Archaeology, History & History of Art

The course will largely focus on the immediate postwar years and the decline of the Great American Song. We will trace some of the changes that overtook popular entertainment during and after WW2 including the Andrews Sisters and Glenn Miller. Postwar we will look at the rise of the solo crooner and pop vocalists such as Crosby, Como and Sinatra. We...

This course reviews the archaeological evidence for industry in Cheshire chronologically, beginning with Roman mining at Alderley Edge and Roman salt making in Middlewich & Nantwich. Then we will look at medieval salt making in Nantwich and leather making in Chester; late medieval corn milling; post-medieval metal working at Lymm and Little Moreton; textile production in Macclesfield and Congleton; canals;...

VIKING!! This is one of the most iconic descriptors in historical studies. Our stereotypical notion of the men from the Scandinavian countries is of huge, muscled, blonde warriors, eternally fighting, raiding and stealing anything from people to luxury goods and land. Whilst there might be elements of truth in this, it is essentially very far from the whole story. Over three terms,...

Ever wanted to know how to read a garden? This course provides an introduction to England's garden history including sources of inspiration, details on leading designers and features to identify and interpret them.  “The many great gardens of the world, of literature and poetry, of painting and music, of religion and architecture, all make the point as clear as possible: The...

At the turn of the twentieth century, American classical music was dependent on Europe, jazz was in its infancy and the musical did not exist.  American art rejected the latest trends from across the Atlantic but was struggling for an identity.  Yet within fifty years, images of the USA – both pictorial and musical – were ubiquitous: from its...

This course continues to explore the History of Turkey and will cover the period from the death of Alexander the Great in 323BC to the emergence of the Ottomans by AD1375. Turkey has always been at the crossroads of east and west, and has been ruled by an assortment of imperial powers. The Selucid Greeks were followed by the Romans...

World Heritage sites are locations recognised for their outstanding cultural or natural beauty.  Many people visit these places without really understanding their global importance.  So if you are planning your next holiday to a very special historic or scenic place, why not learn more before you go.  For historians as well as travellers, these sites are an opportunity to experience...