WEA courses

It is sometimes said that Lenin drove the Russian revolution into a cul-de-sac and Stalin then accelerated into the wall at the far end. The course will examine the economic, political and social changes undertaken by Stalin and enforced by the Great Terror. We will then consider how far this modernisation of the economy enabled the USSR to withstand the Nazi onslaught from 1941 and why the Soviet Union seemed unreformable under Stalin’s successors. We will conclude by looking at Gorbachev’s almost total failure to achieve the objectives he identified and why, despite that, he was one of the most laudable leaders of a troubled century in European affairs

Regency society rakish, raffish but with a fondness for wonderful architecture, or was there more to it than that?

All our Care2 courses are completely free for unpaid carers (or those who have previously been carers). You do not need to receive a carer's allowance to qualify. If you are unsure, please contact our call centre advisors who will be able to assist you. Modern society is often fast - paced causing many of us to feel overwhelmed and stressed, learning to relax is an effective tool to support stress management. This course is suitable for anyone - if you want to learn how to really relax, this course is ideal for you, and you are encouraged to join. You will learn to recognise how simple relaxation techniques can help you to relieve your own symptoms of stress. You will be guided through the practice of calming breathing techniques and gentle movements that ease tension in the body. Each session will end with a guided Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation practice) that will encourage deep rest of both mind and body.

Have you learnt Modern Greek in the past for about a year? Would you like to expand your existing skills and increase your confidence in using them? This post-beginners’ course will provide you with some basic everyday language you need to get by on a visit to Greece or Cyprus, as well as an 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.

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.

Welcome to the world of creativity! This beginners' course in arts and crafts is designed to introduce you to various artistic techniques and mediums, providing you with a solid foundation to explore your creativity. Whether you're a complete novice or someone looking to refresh their skills, this course will guide you through the fundamentals of different art forms, encouraging you to express yourself through hands-on projects.

A fun, friendly and structured approach to our develop fiction writing knowledge, skills and importantly aid you in finding inspiration, putting pen paper and getting writing. Whatever you might like to write or already enjoy writing, be it short stories, longer tales, mystery, crime, a touch of the gothic or whatever takes your interest - there will be a plot to suit your idea and/or help you find inspiration and take it further. Find inspiration as we consider the how a different plot may aid with a specific theme or topic, the development of characters and your choice of words and description. This course will make use of a mix of informal feedback, lecture using PowerPoint slides, some focused group discussion/creative tasks in smaller breakout groups and feedback. Session by session we examine a different ‘plot’ and apply some creative craft to it, might it yield the perfect motivation for a crime, is three a secret a character wishes to keep? What kind of story suits a particular plot – flash fiction, a cautionary tale or a longer and more complex tale? We examine the varied forms and approaches, how have others approached similar tales and what might work best for us now. Suitable for the curious beginner and/or the seasoned scribbler.

This practical and engaging art course gives you the opportunity to explore different painting approaches, techniques and subjects, and begin to find your own style. Learn in a supportive environment where you can learn at your own pace, with an experience tutor who is ready to inspire you and help you reach your potential.

In this course we will read a specified book each month and come together to share our reactions to the writing. We will examine amongst other features the plots, the characters, the context and the over all message intended by the authors. The books chosen for the course will offer a rage of genres and styles. Students will be required to purchase one book on the reading list, the others will be provided free of charge by Arnold Library. All views are valid in this course and you will not need to have any prior experience of discussing writing

This course will show initial practical skills and methods used in Drawing and Painting. Taking a calm and relaxed approach to exploring ways of seeing and expressing with a range of materials. It explores colour theory in Art and exploration of painting techniques to develop your observational skill levels. Simple exercises are followed to make connections between mark making and painting from observation. Reflective practice is encouraged to document and develop your ideas tracked through sketchbook notes. Development of these skills will enable your confidence to produce imaginative and creative work.