Courses

150th Anniversary of Ross Bay Cemetery

John Adams, the author of the Historic Guide to Ross Bay Cemetery, will share memories of the cemetery and discuss gathered research. You will learn about cemetery design, monument styles, famous and not-so-famous people buried at Ross Bay.

A Buddhist Guide to a Compassionate Life

Universal compassion is the heart of Mahayan Buddhism. In this course, you will explore how to live a meaningful life through following the path of a Bodhisattva.

A History of the James Bay Neighbourhood

Learn about the history of James Bay, Victoria’s oldest residential district, from the 1840s to today.

A History of Ross Bay Cemetery

Ross Bay Cemetery is a designated heritage site and one of British Columbia’s most iconic Victorian era cemeteries. John Adams, author of A Historic Guide to Ross Bay Cemetery and long-time member of the Old Cemeteries Society, will trace the origins of the cemetery from 1872 to the present day.

A New Look at James Bay History

In this richly illustrated look at the history of James Bay, instructor John Adams brings an updated focus to the past looking at Indigenous origins and current involvement, Hudson’s Bay Company farms, gold-rush-era land speculation, locating the colonial and provincial government buildings, industrialization, zoning for high-rise apartments in the 1950s and 1960s and the eventual backlash against them. 

An Introduction to Humanities

An introduction to the various ways in which scholars from different disciplines in the Humanities interpret, analyze and evaluate texts.

An Introduction to Neuroscience

Advances in neuroscience have provided insight into all aspects of our lives. In this course, you will learn the basics of neuroscience: neurons, sensory perception, vision, motor control, attention and memory.

An Introduction to Art and Architecture in the Islamic World

The development of Muslim religious and social practices gave rise to a tradition of Islamic art and architecture that includes everything from mosques and charitable foundations such as hospitals and soup kitchens to richly painted books featuring epic stories and poetry.

Artificial Intelligence and You

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been called "the new electricity" because it is reshaping our lives. How will AI do that? Find out as we separate fact from hype.

Artificial Intelligence in Border Management

In this course you will be introduced to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) and learn about their practical applications in both trade facilitation and trade enforcement.

Being Religious in the 21st Century: An Intro to the Sociology of Religion

The majority view in the sociological study of religion used to be that religion was on its way out in the Global North. While there were some notable holdouts, like the United States, other nations like Canada, Denmark, and France were becoming increasingly secular. Yet, today, while there has been a decline in some religious organizations, others are flourishing.

Boosting or Maintaining Your Brain Power as You Get Older

This presentation looks at ways to maintain or boost brain power through lifestyle choices, especially the role of physical activity which is the number one way to preserve memory and other cognitive functions.

Borders and Law in the 21st Century

In this course you will learn about the complex object of the border through the prism of law.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Multiple Perspectives

China’s Belt and Road Initiative involves development projects in over 100 countries. In this course, we focus on Eurasia where it includes both overland and sea routes designed to kick start regional connectivity and economic growth.

Chinese New Year Customs

John Adams, author of Chinese Victoria, will explain how the date of the annual event is calculated, how the twelve Chinese zodiac animals were chosen and show many of the items popularly used in the celebrations.

Chinese Victoria: History of Victoria's Chinatown

Victoria's Chinatown is the oldest, permanent, urban Chinese community in Canada—dating back to the 1858 Gold Rush on the Fraser River.

Christmas in Old Victoria

Find out how Christmas was observed in Victoria during the 19th century, from the annual decoration of the churches to the competition between butcher shops for the fanciest store window displays.

Conspiracies and Radicalization in the "Post-Truth" Era

To better understand the rapid spread of conspiratorial thinking and extremist ideologies.

Conspiracies, Extremism and Radicalization in the 21st Century

What does it mean to be a conspiracy theorist? What can lead someone from sharing memes about the Reptiloids or the Illuminati online, to storming the halls of the United States Capitol buildings?

Conspiratorial Thinking in the Age of COVID

Our social media networks have become filled with strange claims: that Bill Gates is micro-chipping us through our COVID vaccines, that COVID itself is a hoax, etc. How do some of us come to believe such wild claims?

The Prime Minister’s Office in Canada: From Sanctuary to Command

This talk examines the unexpected origins of the Prime Minister’s office in the 1920s and 1930s, its restructuring in the 1960s, and its eventual emergence as a centre of decision-making filled with unelected advisors.

Cross Border Management in Comparative Perspective

In this course you will join experts from around the world to examine local and regional changes affecting the politics and policies of cross border regions and transboundary people.

Decolonization and Cultural Safety

As part of the Fundamentals for the Homelessness Serving Sector, we will be offering a course on Decolonization and Cultural Safety in fall 2023.

Doing Philosophy is Learning to Die

In 1580 the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne wrote his essay Doing Philosophy is Learning to Die, recycling many passages and ideas from his favourite Latin philosophers, especially Lucretius and Seneca. We will explore the Latin sources and historical context of Montaigne’s essay as well as his ways of thinking and writing.

Ecclesiastes and the Meaning of Life

Ecclesiastes (Qohelet in Hebrew) is arguably the most enigmatic book of the Hebrew Bible. This course explores historical, literary and theological aspects of Ecclesiastes and its relevance in present times.

Eco-Philosophy and Deep Ecology at the End of the World

Many people worry that the earth is in danger. An interesting question is: if this is how it is, how should we live in these times? Inspired by the work of a medieval Japanese monk, this presentation explores how diverse eco-philosophers understand our connection with nature, and how to live in a way that honours it.

Emily Carr's James Bay

Emily Carr was born in Victoria’s James Bay neighbourhood in 1871 and died there in 1945. Instructor John Adams will bring to life the places, people and events that featured in Emily’s world.

Empire and Desire: The Ottoman Palace in Western Imagination

Topkapı Palace served as the seat of Ottoman imperial power for 400 years.

Fairfield History

Before 1843, what did the terrain of Fairfield look like, where were the village sites of the Indigenous inhabitants, and how were the streams and waterways used as a shortcut from Ross Bay to the Inner Harbour?

Forensic Anthropology of the Human Skeleton

This six-part series will examine topics of forensic anthropology and concepts relating to the recovery and analysis of unidentified human remains in a medico-legal context.

Freedom from Anger and Resentment

Anger, from minor annoyance to complete meltdown, afflicts our minds almost daily. Resentment is even worse because it holds on to this anger, becoming a destructive force of unhappiness.

Gender and Sexuality

As part of our new offering on Fundamentals for the Homelessness Serving Sector, we will be offering a course on Gender and Sexuality, where , learners are introduced to gender-based and LGBTQIA2S+ issues related to homelessness. Leaners are also introduced to best practices for supporting individuals experiencing gender-based violence and individuals engaged in sex work.

Ghosts and Legends of Victoria

As October draws to a close, people begin to think of Halloween. Historian John Adams has been collecting ghost stories from Victoria for 25 years and will share some of the classics and some of the most intriguing during this presentation.

Haunted Victoria

Analyze haunting stories with John Adams, well-known ghost storyteller.

Homelessness and Housing First Principles

As part of our new offering on Fundamentals for the Homelessness Serving Sector, we will be offering a course on the different types of homelessness and housing first principles. Learners are also introduced to person-centered and trauma-informed support techniques using a decolonized and anti-stigma approach.

How to Give a Great Presentation

Dr. Krigolson will provide tips on how to give an outstanding presentation including how to engage your audience, how to speak and how to design good slides.

Human Evolution

Bringing together the evidence from the fossil record, recent genetic advances, and the archaeological data, we will examine the biological and cultural characteristics that define humans, as well as the major theories for how such characteristics evolved.

Introduction to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

An interdisciplinary exploration of the history, theory and practice of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Focuses on understanding the origins and evolution of EDI frameworks, and the recent boom of EDI initiatives in the workplace in response to social movements.

Industrial Victoria

This illustrated talk about an often overlooked part of Victoria’s history explores lost industries, the people who owned them and the workers who toiled for them.

Intercultural Communication in the Workplace

As a global citizen, an understanding of cultural difference and ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities is critical for work in both local and international settings.

Introduction to Canadian Contemporary Issues

An introduction to contemporary issues in Canadian society including: politics, economic and social structures, cultural and arts policy, science and technology, multiculturalism, bilingualism, Indigenous issues and gender issues.

Introduction to Canadian Culture

An introduction to the multidisciplinary study of cultural structures and expression in Canada, including such forms as literature, fine arts, mass media and communications.

Introduction to Intercultural Studies

An interdisciplinary exploration of theory and practice in the field of intercultural studies. Focuses on understanding the application of intercultural concepts and theories to effect social change.

Introduction to the Human Dimensions of Climate Change

This course examines a range of understandings of and approaches to addressing climate change. It explores what kind of problems climate change poses; what toolkits are needed to develop and engage it effectively; how to collaborate across diverse priorities in relation to it; and what scales and kinds of actions should be prioritized.

Issues and Ideas in Canadian Environmentalism

This course offers an opportunity to explore how the physical environment of this country shapes the Canadian people.

Karma and the Power to Change

Often when things go wrong we look for someone to blame or we conclude that life is unfair. This may lead to feelings of resentment, guilt or shame. In this course, you will examine the perspective of the Buddhist concept of karma, which holds that our intentions are the causes and our experiences are the effects.

Managing Borders and Bodies in the 21st Century

In this course you will learn about the various ways that international actors and states manage the flow of people across international borders.

Mental Health and Substance Use & Supporting Others, Caring for Yourself

In this interactive, hands-on workshop, you will have the opportunity to discuss topics related to working in the homelessness serving sector.

Mindfulness and our Search for Meaning

Mindfulness practice is pervasive today, with various claims about its effectiveness. Yet a big question about mindfulness meditation remains unasked: what does it mean? In this presentation, we look back into more traditional discussions of this practice to find various detailed discussions of meaning. 

Networks and Borderlands: Bordering Processes in the 21st Century

In this first lecture, we'll establish the framework for our future discussions. What do borders look like in the 21st Century? Does it make sense to talk about borders in digital spaces, and if so, what do they look like? How do online social movements and ideologies engage in bordering processes?

Networks of Rage: Far-Right Extremism Online

In this lecture, we will assess how far-right activism in North America has used digital landscapes to effectively transcend national borders. We will examine some of the ways that far-right ideologies emerge, how they use the internet and social media first to organize, and then to spread internationally.

Nerdology: The Sociology of Video Games and Digital Media

This course will discuss video games as the revolutionary creative and commercial products they are. 

Not Just a Little Bit of Olde England

For years Victoria had the reputation for being so very English. Local historian John Adams will sort fact from fiction and show that there was a lot more diversity in the city than tourism promoters, beginning in the 1920s, wanted us to believe.

Organizational Diversity and Inclusion

Learn to identify the barriers to diversity and inclusion in organizations, and develop the knowledge and skills to build respectful, equitable, and innovative workplaces.

Person-centered Procedures

As part of our new offering on Fundamentals for the Homelessness Serving Sector, we will be offering a course on Person-centered Procedures, where learners are introduced to best practices for record-keeping, resolving conflict, crisis management, and critical incident debriefing.

Politics, Policies and Planning for Climate Action

This course uses British Columbia as a case study to introduce the policy and political contexts that shape climate action across scales from local to global, including relevant institutional and governance innovations.

Responsibilities and Reciprocity in the Place You are Now

This introductory survey course centers local lands and Coast Salish protocols to highlight relationships of land, water and people, including what it means to be a good guest here.

Rockland History and Architecture

The Rockland neighbourhood and its homes and families.

Skepticism and Critical Thinking in the 21st Century

In light of growing anti-intellectualism, we are faced with a daunting prospect - a world where facts matter less than popularity, and where certainty threatens to replace truth. We are entering what some scholars refer to as a post-truth age and it is happening at a perilous time.

Social Networks: How Conspiracy Theories Move in Digital Spaces

Today, conspiracy theorists from around the world can come together, share their beliefs, and develop new ones to then be spread through our social media networks. How does this happen? Why do they spread so quickly, and what can be done about it?

Special Topics in Canadian Studies

This online course explores the history, achievements and possibilities inherent in grassroots organizations in Canada, using examples from across the country but with a focus on British Columbia movements.

Stories in Stone: Rock Art Around the World

For thousands of years, paint and stone have been used all over the world to make art. From painting on rock surfaces, to meticulous grinding of pigments and stone, rock art in the form of pictographs and petroglyphs is one of the most intriguing cultural expressions.

Supporting Others, Caring for Self

As part of the Fundamentals for the Homelessness Serving Sector, we will soon be offering a course on Supporting Others, Caring for Self.

The Changing Face of Victoria's Chinatown in the 21st Century

In 1995 Victoria’s Chinatown was designated a national historic site of Canada because it is the oldest surviving Chinatown in Canada, it was the largest urban centre of Chinese population in Canada until the first decade of the twentieth centu

The Epicurean Way of Life

Death is nothing to be feared, there are no intimidating gods in the world, and what's good to have is easy to get, once you learn how to distinguish real good from illusory goods.

The Myths That Plato Told – Part 1

In this discussion seminar we select two of these stories, connecting Plato's treatment with other ancient sources and interpreting the myths in terms of Plato's own philosophy.

The Myths That Plato Told – Part 2

After people die, where do their souls go? And what happens to them? Plato explored this question in three different works and three different ways, each time by creating a new myth out of elements of traditional Greek mythology.

The Myths that Plato Told - Part 3

Why is sexual desire a good thing? This was the topic chosen by Agathon and his guests at the famous Symposium of Plato. In this seminar, focusing on myths of love, you will read and discuss the main speeches in this influential work, including the Origin of Love delivered by Aristophanes and the Ladder of Love delivered by Socrates.

The Neuroscience of Aging

In this session Dr. Krigolson will discuss how the brain grows from conception to birth and then how it ages throughout the lifespan.

The Neuroscience of Human Decision Making

Recent advances in neuroscience have helped us understand how we make decisions. In this talk, your instructor will review these advances and provide practical applications of these concepts.

The Sculpting of Myth and Imagination

The flat lands of Tuktoyaktuk to the ice cap of Greenland and … the little grub that defies hibernation.

The Social Construction of Borders

Borders help to define citizenship and to exclude the unwelcome and Other. But what of culture? Does cultural identity stop (or start) at the border?

The Storm Rises: Qanon as Conspiracy and Quasi-religious Movement

Of all the conspiratorial claims to have emerged in the past five years, perhaps the most bizarre—and dangerous—is Qanon, a paranoid, conspiratorial movement that has in recent years taken on an almost religious dynamic. What is this movement? What do its followers believe? Why do some of its more lurid elements feel so familiar? 

The Wisdom of Proverbs

Proverbs offers a much richer understanding of the meaning of wisdom throughout the Bible and in our own lives. This course uses a combined lecture and seminar format with plenty of time for discussion and questions. 

Thinking About Religion Today

The study of religion is currently characterized by provocative developments calling into question the conceptual basis for this field of study.

Trade and Customs Borders in the 21st Century

In this course you will learn about the regulatory environment of trading networks and how they functionally redesign borders and influence customs policies and practices.

Transformation in Complex Systems

This course introduces skills needed to support planning and decision-making about climate action under conditions of uncertainty, with particular attention to assessing sites for and implications of specific interventions.

Troy Revisited

Troy is a well-known legendary city and an archeological site in the northwest corner of Turkey. Homer’s Illiad defines a walled-city in front of which the Acheans and the Trojans launched a fierce battle for Helene’s sake.

Ukraine and the Middle East: Impact and Responses

In this talk, you will learn about the impact that the Ukraine war had on the Middle East. We will explore and discuss topics such as food security and energy prices. This talk will also consider how regimes and populations have responded to Russia’s invasion.

University 101

A desire to learn is all you need for University 101. This non-credit course in the humanities is for you if your economic and social circumstances normally pose obstacles to university education (e.g., low income, mental health challenges, single parenthood, homelessness).

University 102

A desire to learn is all you need for University 102. This non-credit course in the social sciences is offered to people whose personal, economic and social circumstances might pose obstacles to university education (e.g., low income, physical or mental health challenges, work and family responsibilities or lack of opportunity).

University 201

University 201 is a course for people who have completed at least one of the University 101 or 102 courses. The course runs in all three academic terms and covers a wide range of different topics on a monthly basis.

UVic’s Transformative Climate Action Program: What can it do for you?

Are you looking to develop the skills and knowledge to develop, lead and support effective climate action across diverse sectors? Join us for one of our free 30-minute Zoom information sessions where we will introduce you to the Transformative Climate Action Certificate and micro-credential options.

Victoria 100 Years Ago: A Look at 1923

Join local historian John Adams for a trip to the Victoria of 1923. You’ll learn about the Chinese Students Strike, a proposed curfew for children, plans for the CPR’s Steamship Terminal... and more!

Victoria in the 1960s

The decade of the 1960s was a pivotal time in Victoria. High rise apartments were sprouting up in James Bay. The first malls were being built in suburban areas. Heritage preservation projects started with Centennial Square and Bastion Square. In this presentation, you will hear from historian John Adams for an illustrated talk about the fascinating 1960s in Victoria.

Victorian Cities of the Dead

Some of BC’s most impressive 19th century cemeteries are located in Victoria, and instructor John Adams knows them intimately.

Why Philosophy? Aristotle's lost dialogue Protrepticus

Aristotle's masterful introduction to philosophy inspired many later authors from Epicurus to Cicero and Iamblichus. Recent scholarship has authenticated large citations from this work, which can now be reconstructed as a witty dialogue. In this seminar, you will read and discuss this reconstructed dialogue.

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times

When Seneca retired he was glad to resume his philosophical studies. He was inspired by reading a collection of Epicurus’ letters to draft his own Letters to Lucilius, which became his greatest masterpiece.

Being Religious in the 21st Century

In this course, you will explore the study of religion in society. You will discuss how religion has changed overtime and its current state in the United States, Canada, Denmark and France.

Falls Prevention for Seniors

Falls can be very serious and have lasting effects, however many falls are preventable.

Nlaka’pamux Responses to Museum-Building, 1880-1920

Nlaka’pamux communities in south central British Columbia experienced a surge of traditional cultural activity (buckskin work, basket-making, weaving, storytelling, etc.) between 1895 and 1920.

Meditation for a Peaceful Heart

The key to a happy life is learning to reside in a peaceful heart. This is something we can all learn to do.

-ologies and -ologists

Words ending in “-ology” refer to a branch of learning or the study of a particular subject and “ologists” are people studying or learning about an “-ology”. 

Pacific Pilotage Authority

Every day, foreign vessels ply the coastal waters of British Columbia and the Fraser River. These ships transport on average $800 million of commodities a day.

What’s Happening at the Sidney Centre for Plant Health?

Since 1912, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Sidney Centre for Plant Health (CPH) has been part of the community.

Silencing the Inner Critic

Many of us have a tendency to be excessively self-critical, self doubting, and lacking in confidence. In this course, we will learn how to use Buddhist insights and wisdom to free ourselves from self critical thoughts and attitudes and recognize our potential for limitless inner peace and mental freedom.

Making Sense of the Self - Western & Eastern Approaches to “Who am I?”

How to Enjoy a Life of Altruism

Development of Centennial Square

The Neuroscience of Sleep

Sleep is the single biggest factor that influences brain health and the impact of sleep on brain health becomes increasingly more important as we age. In this talk, Dr. Krigolson will outline the physiological mechanisms behind sleep and how sleep works.

Accepting Loss and Change in Our Life

Victoria's Industrial History

What is the Meaning of Suffering?

It is impossible to live a life without suffering. Yet, we all respond to suffering in different ways; it means something different to different people.

Want to Save the Planet? Eat Better Food

Agriculture is the world’s single largest driver of climate change and the sector most affected by it. Agricultural irrigation has doubled in the past 50 years and now consumes greater than 70 per cent of global freshwater withdrawals while synthetic fertilizer use increased 500 per cent.