The Melbourne Free University (or MFU) is an alternative university created in Melbourne in 2009. Principles The Melbourne Free University is committed to radical equality. Its principles listed on its website include: the a priori belief in universal equality the combination of academic rigour with open discussions on an equal basis and the withdrawal of the division master/student. gratuity and accessibility. the MFU is run on the principle 'no money in, no money out'. political and economic autonomy. the belief in people's responsibility to seek and engage with knowledge. the necessity to offer an alternative to the current education system, judged exclusive and outcome oriented. the belief in offering knowledge for its own sake. Principles are explained in more detail in an article published in The National Times. Its principles are partly inspired by the works of Jacques Rancière. Its motto is THINK. DISCUSS. ACT. Founding Members This project was co-founded by three colleagues from La Trobe University: Dr. Gerhard Hoffstaedter, social anthropologist; Dr. Aurelien Mondon, researcher in politics; and Jasmine-Kim Westendorf, PhD candidate in politics. Second Term 2011 Courses proliferated across a range of disciplines, including law, indigenous studies, refugee studies and a course on 'what if' - re-imagining how the world could be. Special seminars have included topics such as sexuality, gender studies, myths, aesthetics and others. In summer 2011/2012 the MFU is cooperating with Occupy Melbourne for a course at City Square on issues relating to the global Occupy movement. First Term 2011 I (heart) Philosophy WEDNESDAYS 6.30-8pm @Dexter Cafe and Bar, 123 Queens Pde, Clifton Hill week 1 – 16/02/11: Freud and insecurity (John Cash, University of Melbourne) week 2 – 23/02/11: On Derrida and Hospitality (Jack Reynolds, La Trobe University) week 3 – 02/03/11: On Popper and the Margins of Science (Gerhard Wiesenfeldt, Melbourne University) week 4 – 09/03/11: On Communism / Žižek and Negri (Jessica Whyte, Monash University) week 5 – 16/03/11: On Nietzsche and the body (Philipa Rothfield, La Trobe University) week 6 – 21/03/11: On Badiou and Education (Adam Bartlett, University of Melbourne) Racism in the 21st century THURSDAYS 6.30-8pm @the North Carlton Railway Station Neighbourhood House, 20 Solly Ave (near Park St), North Carlton week 1 – 17/02/11: Racism: a Brief History (Aurelien Mondon, La Trobe University) week 2 – 24/02/11: Indigeneity, Whiteness, and the Politics of Anti-racism (Emma Kowal, University of Melbourne) week 3 – 03/03/11: Fair Dinkum Fascism: Race