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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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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Writing for All-Comers: A Practical Workshop (Including AI Tools)
Writing for All-Comers: A Practical Workshop (Including AI Tools)
<p>Writing is a practical skill that anyone can develop. Whether you want to write clearer emails, begin a memoir, explore creative writing or simply enjoy expressing yourself, this supportive
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George Shipp Memorial Lecture 2026
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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Philosophy as Intellectual Drama: A Battleground of Ideas
Philosophy as Intellectual Drama: A Battleground of Ideas
<p>Philosophy has always been an active conversation rather than a collection of isolated ideas. This course explores how influential philosophers responded to one another across the centuries,
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Have Elections Reached Their Use-By Date?
Have Elections Reached Their Use-By Date?
<p>Around the world, democratic elections are facing new pressures, from misinformation and artificial intelligence to foreign interference, political polarisation and declining public trust. This
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Agatha Christie, Queen of Crime: The Story Behind the Legend
Agatha Christie, Queen of Crime: The Story Behind the Legend
<p>Go beyond the bestseller reputation to discover Agatha Christie as a writer, traveller and fascinating public figure. This course explores her life, loves, challenges and working methods, offering
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Writing Your Legacy Memoir
Writing Your Legacy Memoir
<p>Every life contains stories that deserve to be remembered. This practical and encouraging workshop helps participants take the first steps towards writing a legacy memoir for family, friends and
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First Victory: HMAS Sydney vs SMS Emden, 1914
First Victory: HMAS Sydney vs SMS Emden, 1914
<p>In November 1914, HMAS Sydney achieved Australia's first naval victory of the First World War by defeating the renowned German raider SMS Emden. This course tells the compelling story of two
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Theory of Jet Flight
Theory of Jet 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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Learn to Debate: Join the WEA Debate Club
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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