Discover the origins of
Western Civilisation
What is “Western Civilisation”? This contested phrase does not refer to a homogeneous system of ideas and institutions. Rather, Western Civilisation is best thought of as an ever-changing battleground of different approaches to life’s great problems.
This online course introduces students to some of the great literary, philosophical, and theological texts in the Western canon that grapple with big questions including:
• Is freedom the most important political value? Is it compatible with social order?
• What is the meaning of life?
• Is reason our sole guide in navigating life’s challenges or should we rely also on divine revelation?
In addition to these questions, Introduction to Western Civilisation also covers some key episodes in Western European history, which can be understood most fundamentally as concerted attempts to implement different answers to these questions.
Enrolment in this short course is open to anyone, regardless of age or location. The course is self-paced and delivered through an online learning portal containing 13 pre-recorded lectures. This means you can start at any time and study at your own pace.
The short course can also be used as an alternative admission pathway into Campion College. See below for further details
Key features
Self-paced, online learning
13-part series, delivered by Campion’s esteemed academics. Start at any time and study at your own pace.
Open to all
Anyone can enrol regardless of age or location.
Alternative admission pathway
Use this short course as your admission into Campion College by completing the included assessment module. See FAQ below for further details.
Course Content
$299 (one-year access to content)
Enrol Now
There is no admission process to undertake this online short course. Simply click ‘Enrol Now’ and you will be directed to the payment portal on the Parousia Media website. Once you have purchased access to the course, you will receive login details and be able to view the pre-recorded lectures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this course designed for?
Enrolment is open to anyone, regardless of age or location. The course is designed to provide an introduction to Western Civilisation and recommended for those in Years 10 and above.
What does the course actually look like?
After paying for the course, you will receive login details for the Parousia Media online learning platform. Here you will receive access to 13 pre-recorded lectures from Campion’s esteemed academics as well as suggested readings to further your studies.
How long does it take to complete the course?
You will receive access to all 13 lectures at once and have the freedom to set your own study pace. Lecture times vary from 30-60 minutes, however we recommend spacing out your studies so you have time to consult the suggested readings provided by the academics before moving on to a new topic. All course content and the final essay should be completed within one year of purchase.
Do I need to complete assessments as part of this short course?
Yes. In order to successfully complete this course you will need to complete a 1000-word essay in response to one of four essay questions.
Will I receive a qualification upon completion of the course?
No, this is a non-award short course that can be taken for personal interest, however all students will receive a certificate of completion once the essay has been marked.
How can this course be used as an alternative admission pathway into Campion College?
Completion of the Introduction to Western Civilisation short course can be used as an alternative entry pathway into Campion’s three-year Bachelor of Arts in the Liberal Arts or one-year Diploma of Liberal Arts.
Please submit your essay at least two weeks before the start of the semester. Semester start dates can be found here.
After you have submitted your essay, please complete the online application form. Our admissions team will be in touch to arrange a time for an interview with one of our academics as the final step of your admission process.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information on the Introduction to Western Civilisation short course, please contact our Student Recruitment Manager on (02) 9896 9303 or email study@campion.edu.au.
About Campion College
Campion College offers Australia’s premier tertiary liberal arts program, focusing on units in history, literature, philosophy, theology and science. In addition to our academic program, we approach social life, spiritual life and residential life as part of the fabric of a complete higher education experience.