Issues Facing Our World
In times of uncertainty, knowledge can help us understand what’s going on around us. City Lit’s range of History, Politics and Science courses explore a number of contemporary issues facing the world right now. A few of the questions we’re currently asking are:
- Can history help us navigate modern issues and crises?
- Could former US President Donald Trump make a comeback?
- How can we safeguard democracies around the world including our own?
- What are the origins of the ongoing middle eastern crises?
- Why do politicians need trust, and how do they get it?
- How do we deal with the histories of empire?
- Are there other ways of organising our economy?
- What is the impact of climate change on our lives?
Taught by experts in their field, our courses give you the opportunity to explore current affairs, historical issues, and global challenges. Join us as we discuss, debate, and dissect the answers.
- Understanding the Israel-Palestine conflictCourse start date: Tue 10 Oct 2023
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Nomaan HanifTrace the historical roots of this conflict and study the peace process of the 1990s: Madrid talks, Oslo agreement, Camp David talks and the recent Middle Eastern road map, as well as the latest developments on this stimulating interactive lecture course. Tutor: Noman Hanif.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information. - Before the election: the essentials of British politicsCourse start date: Mon 16 Oct 2023
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Tasha Ashman-BanksThis essential online course will give you the foundations of the political system in the United Kingdom, whilst also enabling you to use your newly acquired knowledge to discuss and debate current affairs matters in real time. Think of it as an educational version of Have I Got News For You, you’ll be learning and laughing.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £95.00 Concession £77.00 - Politics and trustCourse start date: Mon 16 Oct 2023
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Francesca GranelliTrust is regarded as a good thing – but, at the same time, seems to be in short supply. What is the true situation in Britain in the light of George Floyd, Covid, Brexit and several cabinet changes in a very short period of time?
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £89.00 Senior fee £89.00 Concession £58.00 - War and peaceCourse start date: Thu 19 Oct 2023
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Francesca GranelliThe course is an exploration of war and peace, examining the ideas that underpin our understanding and approach to these notions. It seeks to understand these issues to explore contemporary conflict around the world.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £89.00 Senior fee £89.00 Concession £58.00 - This is not fake newsCourse start date: Tue 24 Oct 2023
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Tasha Ashman-BanksWant to connect to the news stories you didn’t realise you didn’t know as well as covering elements of the stories you may have not yet heard? Join Natasha to explore different headlines and news stories!
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £64.00 - Brexit: causes and impactsCourse start date: Tue 31 Oct 2023
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Angelos SeposBrexit was an unprecedented event in the history of the EU. Why did it happen and what has been its impact on Britain and Europe?
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £64.00 - From the Arab Spring to the Arab Winter: Causes, Legacies and ProspectsCourse start date: Wed 1 Nov 2023
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Angelos SeposThe 2011 Arab Spring was an unprecedented event in the history of the Arab World with much promise for the people of the region. Why has it become an Arab Winter?
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £64.00 - Introduction to Islam: historical emergence, current issues
Course start date: Sat 25 Nov 2023Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Farid PanjwaniThe course is about exploring Muslim history: What is Islam? Who is a Muslim? This course explores these questions through a study of the Quran, the Prophet and the socio-political and religious developments in the early history of Muslims. You may discover that there is more than meets the eye.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information. - Money – myths, magic, morals and markets Course start date: Mon 8 Jan 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Christian MichelMoney is the most powerful energy in the world. Without understanding its nature, its function, where it comes from, and how to control it, it will badly burn us.Full fee £189.00 Senior fee £189.00 Concession £123.00 - Understanding the modern worldCourse start date: Tue 9 Jan 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Christopher HornerExplore the ideas of four key thinkers whose ideas have vitally shaped our world. Examine their views on morality, meaning, the role and status of women, human nature, political and economic injustice and much more. - More current affairs
Course start date: Wed 10 Jan 2024 (and 1 other date)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Michael BloomfieldContinue your exploration of current affairs through lively, informed discussion. Run as a tutor-moderated discussion group of current news events. This course follows on from 'Current affairs' but new students are welcome. Tutor: Michael Bloomfield.Full fee £199.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £129.00 - Cold Wars, old and newCourse start date: Tue 30 Jan 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Francesca GranelliIn this course we will explore more than just the Cold War between the USA and USSR. We will explore the meaning of Cold Wars, where they were (and are) fought, how and by who.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £89.00 Senior fee £89.00 Concession £58.00 - Contemporary Middle-Eastern politicsCourse start date: Tue 30 Jan 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Nomaan HanifThe Middle East remains the global hotbed of conflict and instability where religion still plays a dominant role in the life and politics of society. This course will aim through a combination of teaching and participant discussion to not only provide a historical perspective but to connect, evaluate and understand contemporary politics and events in the region. Tutor: Noman Hanif.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information. - The future of democracyCourse start date: Mon 15 Apr 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Christian SchneeWant to think about and discuss what makes and breaks a democracy? Join Dr. Christian Schnee to engage in this vital discussion.Full fee £99.00 - Why do we obey? The politics of obedienceCourse start date: Tue 16 Apr 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Christian MichelWe groan against bosses, berate politicians, demonstrate against most aspects of the social system, and then humbly take our orders from above. Is obedience imprinted in our genes? How submissive must people be for society to function? In this short course we will discuss the politics of obedience – drawing on psychology, anthropology, history, and political philosophy.
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