Buckden Learning Group

Course Description: Elizabeth I never lived to see a permanent English colony in North America - that moment would belong to James I, when Jamestown was established in 1607. But this was less than five years after Elizabeth's death, and it is fair to say that much of the "groundwork of Empire" was done under her rule. In this series of four talks, Simon will examine Elizabeth I's foreign policy from the 1570s into the 1580s. He will explore the growing imperial tensions with Spain, the privateering activities of Francis Drake, the emerging conflict with the Spanish Netherlands, the path to the Spanish Armada itself, and England's ever-growing confidence at sea which would finally propel the nation on the path to imperialism and colonisation.

Course Description: After the end of the Civil War and the period of Reconstruction, the United States began to realise the enormous industrial potential which could transform the country into a dominant world power. A chronological approach focuses on both domestic issues and foreign policy and traces the emergence of the USA as a Superpower in the second half of the Twentieth Century and its impact on world affairs.

Course Description: This is an introductory course to the country of Ukraine through its Arts, Literature, and Music, led by the lecturer, who used to visit Ukraine in the past. What do the country’s landmarks and monuments tell us about its history? Who are Ukraine’s most popular writers, musicians and artists? How Ukrainian national features are revealed through their language, traditions, food and songs? Ukraine is the largest country in Europe but was almost unknown to Europeans until recently. Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, the world has admired Ukrainian people, wondering what the sources of their valour and resilience are. This course will help you discover historical contexts in which Ukrainian people’s traditions, attitudes and behaviour were shaped, and provide the background to the conflict in the region.

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.