Buckden Learning Group

Course Description: This is a large subject to cover in just 6 weeks. The first three sessions start with the arrival of the Normans from England under Henry II and finish with the outbreak of the First World War. The remaining three sessions start with the growth of Irish nationalism at the turn of the 20th century and take us through to the adoption of a new constitution in 1937, effectively creating an Irish republic. An expanded description is available on request.

Course Description: From the earliest simple trick shots to cutting-edge computer-generated images, the magic of the movies has always been part art, part science, and a whole lot of inventiveness. Expect miniature cities, giant apes, animated antics, spaceships, skeletons, and digitally de-aged actors as we enjoy an in-depth look at over a century of creativity in classic cinema – as well as some overlooked masterpieces.

Course Description: A look at how lots of things changed at the end of the 18th century, from garden design to painting, politics and poetry. And how the Romantic's legacy is still with us. We will look at representative samples of art and literature from the time and discuss them. There will be famous names, and names no-one remembers.

Course Description: The Origin and Development of the Fens: 400,000 years ago to the present day. This short course will cover the geology, geography, history and drainage of the Fens. It will also consider the impact of climate change, environmental issues and government policy on the future of this unique environment.

Course Description: The course takes a chronological approach covering the years 1066-1945. The focus is on the development of agricultural techniques, the effect on people’s lives and the way in which the landscape has been changed as a result of human activity. The course uses a variety of material – family written sources, oral history, popular song and documentary film. This enables study of the human aspect, particularly the lot of the agricultural labourer.

Course Description: : The tensions and conflicts in the Middle East are so often on our TV screens - and of course the situation is far from new, with roots that stretch back far into history. Join Simon for this 12-week course exploring the history of the Middle East from 1917 through to the early C21, through periods of crisis, conflict and change. From the closing months of the First World War, through the period of the British Mandate and the involvement of the United Nations and on to the creation of the State of Israel in the mid-C20, we will trace the tides and currents of history. We will go on to explore both the further conflicts, and the attempts at finding peaceful resolutions to those conflicts, through the 1950s up until 2012. Please note that this is primarily a history programme, and whilst we will of course be exploring the factors which give rise to the current tragedies unfolding in the region, this will not be a forum for political debate on current affairs or conflicts

Course Description: The dynastic struggle for the throne of England that shook the country to the core in the 15th century is regularly depicted in fiction. But was the classic division into the house of Lancaster and York as straightforward as it sounds? Who were the major players and behind the scenes influencers? Was allegiance fixed or flexible? Who were the women supporting their more famous menfolk and what of the ordinary people of England, How were their lives impacted by the doings of the nobles? Taking a different theme each week, This short course will seek to answer these questions and others.