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: China 1796 to the present – Fall of the Qing – 1796-1912 (Part 1)

From the zenith of the Qing Empire in 1796 we trace the decline of China’s imperial reach through the 19th century. Western incursions and humiliations, the role of religion and opium, wars, reforms and rebellions will all be covered up to the fall of the dynasty in 1912 and the formation of China’s first republic. Major personalities such as the Empress Dowager Cixi, Sun-Yat-Sen, the Last Emperor and many more will be considered. We will consider the nature of court rule, the development of society and the economy as well as art, literature and philosophy.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 07/10/2024 -
Mon 25/11/2024
Times:
10:15am - 12:15pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Petts Wood Memorial Hall (Petts Wood)
200 Petts Wood Road
Petts Wood
BR5 1LA
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00017270
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £80.00

History: The Decline of the Ottoman Empire 1800-1892

The once mighty Ottoman Empire lost some of its lustre during the 18th Century. After its armies reached the walls of Vienna in 1683 the boundaries of the Sublime Porte contracted in a series of military, diplomatic and economic reverses. This course considers the ways in which the Ottomans responded to a changing world in the 19th century, seeking to preserve their position within it. We examine questions of politics, religion, language, culture and economics whilst all the while having an eye towards the consequences for the region, Europe and the world then and now

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 07/10/2024 -
Mon 09/12/2024
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00017426
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

History: The 12th Century Civil War for the Crown of England

This course looks at the troubled years after 1140, when England was ravaged by civil war and had two rival monarchs: the Empress Matilda, the daughter of King Henry I and her cousin, King Stephen. The Empress spent 17 years trying to secure her birthright. These years were called ‘The Anarchy’ by historians because of the destruction wreaked by both sides on villages and towns across southern England and the breakdown of law and order. The course explores the reasons why William Adelin’s sister, the Empress Matilda never achieved the Crown.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 08/10/2024 -
Tue 19/11/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Michael Long
Course code:
Q00017706
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £51.80

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:
Tue 08/10/2024 -
Tue 08/10/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Maldon Little Ship Club (Maldon)
Maldon Little Ship Club
The Hythe
Maldon
CM9 5HN
Tutor:
Claire Parker
Course code:
Q00018004
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.60

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For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
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Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

History: Artists at War

How art has been employed by belligerent countries in the First and Second World Wars, but also to represent war, often patriotically, over many centuries. We’ll look at a range of different examples from western countries to show the different approaches to art depicting war and its effects and how sometimes this has been directed by governments, not always simply for propaganda purposes.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 08/10/2024 -
Tue 05/11/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
David Price
Course code:
Q00018312
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

History: Mr Marconi and the Birthplace of Wireless

Join guest tutor Alan Pamphilon for this one off course. Chelmsford played a crucial role in the evolution of wireless communication, beginning with the development of Morse code and advancing through significant historical events like the RMS Titanic disaster. In the late 19th century, Guglielmo Marconi established a factory in Chelmsford, where he refined wireless transmission technologies. The Titanic's distress signals, sent via Marconi’s equipment in 1912, highlighted the life-saving potential of wireless communication and led to new maritime regulations. By 1920, Chelmsford became the site of the UK's first radio broadcast, setting the stage for the creation of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in 1922, transforming media forever.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 08/10/2024 -
Tue 08/10/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Christchurch United Reform Church (Chelm
164 New London Road
Chelmsford
CM2 0AW
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00019602
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00

Carbon Literacy - October 2024

To attend this partnership course, you will have to register via EVENTBRITE Carbon Literacy – October 2024 ticket at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/carbon-literacy-october-2024-tickets-880713998277?aff=odcleoeventsincollection&keep_tld=1 as well as via WEA. You will have to make a payment via EVENTBRITE and cannot proceed with the course if you have not done both. Carbon Literacy is a term used to describe an awareness of climate change, and the climate impacts of humankind’s everyday actions. This course is designed specifically for charities and social enterprises working in public leisure and culture and gives you the knowledge and tools available to take impactful climate action.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 09/10/2024 -
Wed 16/10/2024
Times:
9:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Lee Armon
Course code:
Q00015293
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

Philosophy: The Existence of God

Religion has played a highly important part in the lives of human beings. The principal claim of the great monotheistic religions of the world is the following: God exists. This course considers this claim. It considers to begin with some of the traditional arguments for this claim: an ontological argument; some cosmological arguments; some design arguments; and an argument from the religious experience of God. It then considers (briefly) the principal argument against this claim: the problem of evil. It proceeds rationally and rigorously. No prior specialist knowledge is required to attend this course.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 09/10/2024 -
Wed 13/11/2024
Times:
10:45am - 12:45pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Leighton Buzzard Theatre Lounge (Leighto
Lake Street
Leighton Buzzard
LU7 1RX
Tutor:
Karim Esmail
Course code:
Q00018541
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£50.40

History: The Decline of the Ottoman Empire 1800-1892

The once mighty Ottoman Empire lost some of its lustre during the 18th Century. After its armies reached the walls of Vienna in 1683 the boundaries of the Sublime Porte contracted in a series of military, diplomatic and economic reverses. This course considers the ways in which the Ottomans responded to a changing world in the 19th century, seeking to preserve their position within it. We examine questions of politics, religion, language, culture and economics whilst all the while having an eye towards the consequences for the region, Europe and the world then and now

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 09/10/2024 -
Wed 27/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Ripley Arts Centre (Bromley)
24 Sundridge Avenue
Bromley
BR1 2PX
Tutor:
Laurie Johnston
Course code:
Q00017441
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £80.00

History: Women that rocked the boat

Join guest tutor Alan Pamphilon for this one off course. True stories of local ladies who influenced local and national history. Meet the local women who fought for equality and their rights. Discover the history of the Essex Girls from 15th century Witches to the retailers of the 1960s. From the campaigners for Anti-Slavery to the secret factory workers of WW2. These were ordinary local ladies but each had a remarkable drive and passion that made them special.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 15/10/2024 -
Tue 15/10/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Christchurch United Reform Church (Chelm
164 New London Road
Chelmsford
CM2 0AW
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00019601
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00