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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’re 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’re 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 skills 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’d expect, literary greats such as Agatha Christie and Shakespeare feature regularly. There’s also the option to examine other time periods in English literature too, helping you develop your critical reading and analysis skills - perfect whether you’re a beginner or more experienced in the subject.  

If you prefer history then you’ve got a choice too, from courses on subjects you’d 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: Symbolism in Art

Can you read the hidden meanings in paintings? For centuries artists have relied upon symbols to convey their intentions, but how do we find out what lies behind some of the most well-known works of art? In this extensively illustrated study day with аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ tutor David Brindley, we’ll explore the wealth of symbolism in western art from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the Impressionists to Surrealism, and from abstract art to the present and offer an interpretation of the hidden meanings within these pieces.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 01/11/2024 -
Fri 01/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St Lawrence Parish Rooms (Winchester)
Colebrook Street
Winchester
SO23 9LH
Tutor:
David Brindley
Course code:
Q00016859
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £23.10

Literature: 1st of November National Authors Day 2024

Exploring National Authors Day 2024: A Short Interactive Session In honour of National Authors Day on November 1st, 2024, this 2-hour interactive session offers participants a vibrant exploration of literature and authors. The session begins with an introduction to the history and significance of National Authors Day, emphasising its role in celebrating the achievements and impact of writers across cultures and genres. Participants will engage in interactive discussions and activities designed to showcase the diversity of literary works and authors. Through guided exploration of notable authors and their contributions, attendees will discover new perspectives and genres, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling. The session will include opportunities for creative expression, such as writing prompts, collaborative storytelling exercises, or exploring excerpts from celebrated literary works. Participants will be encouraged to share their favourite books, authors, and literary influences, contributing to a dynamic exchange of ideas and recommendations. Throughout the session, facilitators will highlight the importance of supporting authors and literature, discussing ways to promote reading culture and literacy in communities. Interactive elements will encourage participants to actively participate and engage with the themes of creativity, imagination, and cultural diversity in literature. By the end of the session, participants will have gained insights into the global impact of authors and their works, inspired to continue exploring and celebrating literature beyond National Authors Day. This interactive session aims to ignite a passion for reading, storytelling, and the written word, fostering a community of enthusiastic readers and supporters of literary arts.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 01/11/2024 -
Fri 01/11/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
George Cromack
Course code:
Q00018221
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Art Appreciation: Lost Stars of the Renaissance - Art History

In this course, we will discuss in detail works from lesser-known painters of the Renaissance era. Since the High Renaissance is much better known, we will look at artists from the fifteenth century, who were very highly thought of at the time. They were influential and sought-after by the powerful in Florence.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Mon 25/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Phillips
Course code:
Q00017300
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £29.60

Literature: Dickens and the struggles of life

For Charles Dickens, writing and worrying went hand in hand. His books were knitted together out of his own anxieties and struggles. And yet, despite the weight of all these worries, his novels are never depressing. To read Dickens is to glimpse the possibilities of new life. We all probably intend to read Dickens ‘one day.’ We all know his characters from various films and TV adaptations, so perhaps the time has finally come to get stuck into a major work. On this eight-week course we will read ‘Little Dorrit.’ We will also study some of Dickens's essays, short stories, and letters. You may already be a Dickens enthusiast, or a complete newcomer to his work. Either way, I hope that you will join us to explore a writer whose books still have the power to move and enlighten us today.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Mon 16/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Krowji (Redruth)
West Park
Redruth
TR15 3AJ
Tutor:
Mark Crees
Course code:
Q00013086
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

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:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Mon 09/12/2024
Times:
11:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
David Brindley
Course code:
Q00009345
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.30

Art Appreciation: Street Art

This 5 week course delves into the works of 5 street artists, including Banksy, Blek Le Rat, JR, Blu and Os Gemeos. 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 name significant street artists, describe their artistic methods, spot similarities and differences among their work desconstruct essential components of artworks and select a preferred piece based on personal opinion.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Mon 02/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Castle Methodist Church (Colchester)
Maidenburgh Street
Colchester
CO1 1TT
Tutor:
Abbie Cairns
Course code:
Q00018003
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

Film & Media: 5 More Wonders of New Hollywood Cinema & Beyond

With the decline of the old Hollywood studio system, a new generation of film makers, many of them exposed to international cinema at film school, expressed themselves on screen with individual voices and a counter culture attitude. Key to this selection of films is the notion of a ‘crisis of public myth’ echoed throughout this period – just who are the heroes and who are the villains? We examine better known and continually highly acclaimed films such as Cool Hand Luke, was it just recycling the chain gang film or doing something more? The Outlaw Josey Wales as an example of the ‘Revisionist Western’ which came out of this period with its differing representation of the people and events of the Old West as previously seen in Classic Hollywood. The Last American Hero arguably questioning youthful attitudes, the law, freedom and the concept of the popular ‘folk heroes’ in a modern corporate world. Cult favourite, The Swimmer offering an example of more unusual comment on materialism, a crisis of national identity and more. With the Blues Brothers serving as an example a film carrying the New Hollywood baton in its attitude and approach after the blockbusters of the mid 1970s, mixing genres in a more comedic, musical and anti-realist style. All promoting knowledge of the subject matter and enthusiasm for film in general. Cool Hand Luke (1967), The Last American Hero (1973), The Swimmer (1968), The Blues Brothers (1980), The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Mon 02/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
George Cromack
Course code:
Q00018212
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Film & Media: 4 Wonders of Modern French Cinema

'Immerse yourself in the five film wonders of modern French cinema, deepening your knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of 21st-century international filmmaking. Discover the magic of these cinematic gems and broaden your love for the art of film. Moving slightly beyond the well-trodden historical path of French New Wave and even the Cinema du look of the 1980s, you'll explore the themes, influences, techniques and voices behind some captivating French cinema from relatively more recent years – have things changed? Are there still some factors parallel to earlier works? And what exactly might we mean by the term Modern French Cinema?

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Mon 25/11/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
George Cromack
Course code:
Q00017789
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £29.60

Music Making: African Drumming Intermediate

Whether you are a seasoned drummer or just getting to grips with the basics, this practical class in African drumming will inspire you with the next steps in music and culture. We will be using the Djembe Drums which are a percussion instrument originating from West Africa. Drums will be provided for your use during the class. Our experienced tutor will guide you to play the Djembe drum as part of a group of friendly, like-minded people. You will learn to further develop your repertoire of notes, referred to as ‘bass,’ ‘tone’ and ‘slap’ to create different sounds. This is a great class to further your skills, de-stress and enjoy the music.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Mon 09/12/2024
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
The Eagle Building (Sunderland)
201 High Street East, Sunderla
Sunderland
SR1 2AX
Tutor:
Mark Barfoot
Course code:
Q00019027
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

Film & Media: 5 Wonders from International Directors

Away from any specific film movements or ‘waves’ relevant to their own countries, some filmmakers seem to earn greater acclaim internationally, often making films set outside their own native country, yet still telling the stories and expressing the themes they wish to portray. We examine what some of these, perhaps universal, stories and themes are, what are the stylistic approaches they use and just how and why these manage to resonate with critics and audiences. Are all these films received with equal praise within the director’s home country, are they seen as ‘selling out’? And regardless of what the director themselves might intend or state, are there still conscious or unconscious echoes of national cinematic movements within their work? And what role might financial sources play? Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon received praise yet the director was regarded by some as ‘selling out’ or ‘exploiting’ himself to the West. Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element could be viewed simply as a Hollywood sci-fi with a French Director, yet does the director add far more as an outsider, making more intellectual comment than one may expect from a commercial genre-movie. Not unlike Peter Wier’s Witness and Jane Campion’s The Piano, so many of these works which despite their creative diversity, also evidence their director’s own unique cinematic voice. Likewise, Wim Wenders recent Perfect Days, set in Japan, how far removed is it from the director’s early underpinnings of German Cinema? Perfect Days (2023), Couching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000), The Piano (1993), Witness (1985),The Fifth Element (1997).

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 05/11/2024 -
Tue 03/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
George Cromack
Course code:
Q00018214
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
3 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00