Courses
Politics, Culture and Society Courses
Understand the forces shaping politics, culture, and society today.
Explore political systems, cultural change, and social structures that influence everyday life and global events. Build a deeper understanding of how societies function and evolve across time and place.
Iran from Ancient Times to Modern Theocracy
Iran from Ancient Times to Modern Theocracy
<p>Discover the long and complex story of Iran, from its ancient Persian origins to its modern geopolitical role. This course explores the key transformations that shaped the nation’s identity. We
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Iran from Ancient Times to Modern Theocracy
<p>Discover the long and complex story of Iran, from its ancient Persian origins to its modern geopolitical role. This course explores the key transformations that shaped the nation’s identity. We
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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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Let's hear it for Old Nick (on Machiavelli)
Let's hear it for Old Nick (on Machiavelli)
<p>The word “Machiavellian” has come to imply all sorts of sinister, deceptive and cunning behaviour, whether it be in politics, diplomacy, marketing and management. Is this fair? Niccolo Machiavelli
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Agnotology: How Ignorance Spreads (And How to Resist It)
Agnotology: How Ignorance Spreads (And How to Resist It)
<p>Why does public life so often feel flooded with nonsense, distortion and distraction? This course introduces agnotology: the study of how ignorance is produced and spread. This course examines its
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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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The Chip Wars: Microchips, Espionage and Global Power
The Chip Wars: Microchips, Espionage and Global Power
<p>Microchips sit at the heart of modern life. They power communication, transport, work, defence and food systems, yet their manufacture depends on fragile supply chains, specialised knowledge and a
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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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