Courses
The section below shows all of the courses we are running which you can apply for. To find out more click on the image, title or read more link to find out more. If the item is of interest and you wish to apply, please fill the form in and remember to click on the course name. We will get back in touch with your shortly.
The pre-Socratics and Aristotle – Spring 2027
Philosophy: the pre-Socratics and Aristotle - Spring 2027 Western philosophy is traditionally divided into three periods: ancient Greek; Medieval; Modern. The ancient Greek period begins with the first philosophers, viz. the pre-Socratics. One of the greatest...
The Italian Renaissance – Spring 2027
The Italian Renaissance - Spring 2027 The course will be made up of five lectures. Giotto and the Early Italian Renaissance will deal with the early or ‘proto’ Renaissance, looking at the revival of the classical tradition by artists like Cimabue, Duccio, Simone...
English Country Houses through Two World Wars
English Country Houses through Two World Wars (c1910 – 1950) – Autumn 2026
Despite appearances to the contrary, many owners of country houses were in a difficult financial position by 1910 and this was only going to get worse as agriculture remained in depression and taxes increased. The World Wars impacted owners and houses in ways unlike previous wars, breaking up households and leading to many houses being used to support the nation. Despite this the life of the English gentry was still something that was aspired to and purchasers were found for those houses that came onto the market and new ones were built. We will examine these strands of Country House history.
Are there any great women artists? – Autumn 2026
Who do we classify as great artists?
Any list we make is, of course, subjective, but should include Giotto, Leonardo, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Claude, Turner, Cezanne, and Picasso. Why are they great artists? Why do lists of great artists rarely, if ever, include women?
Males and females of Homo sapiens have a different anatomy and physiology. This has led to the development of contrasting roles within social groups, something that has changed over time. Yet there is nothing in artistic technique that cannot be achieved by women.
Isaac Newton’s Life and Works – Autumn 2026
This course provides an exploration of Isaac Newton’s life and works, and of the personal convictions that drove his mathematical philosophy and his unorthodox research into alchemy, theology and biblical prophecy. We shall cover in particular Newton’s extraordinary contributions to the so-called Scientific Revolution, including his publications on the workings of the cosmos (the Principia, 1687) and on light (Opticks, 1704).
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