Humanities Courses
Explore ideas that shape culture, society, and how we understand the world.
Humanities courses at WEA Sydney bring together philosophy, politics, society, literature, science, and culture to explore the ideas that shape human experience. With a mix of short talks, discussion-based classes, and in-depth courses, this category encourages curiosity, reflection, and critical thinking across a wide range of topics.
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Physics and the Arrow of Time
Available Classes
Physics and the Arrow of Time
<p>The passage of time from the past to the future constitutes our basic perception of the world. This phenomenon, known as the arrow of time, arises from a fundamental law of physics called the
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Making Sense of the 2026 US Elections
Available Classes
Making Sense of the 2026 US Elections
<p>The American electoral system is unlike any other, and its midterm elections often have major consequences. This course explains how the 2026 elections work, who is contesting power, and why the
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The Secret Sex Lives of Older Women
Available Classes
The Secret Sex Lives of Older Women
<p>A warm, insightful, and often humorous exploration of how women from the “Beatles generation” have experienced love, intimacy, and identity across their lives.</p>
<p>Drawing on personal experience
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Understanding Democracy and the Rise of Authoritarianism
Available Classes
Understanding Democracy and the Rise of Authoritarianism
<p>Democracy promises representation, accountability and the rule of law, yet many people now feel those promises are fraying. This course takes a critical look at democracy from its Greek origins to
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The USA Mid-Term Elections
Available Classes
The USA Mid-Term Elections
<p>American Presidents are elected every four years and with them are elected the members of the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senators. In 2024 Donald Trump won the Presidency and his
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Environmentalism in Australia
Available Classes
Environmentalism in Australia
<p>How Australians relate to the environment has changed dramatically over time. This course traces that shift from the colonial British impulse to tame, control and exploit the land towards later
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Understanding Nature: An Introduction to Conservation Biology
Available Classes
Understanding Nature: An Introduction to Conservation Biology
<p>Conservation biology helps us understand and protect the extraordinary diversity of life on Earth. Designed for curious beginners, this introductory workshop explores topics ranging from cell
...Understanding Nature: An Introduction to Conservation Biology
<p>Conservation biology helps us understand and protect the extraordinary diversity of life on Earth. Designed for curious beginners, this introductory workshop explores topics ranging from cell
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Arabic Society and Culture
Available Classes
Arabic Society and Culture
<p>Explore the richness of Arab society and culture - from family life, food and hospitality to language, dress, music and dance. Discover traditions shaped both before and after Islam, and the
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Fiction Hit: Creating Compelling Characters
Available Classes
Fiction Hit: Creating Compelling Characters
<p>Memorable characters are at the heart of compelling fiction. This focused writing workshop explores how writers create believable, complex characters through motivation, backstory, voice and choice
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Epicurean and Stoic Philosophy: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life
Available Classes
Epicurean and Stoic Philosophy: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life
<p>Epicureanism and Stoicism offered two influential but very different answers to one of life's oldest questions: how should we live? This course introduces the central ideas of both traditions,
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