Explore Culture, History & Humanities Courses

Elia Kazan bestrode the fifties: a very successful New York stage director who co-founded the Actor’s Studio in 1947 and was then lured to Hollywood. The Actor’s Studio achieved worldwide fame in record time because of the groundbreaking work of three Method-trained actors: Montgomery Clift, Marlon Brando and James Dean; and four landmark films: A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), On the Waterfront (1954) East of Eden (1955) and Baby Doll (1956)—all directed by Elia Kazan. “Of all the major directors at our studio, I most respected the genius of Hitchcock and Elia Kazan and left them alone to do as they wanted” - Jack Warner. As one of his actors put it: Kazan “was, by far, the greatest director I have ever worked with. A few words from him and you had a full idea of how to play each scene.”.

In April 1943, some 40,000 starving people were still incarcerated in terrible conditions within the Warsaw Ghetto. A few hundred among them – predominantly young people – led an armed rebellion against the Nazis. This course conveys the incredible story of their uprising but also reveals the background of Warsaw's vibrant but increasingly endangered Jewish life in the decades before the uprising. It describes the many forms of resistance that took place after the Nazi invasion, highlights key individuals who played a role, and provides an opportunity to reflects on different aspects of this tragic but inspiring episode during the Holocaust.

This short literature course will explore Henry James’s novel ‘A Portrait of a Lady’ (1881). We will consider James’s narrative methods and concerns, and also engage with contextual and critical material to inform our reading.

Philosophical life coaching helps you lead a more satisfying and meaningful life by using insights and methods from the great thinkers. This introductory workshop will show you some of the most interesting ways it can be of help. No previous experience required.

Come and explore with us the idea of ‘myth’. We will look at creation myths in Ugarit, in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, ancient Greece and in the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible.

Descriptive language can provide texture and clarity to a story, promoting reader engagement and a sensory experience. In this short course, learn how to create vivid descriptions that will elevate your prose. This course will support writers of fiction and non-fiction.



This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

With films such as Metropolis (1927) and Sunrise (1927) many critics felt that silent cinema had attained a level of sophistication that could not be surpassed by the 'talkies', but the imaginative use of sound and dialogue, in, for example, Blackmail (1929) and M (1931), could not be denied. Explore this exciting, transitional moment in cinema through these and other key films of the period.



This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

Find out how the art of the mercantile republic of 16th century Venice reflects its unique location, trade routes and society.

Learn to write about your specialist expertise in a way that will appeal to a wider reading audience.



This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

Palestine has a long history. Join us in this short course to explore the most recent Palestinian history from the late Ottoman era through the British Mandate era and Al-Nakba to our own moment.

Flash fiction is the art of telling small stories that make a big impact. Learn how to harness the power of economy in this practical short course. Suitable for those with some experience of creative writing.



This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

Go behind the Gold Mask and get to know the real Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Where was he born and raised, and who were his parents? Did he have a coronation and how long did he rule? What happened during his reign? Did he have children, and how and when did he die? We discover whether the famous tomb and its contents helps to answer any of these questions. The final session will be a visit to the Petrie Museum to examine artefacts which reveal Tutankhamun and his times.

Explore the life, works, and legacy of one of the most innovative German artists of his time: Albrecht Dürer. See how he assimilated the art of Venice into his style and exploited the possibilities of print.



This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

What does it really mean to write funny fiction and what are the techniques writers use? Learn how to harness the power of humour in your fiction in this fun, supportive workshop.

This short, fun taster course is the perfect starting point for students who are writing for the first time or new to the poetry path. Join us for thought-provoking writing exercises and poetry theory for beginners.



This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.