WEA courses

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.

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.

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.

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.

The "Making the Most of Your Smartphone for Life and Work" online course is designed to help you harness the full potential of your smartphone. This is suitable for those who have a smartphone but doesn’t know how to use all of the features and applications. This course covers essential features, productivity apps, camera use and practical tips for both personal and professional use. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, you'll learn how to use your smartphone effectively to improve communication, organisation, and productivity.

This course will help you if English is not your first language and if you are struggling to understand the vocabulary needed to pass the UK Driving Theory Test. During the course, we will cover the English technical language you are likely to need. You will also learn about the language used in the Highway Code and about transport in the UK. We will also cover road signs, road markings and the rules of driving. The course will help you to feel more confident that you are ready to apply for the Theory Test.

This course offers an exploration into the craft of junk journaling- a creative process that turns everyday items and discarded materials into beautiful, personalised journals. Junk journals are more than just notebooks; they are expressive, tactile creations that tell a story, preserve memories, and serve as a safe place for emotional expression. Alongside creating these unique journals the course will look into methods of collecting, organising and storing ephemera - the small pieces of paper, fabric or objects that make each journal personal and truly unique. On this course we will look at: The concept, history and purpose of junk journals. Where to find materials How to make embellishments for inclusion in our journals. Page layouts and focal point placement. No prior experience is necessary – just a love of creativity and a desire to learn new skills along with some basic paper-crafting supplies.

Welcome to Term 2 of Learning Italian! This 10-week course builds on your foundational skills, focusing on practical situations. You’ll learn to book a hotel room, navigate train and bus stations, and shop at markets. Through interactive lessons, role-playing, and listening activities, you’ll gain confidence in handling common scenarios. Topics include making reservations, understanding schedules, purchasing tickets, and shopping for goods. Cultural insights will deepen your appreciation of Italian traditions. By the end of the course, you’ll be comfortable using Italian in various everyday contexts. Join us to continue your Italian language journey! Buon viaggio!

Learners will work with the tutor to improve confidence in their ability to develop their artistic skills and creativity within oil painting. You will be developing the skills to create a detailed landscape painting; challenging yourself to try new and different subjects. You will learn using a range of different teaching and learning activities, to include watching and following step by step demonstrations, with one-to-one help and guidance from a friendly and encouraging tutor. You will learn in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment, working together with your fellow learners and the tutor. This course is suitable for a complete beginner but also for those wanting to improve their existing skills in painting. No prior knowledge is needed, just a desire to learn and begin your journey to develop your artistic skills.