Courses
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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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
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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Bass and Flinders, those Bold and Lusty Young Sailors
Available Classes
Bass and Flinders, those Bold and Lusty Young Sailors
<p>Matthew Flinders and George Bass may be known mostly for circumnavigating this country– and for naming the island they circumnavigated Australia! – but they were also adventurous enough to get in
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What Did it Mean to Be an Ancient Egyptian?
Available Classes
What Did it Mean to Be an Ancient Egyptian?
<p>Ancient Egyptian art and culture often gives the impression of a very homogenous society. This Harmony week though, we will challenge this perception and explore human diversity in ancient Egypt.
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What Did it Mean to Be an Ancient Egyptian?
<p>Ancient Egyptian art and culture often gives the impression of a very homogenous society. This Harmony week though, we will challenge this perception and explore human diversity in ancient Egypt.
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Coins, Trade, and Power: The Material World of Ancient Europe
Available Classes
Coins, Trade, and Power: The Material World of Ancient Europe
<p>Follow the trail of silver, gold, and ideas across the ancient world. This course explores the birth of money, the rise of coinage, and the powerful role of trade networks in connecting ancient
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