Love to learn with the WEA

Our languages and culture courses span the length and breadth of England and Scotland, with the option to study online or in person at a time that suits you. Whether you’re looking to learn a new language and immerse yourself in another country, or you simply wish to indulge in your love and fascination of film, we have the course for you. 

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Our creative writing courses will nourish your inner writer, providing you with a platform to develop your love of poetry, non-fiction or script development. If literature courses are more your kind of thing, then you’re in luck too, as there are a wide range of topics to choose from.  

Literary greats and great periods in history

Our language courses offer you the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a completely new culture, developing your skills so that you can speak confidently in countries right across the world. German, Italian and Greek are just a few examples of the language courses we have to offer, with many others taking place throughout the year.  

As you’d expect, literary greats such as Agatha Christie and Shakespeare feature regularly. There’s also the option to examine other time periods in English literature too, helping you develop your critical reading and analysis skills - perfect whether you’re a beginner or more experienced in the subject.  

If you prefer history then you’ve got a choice too, from courses on subjects you’d expect such as the first world war, or art history and studying the works of iconic painters such as Salvador Dali. 

Support and guidance

Whatever course you choose, you'll learn in a supportive environment where the class sizes are small, ensuring you get the attention you deserve, with an experienced and qualified tutor on-hand to guide you through your learning too.  

A lot of our cultural learning is delivered by our branch network: learn more here.

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Art Appreciation: Satire to Propaganda

Ranging from the satirical, even salacious, scenes of William Hogarth, through the often shocking socio-political criticism of Georg Grosz's work during the Weimar Republic, to the state-controlled art of Soviet Socialist Realism, this course explores the power of art to criticize and/or celebrate the social and political developments of their times No previous experience is necessary  - just a lively, open-minded interest in art! Topics to be covered will include the works of William Hogarth, Gustave Courbet, Jean-Francois Millet, Georg Grosz and Otto Dix; the works of the American Ashcan School (c1890-1914) and Soviet Socialist Realism (1930-); and the social, cultural and political context in which these works were produced.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 24/09/2024 -
Tue 12/11/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Janis Baker
Course code:
Q00018463
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £51.80

Creative Writing: Take a Picture, Tell its Story

The purpose of this course is to aid you in finding the confidence and inspiration to get writing, using photographs as stimulus to creating original writing and developing creative skills. Using your own photography, we will create a unique piece of writing which can be fact or fiction. You will learn some handy tips and tricks to really bring out the writer in you!

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 24/09/2024 -
Tue 22/10/2024
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00010291
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

British Novels in the 70s and 80s (Part 1)

This course will consider and analyse the following authors and their texts. These are: Magnus - George Mackay Brown. Border Country - Raymond Williams. They - Kay Dick. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - John Le Carre. Waterland - Graham Swift. These texts will provide a window into the different regions of Britain during two decades of major change in the social fabric and political nature of Britain, though several of our texts will trace these changes back to the earlier part of the twentieth century, and in doing so, we will encounter themes of identity, class and the decline of Empire. There will be much to prompt discussion and challenge our assumptions.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 25/09/2024 -
Wed 04/12/2024
Times:
2:15pm - 4:15pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Rose House (London)
70 Barnes High Street
London
SW13 9LD
Tutor:
Stephen Smith
Course code:
Q00017363
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
5 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £100.00

Foreign Languages: Modern Greek Conversation for Improvers (lower intermediate Term 4)

Can you take part in brief conversations in Greek in a wide range of situations? Would you like to boost your existing Greek language skills, be able to communicate in more detail and gain a deeper insight into the Greek culture? This online course aims to expand the Greek you have already learnt and increase your confidence in using the language to communicate with the locals when in Greece or Cyprus. It will also give you a further insight into the Greek lifestyle and culture. The course is taught by a well-qualified and experienced native speaker with many years’ teaching experience. Learning a foreign language for holiday or leisure is a great way to keep your brain active, explore a different culture, meet people with a common interest, increase your confidence and enhance your wellbeing. Take advantage of this unique opportunity today.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 25/09/2024 -
Wed 04/12/2024
Times:
7:15pm - 9:15pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Eleni Vezyri
Course code:
Q00018354
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Foreign Languages: Everyday Greek for Improvers (Intermediate Term 4)

Can you take part in conversations in Greek? This face-to-face course will refresh and expand the Greek you have learnt in the past and it will increase your confidence in communicating with the locals when in Greece or Cyprus. It will also give you a deeper insight into the Greek lifestyle and culture. The course is taught by a well-qualified and experienced native speaker with many years’ teaching experience. Learning a foreign language for holiday or leisure is a great way to keep your brain active, explore a different culture, meet people with a common interest, increase your confidence and enhance your wellbeing. Take advantage of this unique opportunity today.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 25/09/2024 -
Wed 04/12/2024
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
The Barn, Manor Farm (Tadcaster)
St. Joseph's Street
Tadcaster
LS24 9HA
Tutor:
Eleni Vezyri
Course code:
Q00018359
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Art Appreciation: Satire to Propaganda

Ranging from the satirical, even salacious, scenes of William Hogarth, through the often shocking socio-political criticism of Georg Grosz's work during the Weimar Republic, to the state-controlled art of Soviet Socialist Realism, this course explores the power of art to criticize and/or celebrate the social and political developments of their times. No previous experience is necessary  - just a lively, open-minded interest in art! On this seven week course, topics to be covered will include the work of William Hogarth, Gustave Courbet, Jean-Francois Millet, Georg Grosz and Otto Dix; and also the works of the American Ashcan School (c1890-1914) and Soviet Socialist Realism (1930-); and the social, cultural and political context in which these works were produced.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 25/09/2024 -
Wed 13/11/2024
Times:
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Rutland Adult Learning & Skills (Oakham)
Unit 16A
Oakham Enterprise Park, Ashwel
Oakham
LE15 7TU
Tutor:
Janis Baker
Course code:
Q00018462
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

Literature: Shakespeare and Philosophy

It has been said that Shakespeare wrote with the spirit of a poet and the acuteness of a philosopher and through this fascinating course you will examine the links between his works and philosophy This is a beginner’s course which enables new or refreshed learning of the Shakespeare’s timeless plots, interesting characters and key themes in his witty comedies and profound tragedies. While examining how Shakespeare depicts ancient yet modern ideas of power, ambition, revenge, love, good, evil, mercy and despair in drama, memorable imagery and poetic lines.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 25/09/2024 -
Wed 27/11/2024
Times:
10:15am - 12:15pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Castle Methodist Church (Colchester)
Maidenburgh Street
Colchester
CO1 1TT
Tutor:
David Sharp
Course code:
Q00018371
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Creative Writing: Creating and Developing Characters

Practice techniques for creating short stories, true or untrue. We'll apply the principles of short fiction to our writing, with the focus this term on creating and developing character. There will be writing exercises, discussions, an optional weekly homework task and feedback. Guidance on feedback techniques will be provided. The course content has flexibility, and will be adapted to suit the needs of the group. Suitable for improvers.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Catherine Humphris
Course code:
Q00009200
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £74.00

Beginners Latin

Latin is more alive than ever. It is often called a “dead” language, yet it is all around us. This online Latin course is ideal for language and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you are interested in language learning, botany, law, medicine, or even family history, you will find Latin everywhere. This beginner’s Latin course will teach you the essential grammar and syntax to start reading and understanding Latin. Learn to translate basic sentences into English. Learning Latin will give you transferable knowledge to apply to any language learning. This fascinating language is considered the blueprint for modern languages. Understand the etymology of various European languages, including French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 06/02/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
15 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Penelope Fewster
Course code:
Q00017596
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £111.00

Foreign Languages: Reading Latin Intermediate

Would you like to further develop your ability to read and enjoy Latin literature? You will use the Latin you have already learnt to translate, discuss and analyse original Latin literature, both verse and prose. In this intermediate level group you will develop more independence in translation through a mixture of immersive learning through reading Latin and analytical work in consolidating and extending your understanding of the Latin language. Lively discussion and exercises as part of a supportive group in the online sessions will be backed up by plentiful opportunities to work independently between sessions with a range of quizzes and assignments.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/09/2024 -
Thu 06/02/2025
Times:
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Duration:
15 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Penelope Fewster
Course code:
Q00017597
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £111.00