"Scholaarly lectures" as this thread calls them, are a good way to get information and viewpoints that are not normally discussed in public media.
As I've noted before, I spent 10 years doing a degree, because the one Uni that offered me a place (most students at Australian Uni's take advantage of a government subsidy, so you have to apply and see who offers you a place) did not have a degree in what I'd call Asian Studies. So I enrolled in the closest course to that goal, and 'twisted" the curriculum so that I could concentrate on topics that discussed Asia. And, since I was focusing on China, that took a bit more juggling and taking more subjects at Sydney University which has an excellent Chinese Department. So I was able to both get a degree and utilise specialist talks at three universities develop a great all-round knowledge of Asia, and China in particular.
I can still (and do) attend specialist talks, often by visiting academics, who have a reputation in their field.
If you checkout the universities in your area, you may be able to access these specialist talks (that are often only advertised within that Uni) that are a great way to expand your understanding of various topics, without actually having to do a degree.
