Humanities PLD
The School of Humanities offers a range of credit and non-credit bearing Professional Learning and Development (PLD) opportunities.
Drawing from the School's wide academic experience and research, an innovative portfolio of learning, including short and medium-length courses taking place online and in-person have been created.
Please contact pld@hope.ac.uk for further information or to discuss specific professional development needs.
Language of Racism: Antisemitism and Islamophobia
Since 7 October 2023, there has been a sharp increase in Antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks around the UK. Political rhetoric and media coverage of the War in Gaza have contributed towards tensions between different communities. his short course will deal with two important contemporary issues that have affected communal harmony in the UK, particularly after the 7th October attacks. Looking at the definition of Antisemitism by the International Holocaust Memorial Alliance (IHRA), and the definition of Islamophobia by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims, the course will try to understand what these definitions mean and how language is a central element in this discussion. There will be a detailed discussion on how politicians and the media use language that can affect the lives of minority communities in the UK who are subject to racist abuses due to being Jewish or Muslims. Students will be allowed to speak their minds in an open and transparent manner to unravel the implications of racist language in the political, media and public narratives.
Online delivery
Date: Tuesday 4th June 2024, 10am - 3pm
Cost: £185 per participant
Are you curious about the nature of language and how it shapes our understanding of the world?
Join us in an online course that looks at the fascinating depths of the philosophy of language. In this short course, we will explore thought provoking questions that have captivated thinkers for centuries. What is the essence of language and how do we construct meaning through words? How does language reflect our view of the world and how do children acquire this remarkable ability and what does it reveal about the human mind? Is language species specific or can animals and AI truly learn language? Through discussion, we will consider the limits and possibilities of language, so you get an appreciation for the philosophical underpinnings of language and its impact on our lives.
Drawing on Siobhan Chapman’s work ‘Thinking about Language’ we’ll invite you to rethink the way you perceive language and to challenge conventional wisdom. Whether you’re a lover of philosophy, a student of linguistics or someone with a thirst for learning new things, this course promises to ignite your intellectual curiosity.
Online delivery: 3 weeks, 2 hours per week
Starts: September 2024 (Fridays 9am - 11am)
Cost: £195 per participant
War and Peace: A history of the Northern Ireland conflict, 1969-1998
The course will explore the origins and nature of the Northern Ireland conflict (The ‘Troubles’) and the related peace process, including the activities of political and paramilitary groups involved. It will also include engagement with important historical studies of the conflict.
Online delivery: 5 weeks, 2 hours per week
Starts: End of April 2025, (Fridays 1-3pm)
Cost: £170 per participant
To book any of the above courses or for more information, please contact pld@hope.ac.uk