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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The Fall of Viktor Orbán - Is the world swinging away from far right icons?
Available Classes
The Fall of Viktor Orbán - Is the world swinging away from far right icons?
<p>This is a big story told over two sessions. Part one focuses on the key moments in Orbán's 16 years that gained him global notoriety and wrote the 'autocrats handbook'. How did momentum against him
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Iran: From Khomenei to Khamenei to Chaos and Beyond
Available Classes
Iran: From Khomenei to Khamenei to Chaos and Beyond
<p>The Islamic Republic of Iran was born in violent revolution in early 1979 with the fall of the Shah and the establishment of a peculiar system if Islamic government (<em>velayat-e-faqih)</em> under
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Dame Marie Bashir Memorial Lecture 2026
Available Classes
Dame Marie Bashir Memorial Lecture 2026
<h4 id="header-human-rights-under-pressure-work-community-and-why-these-matter-more-than-ever">Human Rights Under Pressure: Work, Community and Why These Matter More Than Ever</h4>
<p>Are human rights
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Unpacking The Higgins/Lehrmann "Omnishambles"
Available Classes
Unpacking The Higgins/Lehrmann "Omnishambles"
<p>The Higgins–Lehrmann case exposed deep tensions between law, politics and media in Australia. This course revisits the events and fallout, examining how legal processes, public commentary and
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Vast Wealth, Vast Privilege - Royalty Unfiltered
Available Classes
Vast Wealth, Vast Privilege - Royalty Unfiltered
<p>The British royal family is often presented as symbolic or ceremonial, yet it sits atop vast wealth and privilege. This course explores the monarchy’s financial power, examining property, art
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How Paul Keating Revolutionised the Australian Economy
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How Paul Keating Revolutionised the Australian Economy
<p>In the 1980s and early 1990s, Paul Keating played a central role in transforming Australia’s economy. This course examines the key reforms, political struggles and economic ideas behind that
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Women in the Shadow
Available Classes
Women in the Shadow
<p>We will dig deep to discover the army of women who were busy working in the shadow, while men happily bathed in the spotlight. Each week of this course will be devoted to a different area of study
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Theory of Flight
Available Classes
Theory of 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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The General Strike of 1926 - 100 Years Later
Available Classes
The General Strike of 1926 - 100 Years Later
<p>The General Strike of 1926 was a defining moment for working class identity in the UK. It was one of the most significant events of the 20th century. The Baldwin Conservative government defeated
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Buddy Guy at 90: Last of the Blues Legends
Available Classes
Buddy Guy at 90: Last of the Blues Legends
<p>Buddy Guy stands as one of the last living giants of the blues, with a career that helped shape modern rock, soul and popular music. This course explores his life, music and influence, placing his
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