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鈥檙e 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鈥檙e 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 台湾swag 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鈥檇 expect, literary greats such as Agatha Christie and Shakespeare feature regularly. There鈥檚 also the option to examine other time periods in English literature too, helping you develop your critical reading and analysis 台湾swag - perfect whether you鈥檙e a beginner or more experienced in the subject.  

If you prefer history then you鈥檝e got a choice too, from courses on subjects you鈥檇 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: The Art of Christmas

The Christmas story has probably inspired more art than any other subject. From medieval icons of the Virgin and Child to the Renaissance paintings of the shepherds and the wise men; and from stained glass windows to Christmas cards, the story has been at the forefront of western art.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 05/12/2024 -
Thu 05/12/2024
Times:
10:30am - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Salisbury Museum (Salisbury)
65 The Close
Salisbury
SP1 2EN
Tutor:
David Brindley
Course code:
Q00016863
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢21.00

Art Appreciation: Chagall: Whimsical and Profound

Explore the enchanting world of Marc Chagall in this two-hour session, where dreams, folklore, and memory intertwine on canvas. Discover how Chagall鈥檚 vibrant use of colour and fantastical imagery reflects his Jewish heritage, village life, and personal experiences. We鈥檒l examine key works, from I and the Village to his famous stained-glass windows, uncovering his unique blend of Cubism, Surrealism, and Symbolism. Perfect for art lovers and curious minds alike, this session offers an engaging dive into Chagall鈥檚 magical, poetic vision of the world. This course is funded by Greater London Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 06/12/2024 -
Fri 06/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00019824
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢7.40

Art Appreciation: The Destruction of Art by artists, institutions, and conflicts

This course explores the destruction of art which has been going on for centuries whether through natural disasters, censorship, political ideology, war, and conflicts. Artists have been destroying their work out of jealousy or frustration to save their reputations or their legacies for generations. Contemporary artists even destroy art as part of their artistic practices, installations, or performances. Whilst activists are prepared to vandalise artworks to get their voices heard on issues they are passionate about. And governments waging wars deliberate target artworks to destroy the enemy鈥檚 culture. Are artworks destined to be destroyed whether through practice, protest, or conflict?

Course Information

Dates:
Sun 08/12/2024 -
Sun 08/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jolanta Jagiello
Course code:
Q00017293
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢11.10

Art Appreciation: Caravaggio, the Caravaggisti, and Baroque Art

Caravaggio鈥檚 life was as intense and significant as it was short. By the time of his untimely death at 38 years old, in 1610, he had ushered in a new aesthetic in painting, and was quickly followed by many, all over Europe. In this session, you will learn about the life and art of Caravaggio. You will also learn about Baroque art and its main features. To do so, we will not only study the works painted by Caravaggio, we will also study his followers鈥 works. The Italians Orazio and Artemisia Gentileschi, the Naples-based Spaniard Ribera, the Flemish Rubens, the Dutch Rembrandt, and the French Georges de la Tour are some of the most famous painters influenced by Caravaggio.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/12/2024 -
Tue 10/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00019198
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to 拢11.10

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
拢15

Literature: Gawain and the Green Knight, the family-friendly version

The tale told by a fourteenth-century poem, and much quoted thereafter. I鈥檓 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鈥檛 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鈥檚 court, come and join us!

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/12/2024 -
Tue 10/12/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jane Williams
Course code:
Q00019859
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢7.40

Art Appreciation: Art of Christmas - Christmas images and how artists interpret the Christmas story

The Christmas story has probably inspired more art than any other subject. From medieval icons of the Virgin and Child to the Renaissance paintings of the shepherds and the wise men; and from stained glass windows to Christmas cards, the story has been at the forefront of western art. This study day will examine the historicity of the gospel stories and how they have been interpreted by artists through the centuries. A wide range of art will be shown and there will be space for discussion and for learners to offer their own suggestions and experiences.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 12/12/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St Lawrence Parish Rooms (Winchester)
Colebrook Street
Winchester
SO23 9LH
Tutor:
David Brindley
Course code:
Q00016856
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢23.10

Art Appreciation: Local Artists Part 4

This 5 week course delves into the works of five local artists, featuring Robert J. Clitherow, Peter Coker, Henry Collins, Hugh Verschoyle Cronyn and Charles Debenham. Each week explores key art concepts including, colour and composition through samples of their work. You will engage in group discussions, take notes and recall information. By the end of the course, you will be able to notice significant local artists, describe their artistic methods, spot similarities and differences among local artists, deconstruct essential components of artworks and select a preferred piece based on personal opinion

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 13/12/2024 -
Fri 24/01/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Castle Methodist Church (Colchester)
Maidenburgh Street
Colchester
CO1 1TT
Tutor:
Abbie Cairns
Course code:
Q00017690
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢33.60

Literature: Christmas with Dylan Thomas

This course will explore the enduringly popular Welsh poet and writer, Dylan Thomas鈥 radio broadcast 鈥楢 Child鈥檚 Christmas in Wales.鈥 The session will introduce Thomas鈥 life, his memories of Swansea Christmases, and the extravagance of his style and the vividness of his recreation of a child鈥檚 Christmas before the Second World War. Whether one knows the work of Dylan Thomas or not, the course will introduce you to a unique voice, which is accessible and urgent and will unlock your own memories of past Christmases. The course will provoke lively discussions and the sharing of thoughts and memories as we examine the work.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 14/12/2024 -
Sat 14/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Stephen Smith
Course code:
Q00019847
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢7.40

Art Appreciation: Japonisme: Japanese influence in Monet, Van Gogh鈥檚 and other modern painter鈥檚 art

Explore the captivating influence of Japanese prints on modern art in the second half of the 19th century in this 3-hour session. We鈥檒l dive into how Japanese aesthetics reshaped European art in the late 19th century, inspiring artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Whistler. Through ukiyo-e prints, minimalism, and asymmetry, Japan鈥檚 artistic elements transformed Western approaches to composition, colour, and subject matter. The session will include an illustrated lecture and a couple of group discussions, to deepen your understanding of what Japonisme was, and the ways it impacted movements such as Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Art Nouveau. Perfect for art enthusiasts eager to trace the roots of cross-cultural exchanges that forever changed the trajectory of modern art. This course is funded by Greater London Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/12/2024 -
Mon 16/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00019825
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢11.10

Art Appreciation: How to Interpret Paintings

Have you ever wondered what a painting means, and how to figure out what it is about? This session will give you some keys to develop your understanding and appreciation of paintings. We will mainly focus on interpretative 台湾swag: how do we identify the type of subject matter? How do we recognise and decipher symbols? Where can we find clues? And, can we rely on our subjective interpretation? This is quite literally an 鈥渆ye-opener鈥, and should make your next visits to art galleries even more enjoyable!

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 17/12/2024 -
Tue 17/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00019748
How you'll learn:
Online
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to 拢11.10