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New academics bring fresh perspective to Western Civilisation program

ACU has welcomed Dr Emma Knowles and Dr Talia Morag to the Western Civilisation program faculty.

Dr Morag, a philosopher specializing in ethics and philosophical psychology, said she was delighted to join ACU's unique Western Civilisation Program.

"I hope to transmit to the students a sense of mystery and wonder about themselves, other people and a curiosity and openness about human wellbeing," Dr Morag said.

"I hope we can learn together to appreciate how rewarding and relevant the great texts can be in reflecting on timeless questions of the human condition, such as love, death, emotional wellbeing, and the place of individuals within a society."

Dr Emma Knowles' research focuses on Old English poetry and she has an interest in exploring representations of nature and the environment in medieval texts.

Dr Knowles said she was looking forward to introducing students to the rich and complex literary traditions of the Western canon.

"I look forward to guiding students through a variety of wonderful 'great books' and witnessing their deep engagement with complex ideas," Dr Knowles said.

Acting Director of the Western Civilisation program, Professor Hayden Ramsay, said the program was continuing to grow and flourish.

"We are delighted to welcome Dr Talia Morag and Dr Emma Knowles to ACU and the Western Civilisation Program," Professor Ramsay said.

"Their diverse expertise and passion will enrich the program and offer our students new opportunities for intellectual growth and exploration.

"Expanding our faculty enhances our capacity to engage with the timeless questions of the Western tradition and reinforces our commitment to fostering a vibrant community of scholars.

"Together, we are committed to sharing the profound relevance of the Western canon in shaping our collective identity and understanding of the human experience."

The new faculty members will be part of the dedicated teaching team for ACU’s Ramsay Scholars, who are based in a purpose-built space at the North Sydney campus.

The Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation) was launched in 2021, offering students a structured and integrated humanities curriculum from antiquity to the present.

Through the generous support of the Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation, students are offered scholarships of $32,000 per year to pursue the single degree, a double degree with Law or a “vertical double” with a Master of Teaching (Secondary). Scholarship students are also offered sponsored overseas travel.

Additional Ramsay Scholarships are now available for a Master of Liberal Arts (Western Civilisation) which launched last year.

Find out more information on the Western Civilisation programs