University College London

This course explores key concepts in European political thought in the 17th century. Natural law, the state of nature, state sovereignty and the social contract are just some of the themes which are studied. The focus is on a close reading of the major works by Hobbes, Pufendorf, and Locke, as well as examining the relationship of these authors.

In this course, students explore the timeless art of disagreement, offering a singular learning experience for students to discover what it means to foster civil discourse on key political, civic, and social controversies. The course examines the theoretical and conceptual foundations for effective communication in polarized environments, and probes the cognitive, psychological, and sociological factors that shape our opinions and views. Using an intensive, discussion-based seminar format, students immerse themselves in state-of-the-art research, evidence, data, and best-practices bearing on disagreement. Practically, students gain applied skills in critical thinking and persuasion, and learn how to disagree well about contentious topics. Students learn the value of disagreement, why it is essential to human flourishing, and how to persuade and learn from others with deftness, rigor, and compassion.  

The Medieval Universe was considered vast, but its structure of perfect spheres was ordered, limited and intelligible. Within the harmony of this system, many questions remained. How can human free will exist alongside an omnipotent God? What of the competing forces of celestial influences – whether good and bad spirits, or the "science" of astrology? Despite these tensions, a cosmological model of nested spheres with the earth at its center captivated medieval thinkers for nearly half a millennium. The first half of this course explores how medieval people engaged with the invisible and sacred forces of the heavens, and how this worldview gave meaning to human experience. Students study the pious and illicit rituals medieval people used to try to influence sacred beings and explore medieval concepts of time, imagination, and geography.

This course involves the study of major literary genres of importance for the European literary tradition in translation. It is suitable for students of Classics as well as outside Classics, because it aims to help students to read widely and to engage with a broad range of literary-critical issues. The course focuses on Homer, but also includes reference to other archaic epics (e.g. Hesiod). Issues discussed include structure, plot, and character of the epics, the role of the gods, war and battle scenes, issues of gender and social values, the reception of Homer in later ages. 

The focus of the course is on what the concepts of risk and risk perception mean from various theoretical standpoints. Students explore people's responses to risks such as AIDS, Ebola, Covid, Climate Change and Earthquakes. Beyond gaining an understanding of the nature of these responses, students examine health and safety campaigns and methods of communicating to change health and safety behaviors. Analysis of how media portray risks is central to this course.

In this introductory course, students study the mechanisms of the UK constitution and experience of understanding and applying legal texts, including landmark cases and statutes. They learn about the institutions of legislating and decision-making in the UK, the rule of law, and the judicial protection of the rule of law, alongside a specialist topic reflecting topical current research experience from UCL’s Faculty of Laws, such as environmental law, law and democracy, or social welfare law. This course provides a taster of legal education at university level, which at UCL Laws focuses on how world-leading research and a deeply inclusive law school can support a strong social mission and a set of values centered around the concept of justice: particularly the rule of law, the protection of human rights, and constitutional democracy.