classes
Modern Zionism: History, Conflict and Contemporary Debates
<p>Modern Zionism has played a major role in shaping the modern Middle East and continues to influence global politics, diplomacy and international debate. This course traces the origins of Zionism in
...Modern Zionism: History, Conflict and Contemporary Debates
<p>Modern Zionism has played a major role in shaping the modern Middle East and continues to influence global politics, diplomacy and international debate. This course traces the origins of Zionism in
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Modern China: From Declining Empire to Global Power
Available Classes
Modern China: From Declining Empire to Global Power
<p>This course surveys China’s transformation from late Qing reforms at the turn of the 20th century to its rise as a global power at the beginning of the 21st. It examines historical shifts,
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George Shipp Memorial Lecture 2026
Available Classes
George Shipp Memorial Lecture 2026
<h4 id="header-kindness-a-species-survival-skill">Kindness: A Species Survival Skill</h4>
<p>Drawing on the work of archaeologists, neuroscientists and psychologists, Hugh Mackay will explore what it
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Learn to Debate: Join the WEA Debate Club
Available Classes
Learn to Debate: Join the WEA Debate Club
<p>Debating is both an intellectual challenge and great fun. This practical and interactive course introduces the principles and techniques of formal debate, including constructing arguments,
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Cinema of the 1970s: A Decade in Four Nights
Available Classes
Cinema of the 1970s: A Decade in Four Nights
<p>The 1970s was one of cinema's most turbulent and transformative decades - a period when Hollywood tore up its own rulebook and reinvented what movies could be. Across four evenings, this series
...Cinema of the 1970s: A Decade in Four Nights
<p>The 1970s was one of cinema's most turbulent and transformative decades - a period when Hollywood tore up its own rulebook and reinvented what movies could be. Across four evenings, this series
...Cinema of the 1970s: A Decade in Four Nights
<p>The 1970s was one of cinema's most turbulent and transformative decades - a period when Hollywood tore up its own rulebook and reinvented what movies could be. Across four evenings, this series
...Cinema of the 1970s: A Decade in Four Nights
<p>The 1970s was one of cinema's most turbulent and transformative decades - a period when Hollywood tore up its own rulebook and reinvented what movies could be. Across four evenings, this series
...
Halloween: History, Myth and Modern Culture
Available Classes
Halloween: History, Myth and Modern Culture
<p>Halloween is far more than costumes and trick-or-treating. Its origins stretch back to ancient seasonal rituals, religious observances and centuries of folklore and superstition. This course traces
...Halloween: History, Myth and Modern Culture
<p>Halloween is far more than costumes and trick-or-treating. Its origins stretch back to ancient seasonal rituals, religious observances and centuries of folklore and superstition. This course traces
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