Arts & Humanities

Journey towards new understanding
of the world around you.

We currently have 154 courses in
Arts and Humanities

 

Our Programs

Our Arts and Humanities courses are here to help you discover a new passion, or rekindle an old one. Enrich your life and expand your mind with our expertly-created and instructed courses in everything from ancient history to current real estate trends.

 

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Health, Environment, and Science

ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

If you’re naturally curious and have a keen interest in living things, the environment, and human biology, this is your opportunity to become part of the journey into the fascinating world of science. Beyond your traditional environmental studies program, our diverse range of courses invites you to investigate subjects ranging from your health to pharmacology to the environment in which we live. These entertaining and inclusive classes will answer many of the questions you might have about the influence of science in our daily lives. 

What’s more, our University Lecture Series covers an eclectic range of timely topics, presented by leading scholars thinkers and experts, often of interest to learners participating in the Health, Environment, and Science program.

You might also be interested in courses in Environment and Sustainability.

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History

ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

To understand the present and the future, it is important that we know the past. History comes to life in our courses that explore the people and the events that have shaped our contemporary world. Our History courses are taught by renowned educators who make local and global themes fascinating and current. 

Explore ancient history, wars and revolutions, influential historical figures, and more. Whatever historical period or personality interests you, you’re sure to find a course that dives deep into the topics that fascinate you the most.

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Life and Leisure

ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

We offer an ever-expanding selection of fascinating courses designed to enrich and balance your life. From managing your finances to nurturing a personal passion, to discovering the world around you in a new way, these courses will help you connect with what’s important in your life and see the world from a fresh perspective.   

Each course is taught by an experienced instructor who shares your interest in personal growth and fulfillment. Plus, our University Lecture Series covers an eclectic range of timely topics, presented by leading scholars, thinkers, and experts, often of interest to learners taking part in the Life and Leisure program.

Typewriter

Literature

ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

The written word, both fictional and factual, is the most compelling form of human expression. Our English literature courses offer a rare opportunity to study a broad range of great writing. Take the time to discover the riches of great books that you’ve always wanted to read, and enjoy the pleasure of discussing them with people who share your passion.  

Our University Lecture Series is a great complement to our Literature program.  Covering an eclectic range of timely topics, presented by leading scholars, thinkers, and experts, the series is often of interest to learners participating in literature study.

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Music

ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

We offer unique perspectives on music, the most ancient form of human art. Our music courses showcase this art form as an influence in classical and popular culture. These courses provide history, context, and insights in an effort to enrich your experiences with various music forms and performances.   

Plus, our University Lecture Series covers an eclectic range of timely topics, presented by leading scholars, thinkers, and experts, often of interest to learners who study music through this program.

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Philosophy and Law

ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

The ability to think critically is one of life’s most valuable skills, both personally and professionally. Providing a blend of study in history, philosophy theory, and literature, our Philosophy and Law courses will lead you to explore life’s big questions and examine the theories of history’s most famous thinkers.   

New to SCS, and presented in partnership with the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, our course "Introduction to Legal Principles, Thinking and Reasoning" supports learners who are preparing for entry into law school, or who interact with legal professionals in their daily work in a fully-online, self-study format.

Our University Lecture Series is a great complement to these courses, as it covers an eclectic range of timely topics, presented by leading scholars, thinkers, and experts, often of interest to learners who study philosophy and law.

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Religion

ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

Belief in the sacred has enduring power. As a source of understanding for life, religion speaks to some of the toughest questions we ask ourselves, such as “Who knows me?” or “What is my place in the world?” Our Religion courses explore the dynamic relationship between religious belief and personal freedom, sacred texts and scientific inquiry, as well as divine revelation and human progress. What’s more, our University Lecture Series is a great complement to these courses, as it covers an eclectic range of timely topics, presented by leading scholars, thinkers, and experts, often of interest to learners who participate in our Religion program.

People in the classroom

University Lecture Series

ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

A consistent favourite, the University Lecture Series is guaranteed to pique your interest with a fascinating list of hour-long talks. This series features a line-up of scholars and thought leaders who weigh in on subjects across the intellectual spectrum, including history, politics, geography, art, science, architecture, media and more.  

Every week offers another illuminating talk that will challenge your assumptions and potentially shift your perspective. Provocative, critical and insightful, this series welcomes learners of all ages.  

 The University Lecture Series is offered in person at the St George Campus in Toronto, Oakville and Markham. It is also available online.

 

UNIVERSITY LECTURE SERIES - WINTER 2024

Expand the lists below for lecture information.

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February 2

Flipping the Page on Ocean Literacy    

Rochelle Strauss, author, education consultant

February 9

Reimagining Rental Housing in Canada: Building Climate-Safe Communities    

Tim Blair, CEO, Kindred Works and co-founder, Heartwood; David Constable, managing partner, Kindred Works and co-founder, Heartwood

February 16

The Comeback Blueprint 

Emily O’Brien, founder and CEO, Comeback Snacks

February 23

Under the Ice: When Scuba Divers Enter Another World for Science

Andrew Budziak, photographer, journalist, broadcaster

March 1

The 7Rs of Circular Fashion: Overconsumption and the Crisis of Stuff 

Kelly Drennan, systems thinker, disruptor devoted to making change within the fashion industry

March 8

AI Essentials: Understanding the Basics of Artificial Intelligence

Roger Vandomme, tba

March 15

The Time is Now: Advancing Veteran Access to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy        

David Fascinato, executive director, Heroic Hearts Canada

March 22

Going Down Green: Natural Burial

Susan Greer, executive director, Natural Burial Association

April 5

Steering the Conversation: Amplifying Advocacy to Put the Brakes on Vehicle Theft  

Elliott Silverstein, tba

April 12

The Future of Philanthropy: How to Do Good Better

Noah Aiken-Klar, director, grants and programs, The Law Foundation of Ontario

,

February 1

The 7Rs of Circular Fashion: Overconsumption and the Crisis of Stuff 

Kelly Drennan, systems thinker, disruptor devoted to making change within the fashion industry

February 8

The Time is Now: Advancing Veteran Access to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy        

David Fascinato, executive director, Heroic Hearts Canada

February 15

The Comeback Blueprint 

Emily O’Brien, founder and CEO, Comeback Snacks

February 22

Red Works Photography: Turning the Lens        

Nadya Kwandibens, portrait and events photographer; photo laureate, City of Toronto

February 29

Under the Ice: When Scuba Divers Enter Another World for Science

Andrew Budziak, photographer, journalist, broadcaster

March 7

AI Essentials: Understanding the Basics of Artificial Intelligence

Roger Vandomme, tba 

March 14

Nature-based Solutions to Climate Change

Jessica Kaknevicius, CEO, Forests Ontario

March 21

On the Rails: An Homage to Train Journeys and the Question of Why We Travel

Pamela Mulloy, writer, editor

March 28

Going Down Green: Natural Burial

Susan Greer, executive director, Natural Burial Association    

April 4

Steering the Conversation: Amplifying Advocacy to Put the Brakes on Vehicle Theft

Elliott Silverstein, tba

,

February 5

The Time is Now: Advancing Veteran Access to Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy        

David Fascinato, executive director, Heroic Hearts Canada

February 12

The Comeback Blueprint

Emily O’Brien, founder and CEO, Comeback Snacks

February 19

No lecture – Family Day

February 26

Under the Ice: When Scuba Divers Enter Another World for Science

Andrew Budziak, photographer, journalist, broadcaster

March 4

AI Essentials: Understanding the Basics of Artificial Intelligence

Roger Vandomme, tba

March 11

The Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas - Birding for Conservation      

Kaelyn Bumelis,  assistant coordinator, Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas 

March 18

By the Ghost Light: Wars, Memory and Families  

R. H. Thomson, actor, author

March 25

Steering the Conversation: Amplifying Advocacy to Put the Brakes on Vehicle Theft

Elliott Silverstein, tba

April 8

The 7Rs of Circular Fashion: Overconsumption and the Crisis of Stuff 

Kelly Drennan, systems thinker, disruptor devoted to making change within the fashion industry 

April 15

On the Rails: An Homage to Train Journeys and the Question of Why We Travel

Pamela Mulloy, writer, editor

April 22

What’s at Stake in Ontario’s Ring of Fire?

Virginia Heffernan, author, geoscientist

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Visual Art and Architecture

ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

We offer dozens of courses in visual art and architecture that allow you to explore the history, imagery, and practice of artistic expression in its many forms. For instance, our beginner drawing classes put you in the studio to learn the techniques of great artists, while our art history courses dive into art through the ages. Our photography, film, and architecture classes examine the applied art forms that enrich our daily lives. 

From practical uses of art to the historic significance of major works, learners in our Visual Art and Architecture courses come away with a fresh perspective on the art that surrounds us, as well as a deeper understanding of the fine arts that have shaped civilization. Our University Lecture Series is also a great complement to these courses, as it covers an eclectic range of timely topics, presented by leading scholars, thinkers, and experts, often of interest to learners who participate in our Visual Art and Architecture program.

Featured Courses

 

Opera and the Supernatural
MUSIC

Opera and the Supernatural

Join opera expert Iain Scott as he explores the supernatural and magical themes that give power to some of the best-loved operas. Opera’s invitation to suspend belief makes it possible to present the worlds that lie beyond. This course will feature many operatic excerpts on video.

American Cinema of the ’70s: The Last Golden Age
LIFE AND LEISURE

American Cinema of the ’70s: The Last Golden Age

Why were the ’70s the last golden age of American cinema? Those films, made mostly by young, up-and-coming filmmakers, successfully broke all the previous rules of how Hollywood movies were made. FInd out how they pioneered the use of taboo-breaking subject matter and hired actors who looked more ‘ordinary’ than previous stars. Discover or re-visit the decade’s classics, such as The Godfather I and II, Nashville, Taxi Driver, Carrie, and Jaws—movies that make today’s mostly pallid American entertainment look dull and out-of-touch.

American Cinema of the ’70s: The Last Golden Age

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