Learning about the world around us

Here at the WEA we offer a huge range of humanities and science courses, with something for everyone.  

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If you’re interested in the natural world, our geography and environment courses are the perfect choice. Our packed curriculum explores some of the biggest issues facing society, such as climate change and the fight against the destruction of some of Earth’s most precious resources. The option to learn in person or online means that our geography courses can whisk you away to a far-flung corner of the globe, all without you ever having to leave your own home. 

Studying a science

If you choose to take one of our psychology courses you’ll be immersed in the study of the human mind. With options to learn about memory and identity, you’ll get the chance to explore and debate some of the most famous psychological experiments.  

There’s also Sociology too, a subject that focuses on human behaviour, interaction, and relationships. If you’d like to explore some of the biggest questions in life, then our philosophy courses are for you. Small class sizes mean that you’ll get to discuss and debate in a supportive environment, all with an experienced tutor on hand.  

Attend a Humanities and Science course near you  

Whether you choose to learn from the comfort of your own home or opted for face-to-face learning at a local community venue, you’ll be taught by a talented tutor who is an expert in their subject. Our learning experience sets us apart from other providers, with learners regularly highlighting the difference that an encouraging environment makes. 

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History: The Economic History of Wessex since 1500

Wessex has an intricate history concerned with natural resource development of minerals, transport, agriculture, towns, and manufacture. Its character has been forged by the impact on the landscape of openness to neighbouring areas of Britain, and to the World at large. The region contrasts with other regions in terms of both the nature and pace of development.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 05/12/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024
Times:
10:30am - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St Lawrence Parish Rooms (Winchester)
Colebrook Street
Winchester
SO23 9LH
Tutor:
Hadrian Cook
Course code:
Q00017155
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £21.00

Humanities: Day School: What is a ‘Free and Fair’ Election?

In 2024, over 70 countries, including the UK, will hold national elections. This course examines what constitutes a democratic election, delving into franchise, electoral systems, and election delivery. While focusing on the UK, it also uses international examples to illustrate the concepts of 'free' and 'fair' elections. Students will engage critically with contemporary debates about election quality and integrity worldwide.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 07/12/2024 -
Sat 07/12/2024
Times:
10:30am - 4:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (King's Lynn)
38 Bridge Street
King's Lynn
PE30 5AB
Tutor:
Nicky Turner
Course code:
Q00017667
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

History: Rediscovering the Great War’s Christmas Truce

The Christmas Truce is one of the most mythologised and celebrated events of the First World War, which has featured in film, song and fiction. In this one-off session, we will attempt to uncover the actual story behind the event, exploring the truce or truces through letters, reports, photographs and retrospective accounts. The course will be interesting to those with an interest in the Great War, and the manner in which that conflict has been interpreted in the century since its ending, but the course will also appeal to those with an interest in how societies shape and define themselves by their myths.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 07/12/2024 -
Sat 07/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Stephen Smith
Course code:
Q00019614
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £11.10

Humanities: Christmas for Curmudgeons? Why gift-giving is wasteful (if you’re an economist)

Christmas is a time for giving: but is it really a good idea? Wouldn’t it be better if you just bought something for yourself that would bring you joy, and didn’t have to worry about getting presents for other people, which they might just regift anyway? Why do economists act like Grinches? How can we save Christmas from the Bah!Humbug! Brigade?

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 07/12/2024 -
Sat 07/12/2024
Times:
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jonathan Warner
Course code:
Q00019895
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

History: History of the Old Bailey

This three hour lecture offers an in-depth examination of the rich history of the Old Bailey in London. It delves into the architectural evolution of the building itself, tracing its development from its early days to its current form. Additionally, the lecture explores the Old Bailey's significant role in the British legal system, highlighting its function in upholding and administering the law throughout the centuries. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how this iconic courthouse has shaped and been shaped by the legal landscape, reflecting broader societal changes and the pursuit of justice in London and beyond.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 07/12/2024 -
Sat 07/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St John's United Reform Church Orpington
Lynwood Grove
Orpington
BR6 0BG
Tutor:
Anna Cusack
Course code:
Q00017273
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00

Humanities: Trig point Charlie (a light hearted look at why we have concrete blocks on hill tops)

This talk is of particular interest to people who have come across Trig Points on their walks and are curious to find out more about how they came to be there. We will cover some of the quirky stories relating to early map-making and then explore some even more quirky stories about the way that triangulation was introduced to Britain.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/12/2024 -
Tue 10/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Alastair Clark
Course code:
Q00019849
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Humanities: The 12 lunches of Christmas

If you find the Festive season challenging or lonely, or you just need to have a break from all the chaos and the bad TV, join tutor Jane Williams, who will break up Christmas Day with this fun and interesting look at the 12 days of Christmas Carol. She will go through each of the gifts given on each of the Twelve Days, according to the carol, and see how one might celebrate them in food. So join Jane on the 25th of December for this one off online session.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 12/12/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Williams
Course code:
Q00019851
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

History: St. George - The Man and the Legend

Who was St George? Was he real, or just a character in a legend about a dragon and a princess? Was the dragon real - or perhaps symbolic of something else? If George existed, was he even English? When and where did he live? Given that he was made a saint, what is the connection between the man, the legend and the Christian Church? Is the legend just another way to look at the resolution of conflict – the light versus the dark, the triumph of good over evil? In this two-hour session, we will examine some of the evidence about the existence of the man and any basis to the legend with Medievalist Terry Bloxham.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/12/2024 -
Mon 16/12/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (Berkhamsted)
289 High Street
Berkhamsted
HP4 1AJ
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00018060
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

Humanities: Christmas food around the world

Here in England we traditionally eat roast turkey for Christmas dinner, but what do other countries do? Is it fun? Is it a tradition you might like to borrow? Some of them do the main celebration on Christmas Eve, or on other dates, so you can do multiple Christmas traditional meals! Some of these have come to common attention when groups of immigrants bring their customs from home, some haven’t, but variety is the spice of life, either way. (Yes, curry is an option.)

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 19/12/2024 -
Thu 19/12/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Williams
Course code:
Q00019857
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Humanities: On the Feast of Stephen

The 26th of December, Boxing Day, is also St Stephen’s Day. So, quite apart from wondering about “Boxing”, who was Stephen? And since we know him mainly because “the Feast of Stephen” is when Good King Wenceslas looked out, who was Wenceslas? What other myths and legends are associated with this day: in particular, what does the Wren have to do with it? A light-hearted look at the traditions of the day, suitable for relaxing with a mince pie and a turkey sandwich.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/12/2024 -
Thu 26/12/2024
Times:
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Williams
Course code:
Q00019855
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40