Monday 1 October, 10.00 – 16.00

This course evaluates the significance of St Ives as a centre where modern art of international significance flourished from the late 1920s to the arrival of a new generation of artists and its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s.

Tuesdays, 6, 13, 20, 27 November; 4, 11 December, 13.00 – 15.00

The turbulent French nineteenth century produced some of the most exceptional and innovative artworks of any period, before or since. Revolution was in the air and on the streets and the art reflected these cultural upheavals. This six-week course explores Neoclassicism and Romanticism, their roots, influences, interactions and practitioners.

Saturday 13 October, 10.00 -13.00

Hollywood blockbusters continue to dominate our viewing habits. Yet while many blockbuster movies provide a thrilling adrenaline-fueled experience, these big screen spectacular battles, mass-destruction of cities and heroic fight scenes also offer something more: a profound insight into our deepest social, political and even economic hopes and fears.

Mondays 1, 8, 15, 22 October, 11.00 – 13.00

This course will consider the reigns of James I and Charles I up to the outbreak of the Civil War in 1642.

Please also see the related course 'Later Stuarts: A Tale of Two Brothers': these courses explore the seventeenth century - a period of radical social change, sometimes regarded as witnessing the birth of the modern world. Either or both courses may be taken.

Wednesdays 17, 24 October; 7, 14 November, 10.30 – 12.30

This course examines the Allies’ expectations of the Treaties (Britain, France, Italy, Belgium and the USA) at Versailles, Neuilly, St. Germain, Trianon, Sevres and Lausanne, and considers the feelings of the major powers about the eventual terms.  We will also reflect on the problems that arose from the terms in the post war years until 1933.

Thursdays 1, 8, 15, 22 November, 10.30 – 12.30

Discover the importance and historical legacy of this era's magnificent individual, family and political portraits, from the iconic pictures of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I to the fashionable portraiture that developed into the reign of James I.

Fridays 9, 16, 23, 30 November 11.00 – 13.00

The Modern Commonwealth was formed in 1949 and currently has 53 member states. Some commentators argue that post-Brexit the Commonwealth could serve as a potential replacement for the EU. This course will help to understand and discuss some key features of the current and future bilateral and multilateral potential of the Commonwealth.

Saturday 10 November, 10.00 – 13.00

This study morning will explore various aspects of the recent social and cultural history of the River Thames. With the aid of maps, photographs and listening to recordings with those who live and work on the Thames, we will explore two contrasting stretches of river in East and West London.

Mondays 12, 19, 26 November, 11.00 – 13.00

This course will consider the reigns of Charles II and James II up to the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

Please also see the related course 'Early Stuarts: Popery, Potions and Pilgrims': these courses explore the seventeenth century - a period of radical social change, sometimes regarded as witnessing the birth of the modern world. Either or both courses may be taken.

Wednesday 28 November, 10.00 – 16.00

As this course is now fully booked, please email tonbridgeadmin@kent.ac.uk if you would like to be placed on the waiting list: this also helps us assess demand for a repeat course. Thank you.

No historical murder mystery intrigues us more than the fate of the two Princes in the Tower. But was Richard, their uncle, a murderous evil schemer or clever, hard-headed ruler? Examine the evidence and join the debate.

Wednesday 5 December, 10.30 – 12.30

From her launch in 1512 and sinking in the Solent in 1545, the Mary Rose was raised with numerous artefacts and is now displayed in Portsmouth Harbour in a splendid purpose-built museum. Discover the story of the Mary Rose and what it tells us of C16 England.

The tutor is an Official Mary Rose Trust volunteer lecturer; his lecture fee will be donated to the Trust.

Fridays 28 September; 5, 12, 19, 26 October; 2 November, 10.30 – 12.30

This course looks at a selection of texts from the 1960s and locates them in the literary, political and sociological climate of the period.

Thursdays 4, 11, 18, 25 October; 8, 15 November, 10.30 – 12.30

Zola championed human rights but his fiction sometimes depicts women in a negative light. We look at two of his novels: Thérèse Raquin, his first successful novel and Nana detailing the life of a prostitute. We also study three stories by Zola’s disciple, Maupassant, which reflect a dark, violent world.

Fridays 16, 23, 30 November; 7 December, 10.30 – 12.30

This course looks at texts by contemporary women writing from or about Africa. We will look at three novels from the late 20th and early 21st centuries, along with a selection of poetry and non-fictional writing.

Saturday 13 October, 10.00 – 16.00

With music to the fore, discover for yourself the key works of art, architecture, sculpture and music that beckoned eighteenth century travellers on their Grand Tour of Europe.

Saturday 10 November, 10.00 – 16.00

This workshop day is based on the acclaimed Journal to the Self © created by Kathleen Adams, one of the world leaders in expressive writing. Previous students have used Writing for Wellbeing for situations as varied as gaining confidence in workplace writing, exploring personal challenges, or reigniting creativity.

Limited places are available due to a smaller class size.

We also offer a 6 week course: More Writing for Wellbeing.

Mondays 22, 29 October; 5, 12, 19, 26 November, 13.00 – 15.00

Based on up to date research and developments in using a journal for writing and wellbeing, this course will help to support personal growth, creativity and life management skills through different journal writing techniques. It will use new or updated exercises from the University of Kent’s previous Writing for Wellbeing courses, so is suitable for both new and returning students. Previous students have used it for situations as varied as gaining confidence in workplace writing, exploring personal challenges, or reigniting creativity or just helping to manage their lives.

Limited places are available due to a smaller class size.

We also offer a one day workshop: An Introduction to Writing for Wellbeing.