Courses
Humanities Courses
Explore ideas that shape culture, society, and how we understand the world.
Humanities courses at WEA Sydney bring together philosophy, politics, society, literature, science, and culture to explore the ideas that shape human experience. With a mix of short talks, discussion-based classes, and in-depth courses, this category encourages curiosity, reflection, and critical thinking across a wide range of topics.
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Philosophy of Power
Philosophy of Power
<p>This course will examine the concept of ‘power’ in many aspects of human life, from personal empowerment to the oppressive power of others to control us. The making and maintaining of political
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Philosophy of Power
<p>This course will examine the concept of ‘power’ in many aspects of human life, from personal empowerment to the oppressive power of others to control us. The making and maintaining of political
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Machiavelli: A Philosophical Introduction
Machiavelli: A Philosophical Introduction
<p>Machiavelli’s influence on political theory cannot be overstated, and his ideas are still radical and challenging to this day. Like all great philosophers, Machiavelli institutes a new way of
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The Middle East: Diversity, Fault Lines and Conflict
The Middle East: Diversity, Fault Lines and Conflict
<p>The Middle East is extraordinarily diverse, yet that diversity has often been poorly managed by states and power structures, contributing to recurring instability and conflict. This course explores
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Great Thinkers of the Scientific Revolution
Great Thinkers of the Scientific Revolution
<p>The Scientific Revolution reshaped human understanding of nature, knowledge and society. This course introduces the key thinkers behind this transformation. </p>
<p>We explore the ideas of figures
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Theory of Flight
Theory of Flight
<p>Ever marvelled at how a massive airliner gracefully lifts off, soars across continents, and touches down with pinpoint precision? Led by seasoned international airline captain and engaging aviation
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Philosophy Club: Revolutions of Mind and World
Philosophy Club: Revolutions of Mind and World
<p>This 10‑week Philosophy Club continues to explore the theme of revolutions across major cultural, political, technological, and environmental domains through a range of philosophical lenses. Each
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Rethinking Ageing: Healthy Ageing and the New Life Stage
Rethinking Ageing: Healthy Ageing and the New Life Stage
<p>The old idea of “retirement” is being challenged as people live longer, stay active for longer and rethink what later life can be. In an interactive talk we will look at what social and mental
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Modern China: From Declining Empire to Global Power
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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The Sub-Antarctic Islands: Nature, History and Conservation
The Sub-Antarctic Islands: Nature, History and Conservation
<p>Venture into one of the most remote regions on Earth: the sub-Antarctic islands. This course explores their history, biodiversity and ongoing conservation efforts. From early exploration and the
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"I thought I saw a pussycat!" - The Golden Age of Looney Tunes 1948–1960
"I thought I saw a pussycat!" - The Golden Age of Looney Tunes 1948–1960
<p>Step into the zany world of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and the genius animators behind the Golden Age of Looney Tunes (1948–1960). This one-night illustrated talk blends sharp historical insight with
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