Explore Culture, History & Humanities Courses

The Canterbury Tales is Chaucer’s most popular work and one of the most famous examples of Medieval literature. This course selects some of Chaucer’s most carefully crafted representations of individuals and explores the society they come from. We will enjoy intricate plots, comedy and poignant moments with these loveable and unforgettable characters! Students will be carefully guided through the texts to a fuller appreciation of Middle English verse narrative and Chaucer’s witty and energetic composition.

Explore the imagery and significance of the sacred icon, from its classical origins and formulation within the Eastern church, its many interpretations within and beyond the Byzantine world, from the 4th century to the present day.

This course explores how dramatists use their position as commentators to reflect the societal and political issues affecting the nation. Drawing on texts by Laura Wade, Jez Butterworth, Roy Williams and others, we’ll discuss how issues such as class, national identity, queer and black lives, and activism have been interrogated by Britain’s finest contemporary playwrights.

Who was Number 6?, Why did he resign?, Who was Number 1? – Patrick McGoohan the highest paid actor on British television had grown tired with the espionage series Danger Man (1960-67) and with the writer George Markstein created a new project – The Prisoner (1967-68). Over 17 episodes, with its mixture of surrealism, paranoia, pop art and spy thriller, The Prisoner defined the term “Cult Television”. From its inception to the present day, The Prisoner continues to intrigue and raise debate among television viewers.

Ever wondered what's going on in the mind of contemporary artists? This course explores the ideas and historical background behind some of today’s most intriguing works, from Conceptualism and Video to Body Art and Installation.

What makes a poet modern? What is the different between modern poetry and modernist poetry? How has modern poetry informed the work of poets writing today? Come and explore the exciting range of poetry written in the twentieth century in a supportive and energising group context.

Historical drama is one of the most popular movie genres. But how accurate is it, and is that important? We will look at a sample of films and TV shows set in the Tudor era of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, to explore how the depiction of the past is presented on screen. Who are the heroes and villains, and do these depictions affect our understanding of real-life history? We’ll examine Elizabeth, The Other Boleyn Girl, Anonymous, Mary, Queen of Scots, A Man for All Seasons, and more.

Founded by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki in 1985, Studio Ghibli is the most well-known anime studio of all time, combining boundless imagination with a complexity that has led them to win both prestigious awards and the hearts of viewers. This course provides an overview of the history, artistry, and cultural influences of the studio for newcomers and fans alike.







Zoe Crombie is a film studies lecturer and researcher based at Lancaster University who specialises in Japanese animation. She has articles on Studio Ghibli in academic publications like the Journal of Anime and Manga Studies, and has presented on animation at international conferences. Additionally, she works as a film critic, with bylines at publications like Little White Lies, Vulture, and The Skinny.

Want to explore the contemporary food, music and sound, clothing and textiles, spirituality and digital anthropology? Join our tutor Yasmin Hales to unpack key aspects of 21st century societies.

Join us to to explore the history of the Babylonians, one of the most famous and influential civilisations of all time.

Discover the lesser-known histories of World War One on this 6-week, co-taught course, from the role played by Africans to the declaration of war by Brazil and the significant role played by soldiers from the Indian subcontinent.

At its height the Mongol empire stretched from the Sea of Japan to eastern Europe. We explore how the Mongols interacted with the nations they conquered.

Explore the splendour and technical sophistication of the decorative arts during the Mughal era (1526-1857) in South Asia in this introductory course.