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This course introduces students to the rich visual and cultural heritage of Welsh symbols. From the red dragon and the national flag to the leek, daffodil, and lesser‑known regional emblems, students will explore how these symbols developed over time, what theyrepresent, and how they function today in Welsh public life, politics,cultureand identity. The course blends history, folklore, heraldry, and contemporary cultural studies.
What will we cover?
The historical origins of key Welsh symbols (YDdraigGoch, the leek, the daffodil,the banner ofOwainGlyndŵr).
How medieval, early‑modernand 19th‑century nationalism shaped Welsh iconography.
The symbolism of colours, creatures,plantsand heraldic forms in Welshemblems
Modern uses of Welsh symbols in sport, branding, activism, government, and national celebrations.
How symbols construct Welsh identity inWales,the UK andbeyond.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Explain the historical development of major Welsh symbols.
Identifykey features of Welsh heraldry and iconography.
Analyse how symbols reflect cultural,politicaland linguistic identity.
Recognise how symbols are used in modern branding,eventsand publiclife.
Compare historical meaning with contemporary use to understand how symbols evolve.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductorysession.No prior knowledge of Welsh history or heraldry isrequired. An interest in identity, symbolism or thepolitics, identity orhistory of the UK’s nations will be helpful.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Teaching will include illustrated lectures, discussion, group analysis of images, and short source‑based activities. Optional reading and visual‑analysis exercises will be suggested between sessions, but no formal homework isrequired.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All essential materials will be provided digitally. Students may wish to keep a notebook, and those interested in deeper study may choose to buy recommended books, but no purchases arerequired.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other courses on the nations of the UK . Please see the City Lit website.
Welsh/Swedish: Raised in the Welsh-speaking heartland of north Pembrokeshire, Jack has taught Welsh to adults since 2017 in London, Cardiff and online. He has a particular interest in using phonetic approaches to improve learners’ pronunciation and teaches interactive pronunciation workshops. A keen language learner, Jack began studying Swedish at City Lit and quickly became obsessed by this fascinating Germanic language. He holds an advanced certificate in Swedish from Folkuniversitetet (Göteborg) and coordinates Scandinavian language courses at City Lit. As a tutor on workshops and beginner level courses, Jack enjoys helping learners to overcome the challenges that he himself faced as a learner. Sociolinguistics: Jack completed his PhD at Ysgol y Gymraeg (Cardiff University) in 2023, where he researched how linguistic backgrounds of adult learners of Welsh affect their pronunciation. Jack teaches introductory courses on language policy and attitudes in Sweden, the history of the Welsh language, and the pragmatics of politeness. He brings theoretical insight to help learners understand how language is viewed, used and changed.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/emblems-of-wales-history-identity-and-tradition3044893Emblems of Wales: history, identity and traditionhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/britain-qing-opium-hwh158-1024.jpg1919GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/British & Irish history22851177117816301228511771178<p>Discover the origin, meaning and use of flags and emblems of Wales.</p>003044887Emblems of Wales: history, identity and tradition1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/britain-qing-opium-hwh158-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-06-29T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHBH1421919Emblems of Wales: history, identity and tradition151219Jack Pulman-Slateremblems-of-wales-history-identity-and-tradition/hbh142-2526<p>Discover the origin, meaning and use of flags and emblems of Wales.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-29 00:00:00<p>This course introduces students to the rich visual and cultural heritage of Welsh symbols. From the red dragon and the national flag to the leek, daffodil, and lesser‑known regional emblems, students will explore how these symbols developed over time, what theyrepresent, and how they function today in Welsh public life, politics,cultureand identity. The course blends history, folklore, heraldry, and contemporary cultural studies.</p><p>Discover the origin, meaning and use of flags and emblems of Wales.</p><ul><li><p>The historical origins of key Welsh symbols (YDdraigGoch, the leek, the daffodil,the banner ofOwainGlyndŵr).</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>How medieval, early‑modernand 19th‑century nationalism shaped Welsh iconography.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>The symbolism of colours, creatures,plantsand heraldic forms in Welshemblems</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Modern uses of Welsh symbols in sport, branding, activism, government, and national celebrations.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>How symbols construct Welsh identity inWales,the UK andbeyond.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Explain the historical development of major Welsh symbols.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Identifykey features of Welsh heraldry and iconography.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Analyse how symbols reflect cultural,politicaland linguistic identity.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Recognise how symbols are used in modern branding,eventsand publiclife.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Compare historical meaning with contemporary use to understand how symbols evolve.</p></li></ul><p>This is an introductorysession.No prior knowledge of Welsh history or heraldry isrequired. An interest in identity, symbolism or thepolitics, identity orhistory of the UK’s nations will be helpful.</p><p>Teaching will include illustrated lectures, discussion, group analysis of images, and short source‑based activities. Optional reading and visual‑analysis exercises will be suggested between sessions, but no formal homework isrequired.</p><p>All essential materials will be provided digitally. Students may wish to keep a notebook, and those interested in deeper study may choose to buy recommended books, but no purchases arerequired.</p><p>Other courses on the nations of the UK . Please see the City Lit website.</p>HistoryBritish & Irish historyvirtual151912HBH142NONEMon29/06/2612:45 - 14:4512:4514:451 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetJack Pulman-SlaterBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-06-29T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Culture, history & humanities1919Emblems of Wales: history, identity and traditionemblems-of-wales-history-identity-and-tradition/hbh142-2526<p>Discover the origin, meaning and use of flags and emblems of Wales.</p>0000-Available|2026-06-29 00:00:00<p>This course introduces students to the rich visual and cultural heritage of Welsh symbols. From the red dragon and the national flag to the leek, daffodil, and lesser‑known regional emblems, students will explore how these symbols developed over time, what theyrepresent, and how they function today in Welsh public life, politics,cultureand identity. The course blends history, folklore, heraldry, and contemporary cultural studies.</p><p>Discover the origin, meaning and use of flags and emblems of Wales.</p><ul><li><p>The historical origins of key Welsh symbols (YDdraigGoch, the leek, the daffodil,the banner ofOwainGlyndŵr).</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>How medieval, early‑modernand 19th‑century nationalism shaped Welsh iconography.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>The symbolism of colours, creatures,plantsand heraldic forms in Welshemblems</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Modern uses of Welsh symbols in sport, branding, activism, government, and national celebrations.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>How symbols construct Welsh identity inWales,the UK andbeyond.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Explain the historical development of major Welsh symbols.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Identifykey features of Welsh heraldry and iconography.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Analyse how symbols reflect cultural,politicaland linguistic identity.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Recognise how symbols are used in modern branding,eventsand publiclife.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Compare historical meaning with contemporary use to understand how symbols evolve.</p></li></ul><p>This is an introductorysession.No prior knowledge of Welsh history or heraldry isrequired. An interest in identity, symbolism or thepolitics, identity orhistory of the UK’s nations will be helpful.</p><p>Teaching will include illustrated lectures, discussion, group analysis of images, and short source‑based activities. Optional reading and visual‑analysis exercises will be suggested between sessions, but no formal homework isrequired.</p><p>All essential materials will be provided digitally. Students may wish to keep a notebook, and those interested in deeper study may choose to buy recommended books, but no purchases arerequired.</p><p>Other courses on the nations of the UK . Please see the City Lit website.</p>HistoryBritish & Irish historyconfigurable
16301178British & Irish historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/british-and-irish-studies1/2/285/1177/1178/16301/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/British & Irish history
