Archaeology, culture, history and philosophy
Semester one
Alexander the great
Sven Erlic
6-7.30pm on 8 Tuesdays from 7 February - $210 ND
"I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion." When Alexander set out to see the world he changed the course of world history and brought about a new political and cultural order. This course will narrate Alexander's life and look at the impact his conquests made. It will also critically analyse the arguments that surround controversies about Alexander's ethnicity, personality, and deeds.
Arabic culture & society
Muath Amayreh
6-8pm on 5 Wednesdays from 15 February - $185 ND
Topics to be examined include: history of the Middle East, the development and influence of religion, the Arab perception of the West and how they believe the West views them, a political analysis of the current situation in the Arab world, aspects of day to day life and etiquette and customs. We will also provide an opportunity for informal discussion about such issues as women's rights, animal rights and fundamentalism. .
Critical introduction to world affairs is now cancelled
Mirko Pavlovic
6-8pm on 6 Thursdays from 1 March - $155 ND
We aim to provide a degree of independence in forming opinions and we seek to introduce some general questions that can be useful when enquiring into international events and issues. The course is about moving beyond the passive acceptance of media lines: "good versus evil". Discussions and challenging of mainstream positions on international issues and events are expected and encouraged. .
Ritual, spirit mediums, spirits and taboo: an anthropological perspective is now cancelled
Rikardo Shedden
6-8pm on 4 Wednesdays from 6 March - $110 ND
Ritual and spirit world beliefs have long been a central concern in anthropology. This course will broadly address some of the issues raised. We will explore ritual sacrifice, taboos and their meanings, funeral practices, and meet a spirit-medium who leads her own Sunday church service - all in a Philippine highland village. .
The archaeology of central & south America
Chris Carter
6-8pm on 6 Tuesdays from 8 May - $210
In this course we will discuss the origins and timing of the first inhabitants of the Americas, consider their development and the rise of agriculture in a range of environments. We will also examine the rise of the civilisations that are well known throughout the world including the Olmecs, Zapotecs, Mixtecs, Aztecs and Maya of Central America and Chavin, Moche, Wari, Tiwanaku and the Inka of South America. .
The history and heritage of Spain
Chris Carter
9.30am-4.30pm Saturday 17 March - $160 ND
From prehistoric origins to the fall of Granada in 1492, this course will introduce you to the history of Spain via its archaeology. Discussions will range from Palaeolithic rock art through to developments of the Neolithic, to Spain's role in the Roman Empire, the Visigoths and the Islamic invasion. We will also look at a range of sites and cities from the Caves of Altamira to the Alhambra in Granada, the Great Mosque of Cordoba and the Cathedral of Seville, along with palaces and castles of the Spanish kings. .
The prehistoric economy of coastal northern Chile is now cancelled
Chris Carter
6-8.30-pm Thursday 15 March - $70 ND - Session cancelled
This presentation will summarise the archaeological work that was undertaken in 2010 at Caleta Vitor in the Atacama Region of northern Chile. It will include an introduction to the archaeology of the region, which includes the Chinchorro mummies, the world's oldest artificial mummies. It will also detail the results of the archaeological excavations and provides a summary of the analytical work undertaken thus far. .
Understanding the superpowers: China, USA and the European Union
Matthew Laing
6-8pm on 8 Wednesdays from 18 January - $195 ND
China, the USA and the European Union: three superpowers that dominate the international economy and global politics. But how much do you actually know about them? This course goes behind the headlines to explore why the superpowers are the way they are, and look at the big questions like "Why are Greece and Portugal so deeply indebted?", "Why does China want to reunify with Taiwan?" and "Why is the Tea Party so popular in the USA?" .
