HISTORY OF THE ARCTIC AND ANTARCTICA

Historical records suggest that humankind have explored the northern extremes since 325 BC, but did Aborigines visit Antarctica far earlier?  The arctic poles are two of the least hospitable places in the world, but are very different places with their own challenges.  However, the desire to explore and conquer these extreme points have driven explorers for thousands of years.  In this course we will consider both the Arctic and Antarctica, their place in human history, and what their past may tell us about our future.

Michael Couch has been teaching community education courses for over a decade. With an academic background in Philosophy, Classical Studies, Education and History, he recently completed his PhD in the History of Philosophy of Education in New Zealand. He enjoys learning new topics, and incorporates passion and wry humour into all the courses he teaches.