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WEA courses
Displaying 11 - 20 of 134
Displaying search results for: "history"
Music Appreciation: History of the Saxophone
The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in the early 1840s. In this course we will look at the history of the saxophone and the various different types of saxophone. We will look at the part the sax has played in a wide range of musical genres including classical music (concert bands, chamber music, solo repertoire, and occasionally orchestras), military bands, marching bands, jazz (big bands and jazz combos), and contemporary music. The various genres will be demonstrated with music played live by the course tutor – a professional saxophonist.
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Course Information
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Dates:Sat 30/11/2024 -
Sat 30/11/2024Times:11:00am - 3:00pmDuration:1 sessionsLocation:Feering Community Centre (Feering)
Coggeshall Road
Feering
CO5 9QBTutor:Guest SpeakerCourse code:Q00019797How you'll learn:In venueAvailability:10+ places remainingStatus:AvailableFee rangeFree to £15.00
Art Appreciation: Portraits through the Ages
The portrait has flourished as an art form from the ancient world to the present day and this innovative course will explore its continuing popularity. We shall study not only the painted face and figure but a variety of formats and formulae, from statuary to pendant medals and miniatures, and study artists as diverse as Holbein, Titian, Gainsborough, Singer Sargent and Francis Bacon. We include a reflection on the place of the photograph in this history of portraiture: was this new invention to prove a help or a hindrance to the creation of the modern portrait? This is a course for everyone who enjoys looking at paintings and no previous reading is required
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Course Information
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Dates:Sat 30/11/2024 -
Sat 30/11/2024Times:10:00am - 4:00pmDuration:2 sessionsLocation:Reading International Solidarity Centre
35-39 London Street
Reading
RG1 4PSTutor:Guest SpeakerCourse code:Q00017297How you'll learn:In venueAvailability:1 place remainingStatus:AvailableFee rangeFree to £25.20
Care 2: Staying calm at Christmas
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.
If you find Christmas stressful, why not treat yourself or a loved one to a gift of health and wellbeing?
Have you ever been interested in helping yourself holistically?
This course will take you through the fascinating art of reflexology where we will explore the roots and history of this amazing subject.
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Course Information
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Dates:Mon 02/12/2024 -
Mon 02/12/2024Times:10:00am - 11:30amDuration:1 sessionsLocation:OnlineTutor:Georgia DanielCourse code:Q00019075How you'll learn:OnlineAvailability:10+ places remainingStatus:AvailableFee:Free
Craft: Family Tree Calligraphy
In this introductory taster session, participants will learn the basics of creating a personalized family tree using calligraphy. The session features demonstrations of essential techniques, including lettering styles, layout design, and decorative flourishes. A pre-project checklist will guide students on key considerations before starting, such as selecting appropriate calligraphy tools, choosing paper types, deciding on script styles, and planning the family tree layout. Ideal for beginners or those curious about calligraphy, this hands-on session provides an inspiring glimpse into the art of calligraphy while equipping participants with the knowledge to start their own meaningful family tree project.
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Course Information
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Dates:Mon 02/12/2024 -
Mon 02/12/2024Times:1:00pm - 4:00pmDuration:1 sessionsLocation:OnlineTutor:Fiona MitchellCourse code:Q00019889How you'll learn:OnlineAvailability:10+ places remainingStatus:AvailableFee rangeFree to £11.10
WEA Membership
WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!
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Membership Information
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Duration:12 monthsFee:£15
Humanities: St Nicholas – who was he?
We all know that St Nicholas is the “real name” for Santa, but who was he, and how did he get associated with Christmas? We’ll take a look at the history of the Saint (and what else he was the saint of!), what other places he appears other than down your chimney, and various other characters who have been known to turn up and interact with small children in winter.
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Course Information
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Dates:Tue 03/12/2024 -
Tue 03/12/2024Times:7:00pm - 9:00pmDuration:1 sessionsLocation:OnlineTutor:Jane WilliamsCourse code:Q00019854How you'll learn:OnlineAvailability:10+ places remainingStatus:AvailableFee rangeFree to £7.40
History: The Egypt of Empire and Conquest - Ancient Egypt and Nubia
In a Study Day suitable for all we will consider how ancient Egypt treated a neighbour. Nubia is the area immediately to the south of ancient Egypt encompassing the south of Egypt today and much of modern Sudan. Nubia itself developed significant cultural entities especially the Kerma civilization and the later Napatan and Meroitic cultures. However much of the history of Nubia is inter-twined with ancient Egypt. The relationship between ancient Egypt and Nubia is a fascinating one and an ever-changing story. This day school explores the Nubian experience with Egypt from trade, through conquest, to the ‘Black Pharaohs’ of the Kushite period.
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Course Information
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Dates:Wed 04/12/2024 -
Wed 04/12/2024Times:10:00am - 4:00pmDuration:1 sessionsLocation:Woodley Hill House (Reading)
Woodley Hill House
45 Eastcourt Avenue
Reading
RG6 1HHTutor:John BillmanCourse code:Q00017283How you'll learn:In venueAvailability:7 places remainingStatus:AvailableFee rangeFree to £25.20
History: The Economic History of Wessex since 1500
Wessex has an intricate history concerned with natural resource development of minerals, transport, agriculture, towns, and manufacture. Its character has been forged by the impact on the landscape of openness to neighbouring areas of Britain, and to the World at large. The region contrasts with other regions in terms of both the nature and pace of development.
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Course Information
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Dates:Thu 05/12/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024Times:10:30am - 3:30pmDuration:1 sessionsLocation:St Lawrence Parish Rooms (Winchester)
Colebrook Street
Winchester
SO23 9LHTutor:Hadrian CookCourse code:Q00017155How you'll learn:In venueAvailability:10+ places remainingStatus:AvailableFee rangeFree to £21.00
History: History of the Old Bailey
This three hour lecture offers an in-depth examination of the rich history of the Old Bailey in London. It delves into the architectural evolution of the building itself, tracing its development from its early days to its current form. Additionally, the lecture explores the Old Bailey's significant role in the British legal system, highlighting its function in upholding and administering the law throughout the centuries. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how this iconic courthouse has shaped and been shaped by the legal landscape, reflecting broader societal changes and the pursuit of justice in London and beyond.
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Course Information
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Dates:Sat 07/12/2024 -
Sat 07/12/2024Times:2:00pm - 4:00pmDuration:1 sessionsLocation:St John's United Reform Church Orpington
Lynwood Grove
Orpington
BR6 0BGTutor:Anna CusackCourse code:Q00017273How you'll learn:In venueAvailability:10+ places remainingStatus:AvailableFee rangeFree to £10.00
History: Rediscovering the Great War’s Christmas Truce
The Christmas Truce is one of the most mythologised and celebrated events of the First World War, which has featured in film, song and fiction. In this one-off session, we will attempt to uncover the actual story behind the event, exploring the truce or truces through letters, reports, photographs and retrospective accounts. The course will be interesting to those with an interest in the Great War, and the manner in which that conflict has been interpreted in the century since its ending, but the course will also appeal to those with an interest in how societies shape and define themselves by their myths.
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Course Information
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Dates:Sat 07/12/2024 -
Sat 07/12/2024Times:10:00am - 1:00pmDuration:1 sessionsLocation:OnlineTutor:Stephen SmithCourse code:Q00019614How you'll learn:OnlineAvailability:10+ places remainingStatus:AvailableFee rangeFree to £11.10
Literature: Gawain and the Green Knight, the family-friendly version
The tale told by a fourteenth-century poem, and much quoted thereafter. I’m going to look purely at a retelling of the plot, with explanations of who all the characters are, rather than expecting you to understand Middle English, and certainly won’t be diving off into the adults-only versions that appear in some films. If you want a serious academic study, this is not the place for you (though we will look at similar and related stories to understand this one): if you want a fun fairy-tale that starts with Christmas at King Arthur’s court, come and join us!
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Course Information
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Dates:Tue 10/12/2024 -
Tue 10/12/2024Times:7:00pm - 9:00pmDuration:1 sessionsLocation:OnlineTutor:Jane WilliamsCourse code:Q00019859How you'll learn:OnlineAvailability:10+ places remainingStatus:AvailableFee rangeFree to £7.40