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.
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.
History
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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.
Life and Leisure
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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.
Literature
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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.
Music
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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.
Philosophy and Law
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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.
Religion
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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.
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 - FALL 2023
Expand the lists below for lecture information.
St. George - Fridays, 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Friday, October 6 With Red Lights Flashing Everywhere, Why Is Populism Winning the Hearts and Minds of Voters? A Candid Update on the Global War on Liberal Democracy Daniel Drache, professor emeritus, political science, York University |
October 13 The Influence of Mothers on Famous Men Charlotte Gray, author, historian |
October 20 Set the Table: Reset Your Life Laura Calder, cookbook author |
October 27 Watch What We Zoo Next: How Purpose and Passion Are Driving the Future of Our Zoo Dolf DeJong, president and CEO, Toronto Zoo |
November 3 Royalty and Popular Culture: Fact, Fiction and the Crown Carolyn Harris, historian, instructor—Continuing Studies |
November 10 TBA Anita Lee, chief programming officer, Toronto International Film Festival |
November 17 The Back Story on Spine Care Drew Bednar, clinical professor of orthopaedics, McMaster University |
November 24 Canadian Defence Policy in Uncertain Times Adam Chapnick, deputy director of education—Canadian Forces College |
December 1 Public Health Challenges and Opportunities Dr. Eileen de Villa, medical officer of health, City of Toronto |
December 8 Supporting Indigenous Growth: How U of T Is Responding to Change Shannon Simpson, director, Indigenous Initiatives, University of Toronto |
Markham - Thursdays, 12:30 - 1:30 PM
Thursday, October 5 Royalty and Popular Culture: Fact, Fiction and the Crown Carolyn Harris, historian, instructor—Continuing Studies |
October 12 The Influence of Mothers on Famous Men Charlotte Gray, author, historian |
October 19 Dream States: How Smart City Technology Fits into the Post-Pandemic World John Lorinc, author, journalist, editor |
October 26 Set the Table: Reset Your Life Laura Calder, cookbook author |
November 2 The Back Story on Spine Care Drew Bednar, clinical professor of orthopaedics, McMaster University |
November 9 One Match to Blaze a Trail Elisabeth Baugh, former CEO, Ovarian Cancer Canada; founder, Aboutface |
November 16 Not Here: Canada and the U.S. in the Age of Democratic Erosion? Rob Goodman, assistant professor, politics and public administration, Toronto Metropolitan University |
November 23 Title TBA: Indigenous Initiatives at UTSC Kelly Crawford, assistant director, Indigenous Initiatives, University of Toronto Scarborough |
November 30 Canadian Defence Policy in Uncertain Times Adam Chapnick, deputy director of education—Canadian Forces College |
December 7 Customer Service Used to Be an Art. Now it’s Big Business Kevin Thistle, CEO, professional Golfers’ Association of Canada |
Oakville - Mondays, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Monday, October 2 Royalty and Popular Culture: Fact, Fiction and the Crown Carolyn Harris, historian, instructor—Continuing Studies |
October 9 No lecture - Thanksgiving |
October 16 Customer Service Used to Be an Art. Now it’s Big Business Kevin Thistle, CEO, Professional Golfers’ Association of Canada |
October 23 IDEA in Action: Building a More Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable and Accessible Society Ana Sofia Barrows, equity, diversity and inclusion strategist |
October 30 How Do Your Words Sound to a Cynic? In an Era of Mistrust, Why Your Words Matter More than Ever Diana Swain, managing editor, investigative journalism/programs, CBC News |
November 6 Title TBA Melissa Farrell, president and CEO, Halton Healthcare |
November 13 Not Here: Canada and the U.S. in the Age of Democratic Erosion? Rob Goodman, assistant professor, politics and public administration, Toronto Metropolitan University |
November 20 Dream States: How Smart City Technology Fits into the Post-Pandemic World John Lorinc, author, journalist, editor |
November 27 Book Clubs for Inmates: “The Beloved Community“ Tom Best, executive director, Book Clubs for Inmates |
December 4 Truth, Openness and Reciprocity – Mobilizing Reconciliation at University of Toronto Mississauga Tee Duke, director, Office of Indigenous Initiatives, U of T Mississauga |
December 11 Canadian Defence Policy in Uncertain Times Adam Chapnick, deputy director of education—Canadian Forces College |
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.
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.
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