Courses
History Courses
Explore the stories, events, and ideas that have shaped our world.
History courses at WEA Sydney explore key events, cultures, and ideas from ancient civilisations to modern Australia and global history. These courses encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of how the past continues to influence the present.
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A Short History of Western Music: From Chant to Today
A Short History of Western Music: From Chant to Today
<p>Discover the rich evolution of Western music, from the early sounds of Gregorian chant to the diversity of modern composition. This course traces how musical forms, instruments and styles developed
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Empires of China and Rome: Legends and Legacy
Empires of China and Rome: Legends and Legacy
<p>The Chinese and Roman empires developed at opposite ends of Eurasia, yet each built long-lasting systems of power, culture and influence. This course compares these two great empires, tracing their
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Modern China: From Declining Empire to Global Power
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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Ancient Iran: Empires, Cities and Cultural Legacy
Ancient Iran: Empires, Cities and Cultural Legacy
<p>Few civilisations can rival the depth and splendour of ancient Iran (Persia). This richly illustrated course explores the history, architecture and cultural achievements of its great empires. We
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The Sub-Antarctic Islands: Nature, History and Conservation
The Sub-Antarctic Islands: Nature, History and Conservation
<p>Venture into one of the most remote regions on Earth: the sub-Antarctic islands. This course explores their history, biodiversity and ongoing conservation efforts. From early exploration and the
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The Odyssey: An enduring story, a new film, a new translation
The Odyssey: An enduring story, a new film, a new translation
<p>In an examination of Homer’s Odyssey we unravel questions about the flawed hero Odysseus, the epic’s “author” and the cultural contexts and modes of the story’s telling and transmission over the
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The Odyssey: An enduring story, a new film, a new translation
<p>In an examination of Homer’s Odyssey we unravel questions about the flawed hero Odysseus, the epic’s “author” and the cultural contexts and modes of the story’s telling and transmission over the
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Twenty Mile Hollow History Walk
Twenty Mile Hollow History Walk
<p>Join this train-friendly history walk in the mid Blue Mountains, beginning with a guided tour of heritage-listed Woodford Academy, once an inn and sly-grog shop. A small $10 fee, payable on the day
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Karl Benz: Birth of the Automobile
Karl Benz: Birth of the Automobile
<p>Trace the extraordinary origins of the modern automobile through Karl Benz’s pioneering work and the groundbreaking Patent DRP No. 37435. This course explores the turbulent early development of the
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A Celebration of 400 Years of Women Artists
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
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