WEA courses

Learn to use digital devices and gain essential computer skills for professional and personal use. Digital training helps you move with the times and not get left behind. This beginner’s course is for anyone who wants to learn digital skills, no matter your current knowledge. This course is appropriate for complete beginners, so don’t worry if this is all new to you. Learn to use word processing software and fill out online forms in this Digital Skills course. Understand how to use email and search for information online. This digital skills training also teaches you how to shop online securely. You’ll understand online safety and data storage

Aristophanes (c.450-388 BCE) writing in the Fifth Century is regarded as the key author in Ancient Greek comedy. His plays will be studied, read and workshopped. We shall look at how his plays might be put on, and staged today. His plays often have structures similar to a sketch show and he uses many comic devices still popular with comedians today. His plays are a little rude though (sometimes very rude). We shall look at how he creates his comic characters and situations. We shall discuss the issues that he wants to write about and consider if these are still relevant to a modern audience trying to make sense of the political and social world today. Over ten weeks, two to three plays will be discussed and workshopped to appreciate the various theatrical devices that Aristophanes often uses.

This five week course will introduce you to an often neglected area of the European short story, this being stories from the Netherlands. Each of the five stories can be found in The Penguin Book of Dutch Short Stories, which is the text we will work from. The stories for consideration and analysis are: Young Titans - Nescio. The Sirens - Maria Dermout. The Portrait - Hella Haasse. Paula - Cees Nooteboom. Sunrise Day - Margriet De Moor. The course will involve lectures, discussions and advice on further research into the subject. Each session will dissect a narrative and relate its context, meaning and style.

This course, composed of new texts, builds on similar courses on German literature given by Stephen Smith. Four novels and one poet will be analysed and placed in context over the 10 weeks’ duration of the course. The first text, The Passenger by Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz, was actually written in 1938, but having recently been rediscovered, it is too good not to include. We will begin with this novel and then explore: Vertigo - WG Sebald. Lost - Hans Ulrich Treichel. Kairos - Jenny Erpenbeck. The Poetry of Durs Grunbein. The course will offer great scope for discussion of excellent texts, which are intellectually, imaginatively and emotional stimulating.

The course aims to introduce learners to the long history of British film, its unique institutions, and how its story crosses over with both that of Hollywood and of the European film industries closer to home. We’ll take a deep dive into each major historical period of the industry in the context of its times and wider social change, from the earliest cinematic experiments to the present day. With a wealth of clips and background material.

Do you want to feel confident communicating in French? Build on your knowledge of grammar and expand your vocabulary in this intermediate French language course. Boost your language skills so you feel comfortable communicating in everyday situations. Order food and drink, ask for directions, and understand basic instructions. After this improver’s French course, you'll feel confident expressing yourself in the French language. Studying a French language course is also a great way to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the country. ● Consolidate your understanding of the grammatical tenses covered in the beginner’s course. ● Develop resources to take part in conversations and role plays. ● Understand basic grammatical structures to be able to get by in everyday situations. ● Expand your vocabulary through a variety of texts from books, news, and online sources. ● Sharpen your listening skills through audiovisual activities

Macramé is a creative knotting technique that can be used to make a variety of items, plant hangers, wall hangings, friendship bracelets, belts, and bags. including jewellery and other decorative items. It’s a great way to relax and create beautiful art pieces for your home. Learning new skill is to support learners with their health and wellbeing. Learn a new skill which may be a route into employment / self-employment. During this course your tutor will give you demonstration and individual attention for your guidance. In this course you will be working with a macramé cord and each learner will be able to complete a wall hanger . It can be used by you or can be gifted to the loved ones. This is a continuation of the autumn beginners’ course, but newcomers are also welcome

We will consider a range of films, from classics to contemporary cinema. We will discuss the style and meaning of diverse extracts drawing on key ideas from Film Studies. We will consider films from diverse countries, comparing and contrasting these with American and British cinema. The class will be organised around discussion of selected extracts, with guidance on points to look for, including different aspects of film such as the screenplay and cinematography. Students will be encouraged to develop their responses in small groups. Case studies will be included on Alfred Hitchcock and British cinema.

This course will give you an outline of the history of urban and suburban housing in Britain over the last 200 years. As Britain’s industrial cities expanded, thousands of people wanted somewhere suitable to live. For the expanding middle classes of clerks, bankers and other professionals, this meant a respectable home to buy or rent. We will explore how how the expansion of the railways led to the development of suburbs as workers could travel further to their workplace. We will see how the aspiration of owning one’s own home became achievable with the development of building societies and how Britain became a home-owning society.

Use Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Word to create letters, posters, and tables. Learn to use Outlook to email files as attachments and Canvas to upload your work. By the end, you'll be prepared for further online learning and gain skills that enhance your employability. Designed to equip you with practical digital skills, making you more efficient and proficient in using essential office software. Provides valuable tools for success in the digital age for personal development or career advancement. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority. Participants must live in Coventry Area Postcodes CV1 to CV6 inclusive.