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: Germany between the World Wars - Part 1

At the end of the First World War, Germany underwent dramatic change. The Kaiser abdicated, and the country emerged from a period of autocratic rule to embark on a bold and (on paper) very progressive experiment in republican democracy. At the same time, the victorious allies of the Great War imposed a punitive peace treaty on Germany at Versailles, reflecting their belief that Germany has caused the war and should pay the price. These changes, together with other factors such as the worldwide economic situation between the wars ushered in a period of social, political and financial turbulence in which Hitler and the Nazis would eventually rise to power.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 05/11/2024 -
Tue 26/11/2024
Times:
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00018059
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £22.20

History: Roman Gardens

‘Ancient Roman Gardens’ examines the crucial role played by gardens and gardening in the Roman world. They supplied food for the poor and were the scenes of specular display for the rich. They would also set the style and tone for many later European gardens, and this course will therefore be of interest to all those who wish to explore this formative phase in garden history. Through discussion and self directed study we will study the primary elements of the classic Roman garden and how it has impacted on more contempora

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 06/11/2024 -
Wed 04/12/2024
Times:
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Mark Faulkner
Course code:
Q00016184
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

History: History of Writing

Explore the captivating journey of writing, from ancient petrographs and petroglyphs on rocks to cutting-edge electronic communication systems. This course invites both beginners and those with prior knowledge who share an interest in history and writing. Over six weeks, taught online, engage in presentations and discussions, with convenient access to materials even after each session.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 06/11/2024 -
Wed 11/12/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Janet Wilson
Course code:
Q00009335
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £40.80

History: Tell Sad Stories of the Death of Kings: The Origins of the Wars of the Roses

The course examines the origins of the bitter struggle for the Crown of England in the mid-fifteenth century. It also considers the impact of events in France on England, the collapse of England’s continental possessions, the end of the Hundred Years' War, and its impact on events at home. It looks at the rivalries within the nobility and whether the civil war that resulted was inevitable. It was a time characterized by dynastic instability and political chaos. The shifting of leadership and loyalties within the noble houses, as well as the numerous claims to the throne, created a sense of uncertainty and mistrust among the ruling elite which fuelled the violence and bloodshed that historians call the Wars of the Roses.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 06/11/2024 -
Wed 18/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00018740
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £51.80

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For just £15 a year, you can:

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

History: History of Writing

Discover the fascinating history of writing with our History: History of Writing course. Learn about the development of writing systems and their impact on human civilization. Ideal for history enthusiasts and students of linguistics.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 06/11/2024 -
Wed 11/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Janet Wilson
Course code:
Q00017359
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

History: The Middle East 1860 onwards

This is a 7 week lecture style course. The Middle East is a geopolitical region encompassing the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Turkey, Egypt, Iran, and Iraq. The term may have originated in the 1850s in the British India Office. However, it became more widely known when American naval strategist Alfred Thayer Mahan used the term in 1902 to designate the area between Arabia and India. Themes to be discussed will include : Long term Great Power involvement; Economic factors; Internal religious differences; Internal political rivalries; and Population movements. By the end of the course, you will be able to : Understand the factors which led to the present situation: Assess the position of individual states in the area; Discuss the attitudes of neighbouring states; Understand the differing positions of the Great Powers; and Assess the ongoing problems.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 06/11/2024 -
Wed 18/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Aubrey Newman
Course code:
Q00017668
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
5 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £38.85

History: Role of political cartoons in the 20th century

Join us for this course which will review historical events, from long ago up until recent years and link them with how newspaper and magazine cartoons reflected attitudes and controversies of that time. This beginner course will primarily focus on the historical context and political impacts of their cartoons rather than the artistic techniques but through that analysis students will gain a deeper understanding of the role of political cartoons in the 20th century.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 06/11/2024 -
Wed 20/11/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Billericay Reading Rooms (Billericay)
73 High Street
Billericay
CM12 9AS
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00019508
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

History: Smuggling in Essex: The Romance & Reality

How do the popular representations of smuggling in novels, songs, poems, paintings and film match up to the reality? We will look at some of the enduring romantic depictions alongside official records to consider the reality of life for people up and down the Essex coast in the 18th century engaged in smuggling or the fight against it.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
British Legion Hall (Felsted)
Bury Chase
Felsted
CM6 3HA
Tutor:
Claire Parker
Course code:
Q00018323
How you'll learn:
In venue
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £42.00

History: The American Revolution and the Glorious Cause: America 1763 to 1815

The American Revolution was a remarkable event. This course will outline how the United States of America came into being. It will consider the implications of the ‘Glorious Cause’ for the inhabitants of the British colonies in North America and look at some of the issues that remained unresolved until another war and another time.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Thu 21/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
St John the Baptist Church Meeting Room
55 Main Road
Danbury
CM3 4NG
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00018515
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

History: A Moving Story

This course explores the evolution of road, water, and rail transport in East Anglia from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. We examine how these developments reshaped the landscape and impacted the lives of transport workers and travellers. Through historical analysis and personal stories, participants will gain insights into the region's rich transport heritage and its influence on East Anglia's social and economic fabric.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/11/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Poringland Community Centre (Poringland)
Overtons Way
Poringland
NR14 7WB
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00019038
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60