Empire: From Conquest to Control - Professor Richard J Evans

How and why European empires between 1880 and the end of the First World War slowly imposed greater control on territories that in many cases existed merely on paper.

Christian Modern Art: Post World War II Optimism - The Rt Revd Lord Harries

After World War II, without forgetting the terrible suffering earlier in the century, there was a new confidence expressed in the artistic commissions of the time. Older artists who had been active before World War I such as Epstein and Matisse received commissions as well as younger artists such as Graham Sutherland, known especially for his work in Coventry Cathedral, Ceri Richards and Henry Moore.

Mad, bad or sad? - Professor Glenn D Wilson

Personality disorders are a contentious issue in psychiatry. How many are there and how reliable is their diagnosis? Are we just medicalising bad behaviour and social inadequacy. How should medical and criminal justice sectors divide responsibility?

Maths and Sport: Records, Medals and Drug Taking - Professor John D Barrow

We examine the striking patterns between world record performances in different sports and ask what events an ambitious nation should target as the ‘easiest’ in which to win Olympic medals. How does Olympic success correlate with a nation’s GNP? How does the location of the Olympics affect the chance of record breaking? And how can simple statistics help us understand the likelihood of winning streaks and the chance that an innocent athlete will fail a drugs test?

Modern Christian Art: Catholic Elegance and Joy - The Rt Revd Lord Harries

In the period under consideration a fair number of the artists considered have been Roman Catholics, but at one time there was a particular symbiosis between two of them, Eric Gill and David Jones, who will be discussed along with others who shared their faith.

Britain in the 20th Century: The Conservative Reaction, 1951-1965 - Professor Vernon Bogdanor

The Conservatives recovered remarkably rapidly from the debacle of 1945. Their narrow election victory in 1951 led to 13 years of Conservative rule. How was the party able to reassert itself so quickly and what did it do with its period in power? Winston Churchill hoped to roll back the tide of socialism. Did he succeed, or did the Conservatives, by contrast, help to confirm a new consensus which, while not socialist, could also not be described as capitalist in the classical sense of the term?

David and Goliath: Strength and Power in Sport - Professor John D Barrow FRS

Top athletes seem to get bigger and bigger. How does size affect performance? Why do some sports have weight categories while others don’t? What types of lever are employed in sports events like gymnastics and wrestling and how much force does a karate blow need to exert to break a brick? These are some of the questions that we will answer by using simple maths.

Remember Me - Professor Christopher Hogwood

What is the role of ‘memorability’ in Pachelbel’s Canon, Purcell’s Dido's Lament and Fauré’s Violin Sonata? Can it explain why they are unquestionalble masterpieces?

The City Livery Companies - Tim Connell

The story of the unique history and continued relevance of the Livery Companies in the City of London, from the medieval period through to the modern day.

The Psychology of Politics - Professor Glenn D Wilson

Political affiliations reflect social class and upbringing but personality factors also contribute, including genetically determined traits like fear of uncertainty and novelty-seeking. Extreme positions may stem from dogmatism, hostility and intolerance of ambiguity.

Christianity in Evolution: An Exploration - Professor Jack Mahoney

Evolution has provided a new understanding of reality, with revolutionary consequences for traditional Christian beliefs. What should a rational Christian think of issues such as Adam and Eve or Original Sin which appear to be at odds to modern thinking on evolution?

St Paul's Cathedral at 300: The Refurbishment Project - Martin Stancliffe

On the 300th anniversary of the completion of Christopher Wren's Cathedral, we welcome the completion of a 15-year and £40 million project to refurbish the Cathedral. The architect in charge of the project explains the amazing and fascinating work done.

How do we deal with rewards for failure while supporting growth? - Matthew Hancock

Bonuses in the banking sector are at an all-time high even as the system teeters on the edge of collapse. How are we to combat the culture of rewards for failure, without negatively affecting growth in the econbomy? The policy solutions are there, but are we re brave enough to take them?

Queer Presences and Absences: Citizenship, Community, Diversity, or Death - Dr Yvette Taylor

A lecture on US and UK sexual citizenship, situating these in terms of LGBT campaigning groups' actions, institutional reactions and broader public relations evident in the course of claiming and lamenting citizenship, community and diversity.

St Paul's Cathedral at 300: The History of the Building - Martin Stancliffe

On the 300th anniversary of the completion of Christopher Wren's Cathedral, the current architect offers an architectural history of England's premier Cathedral.

The Sounds of the Universe - Professor Carolin Crawford

From black holes humming to pulsars spinning: what are the sounds of space and how can we use them?

The Scramble for Africa - Professor Richard J Evans

In the early 1880s, informal imperial expansion gave way to formal imperial acquisitions. This lecture offers an overview of the race of European Empires to lay claim to Africa in the midst of this period of aggressive imperialism.

The Future of the EU and Global Markets - Dr Robert Barnes

After the largest financial crisis in the history of the capital markets, what changes do we need to promote liquidity recovery? What insights can Equities offer Over-The-Counter markets and vice-versa? Come and learn the bold ideas shaping the new financial and economic landscape.