Free and open, the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve Popular University

Starting on September 9th, 2008, a Popular University will open it's doors in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district of the city of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. On the model of the French Université Populaire, as proposed by French Philosopher Michel Onfrey, it will offer University-level non-credit course in Social Sciences at no cost.

Founded by Now Public member Marc-Andre Leger, the author of this article, the HoMa PopU will present a series of 15 courses per semester, each semester structured around a theme. The theme for the first semester is Man and His World, based on the famous novel by French aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Saint-Exupéry is most known for his story "The little prince". Man and His World was also the theme of the 1967 Universal exposition, or Expo 67, that was held in Montreal and marked a turning poing in Quebec Culture.

The presentors are University professors, Lecturers or PhD students. Attendance is free and opened to all, regardless of age, previous education, race, religion, social status or any other criterias. All sessions will also be available live in WebCast or later as Podcasts, via iTunes University or the HoMa PopU website. 

For more information (in French): http://www.csdm.qc.ca/pec/pages/Upop/index.html