History Courses
Explore the past with WEA Sydney's history courses. From ancient civilisations and medieval empires to modern revolutions, our classes bring history to life. Learn from expert tutors as you uncover stories of saints and dictators, wars and peace, myths and facts. Join us in the Sydney CBD or online and discover the fascinating history of people, places, and ideas across the world.
Modern China - From Declining Empire to Global Power
Available Classes
Modern China - From Declining Empire to Global Power
<p>This course surveys China’s transformation from late Qing reforms at the turn of the 20th century to its rise as a global power at the beginning of the 21st. It examines historical shifts,
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The HALO Effect, Hagiography and Propaganda
Available Classes
The HALO Effect, Hagiography and Propaganda
<p>The "Halo Effect" refers to the considerable discrepancy between the romanticised legends about historical figures and what the actual evidence reveals. It can be difficult to separate the hype and
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8,000 Years of Chinese Traditional Art
Available Classes
8,000 Years of Chinese Traditional Art
<p>Set within the broader context of China’s diverse geography and cross-cultural exchange, the course presents a chronological journey through major artistic and architectural traditions spanning
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A Celebration of 400 Years of Women Artists
Available Classes
A Celebration of 400 Years of Women Artists
<p>In every century there have been outstanding women artists who have achieved a reputation that has tested time and sat well-earned, alongside their male colleagues. Often their life stories are
...Approximately 5 hours
Available Classes
From French Royalty to Empire - Art and decorative elegance from Louis XIV's Versailles to Napoleon
<p>French monarchs managed their images as carefully as any self-branded celebrity today. How did Louis XIV use the artisans and artists of the day through his patronage to enhance and dazzle his
...Approximately 4 hours
Available Classes
Portraits of Russia: Rublëv, Pushkin, Turgenev, Borodin, Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky
<p>This course, focussed on the life and work of some of Russia’s most outstanding personalities, will begin with the work of Andrey Rublëv, Russia’s most famous icon painter, and his circle, and the
...Approximately 6 hours
Available Classes
Portraits of Scandinavia: Norway and Denmark
<p>The cold lands of the far north have in fact produced inspiring examples of music, drama, art and philosophy to match the best of the more famous cultures of France and Italy. Explore the genius of
...Approximately 6 hours
Marie Antoinette at the V & A - Image and Style
Available Classes
Marie Antoinette at the V & A - Image and Style
<p>Marie Antoinette epitomised French 18th century fashion and style. This talk will draw from a current V & A Museum, London exhibition called <em>Marie Antoinette Style</em>, which features
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Marie Antoinette at the V & A - Image and Style
<p>Marie Antoinette epitomised French 18th century fashion and style. This talk will draw from a current V & A Museum, London exhibition called <em>Marie Antoinette Style</em>, which features
...
Welcome to Country
Available Classes
Welcome to Country
<p>Welcome to Country is a ceremony that’s been performed by First Nations people for thousands of years. In recent decades both Welcomes to Country and Acknowledgements of Country have become an
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Wonderful Women of Windsor
Available Classes
Wonderful Women of Windsor
<p>If we were to take a survey surely at least half the population would agree that the women of Windsor are awesome! Not just now, but in the past the women were great too, living as they did in a
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