University Lecture Series

A study of the Roman empire between the third and sixth centuries CE.
Topics covered include the period’s social, economic and political crises, encounters and struggles between Romans and barbarians, the conflict between Paganism and Christianity, and the emergence of the barbarian kingdoms in the West and the Byzantine empire in the East.

Lecturers: Lisa Bailey

Mondays: 3PM – 4PM

Tuesdays: 3PM – 4PM

Through consideration of sociological theory from the Chicago School, British Cultural Studies, and postmodernism, this course investigates marginal, non-normative, and socially deviant group formations considered as ‘subcultural’.
This will include critical consideration of the social, economic, and political dynamics in which specific group practices and identities of subcultures such as ravers, punks, and skaters take shape in capitalist society.

Lecturer: Bruce Cohen

Fridays: 2PM – 4PM

Explores the connections between culture, creativity, and society through anthropological concepts, Mātauranga Māori, and relevant examples. It covers issues and problems faced by communities locally and globally, using a range of mediums such as whakapapa, material culture, performing arts, media and grassroots movements to illustrate how anthropology can help understand the complexities of creativity and the creation of knowledge.

Lecturers: Sunhee Koo & Callie Vandewiele

Tuesdays: 2PM –  4PM

A study of significant people, major discoveries and inventions, and key factors (artistic, intellectual, social, technical) that were important agents of change in Western music. No previous knowledge of music is assumed.

Lecturer: Allan Badley

Mondays: 2 PM – 4PM

An in-depth look into a period of history that has simultaneously fascinated and horrified generations of people around the world.
Topics include the origins of Nazism, Adolf Hitler and the rise of the NSDAP, life in Nazi Germany in peace and war, Hitler’s foreign policy, the Second World War, the Holocaust and its myriad legacies in history and popular culture.

Lecturer: Maartje Abbenhuis

Tuesdays: 1PM – 3PM

From the climate crisis to biodiversity loss, you will explore the scientific foundations of the environmental challenges we face. The complexity of environmental problems and the role of humans within environmental systems are considered. Emphasis is placed on acquiring the scientific knowledge and skill sets required to create innovative, feasible, and sustainable solutions to these issues.

Lecturer: Sonia Fonua

Tuesdays: 8AM – 9AM

Fridays: 12PM – 1PM