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?
- How can we safeguard democracies around the world including our own?
- 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.
- Contemporary Middle-Eastern politicsCourse start date: Mon 19 Jan 2026
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 provide some historical perspective and connect, evaluate and understand contemporary geopolitics, diplomacy and events in the region.Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £162.00 - AI, Power and Politics: Who Controls the Future?Course start date: Wed 28 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Vina TheodorakopoulouWho controls the future of AI? Explore the politics, power and global inequalities behind artificial intelligence and debate what’s at stake for democracy, human rights and society in a rapidly changing world.
Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £84.00 - Digital Archaeology: AI and the Preservation of the PastCourse start date: Wed 4 Mar 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Vina TheodorakopoulouExplore how AI and digital tools are reshaping archaeology and heritage. Reflect on the ethics, power and promise of preserving the past in a data-driven world. Discuss why heritage still matters.
Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £84.00 - Neurodiversity and the Future of Work: A Policy PerspectiveCourse start date: Sun 22 Mar 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Vina TheodorakopoulouExplore how inclusive policy and leadership can transform the future of work for neurodivergent individuals. Discover practical strategies and real-world case studies for building workplaces where cognitive diversity is valued and supported.
Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £38.00 - Modern Slavery in ContextCourse start date: Wed 15 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Anita PunwaniThis course explores slavery in an historic and modern context as well as international efforts to eradicate this unethical practice in the Global South as well as the Global North.
Anita holds a MSc from University College London in Global Governance & Ethics, School of Public Policy, also in Construction Economics & Management, Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction. She studied civil engineering and management at Imperial College, as well as art, art history, politics and philosophy at City Lit. Her 30 years’ experience in education, training and senior advisory roles spans the public, private and not-for-profit sectors including an international children’s charity and across UK Government. Anita is involved in developing international standards in sustainable development and presented ‘Global Governance at Risk’ at the 2025 United Nations Association UK Conference. She was interviewed by the BBC and CNBC in relation to handling the risks posed by the Covid-19 global crisis. Her artwork was selected for a World Bank exhibition on climate change. Anita’s approach to teaching is to facilitate sessions in an inclusive and collaborative manner.
Full fee £139.00 Senior fee £139.00 Concession £90.00 - Understanding the Israel-Palestine conflictCourse start date: Mon 20 Apr 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Nomaan HanifThis course will enable you to better understand the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £162.00
Can't see a course you want?
Add this category to your waiting list to set up alerts and we will update you when new courses are released online.
Add me to waiting list