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.
- International Monetary Fund (IMF): friend or foe?
Course start date: Sat 30 May 2026Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Tariq HassanAfter more than 75 years since the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the world’s lender of last resort, made its first loan, the effects of its policies in general and lending practices in particular remain contested.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £45.00 - Modern France: from de Gaulle and the Resistance to Macron Course start date: Tue 2 Jun 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Sebastien ArdouinRe)discover France's complex politics during the Fourth and Fifth Republics, and the social challenges and tensions the country faced both at times of growth and modernisation and of crisis and doubts.
Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £116.00 - History of ideas: abolition democracy - from the Black Panthers to Black Lives MatterCourse start date: Thu 4 Jun 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Denis BosseauParticularly since the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement and resonating calls to abolish the police, the prison industrial complex or even fossil fuels, we have seen an unprecedented increase in the language of abolition in public discourse in recent years. But what is it that abolitionists really want? How are we to understand abolitionism as a political project and an emancipatory practice?
Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £97.00 - Creating a sustainable tomorrowCourse start date: Sun 14 Jun 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Vina TheodorakopoulouAn exploration of ethical considerations intertwined with the journey towards a sustainable future. This course offers a dynamic and revealing learning experience, inviting participants to delve into a purposeful debate of ethics and sustainability in the modern world.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £38.00 - Green economists: ideas you need to know Course start date: Sun 28 Jun 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Vina TheodorakopoulouExplore the ideas that challenge conventional economics. Discover how green economists rethink growth, value and wellbeing and why their insights matter for climate, policy and the future of our economy.
Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00
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