During her youth, persistent ‘voices’ commanded a peasant girl to vanquish the foe. Despite initial endeavours to erase all traces of her, this course examines Joan’s visions, voices, successes and failures, along with why she has remained an enduring symbol of female courage.
Course aim
Given she has often been a unifying and divisive figure, this course will discuss who Joan of Arc really was, why her ‘voices’ remain controversial and assess her enduring legacy.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Assess her 'voices' and how they have been interpreted.
- Account for why she was so convincing in such a patriarchal era.
- Discuss how she has been portrayed as a political symbol.
- Identify why she has sometimes been divisive.
- Explain her enduring popularity.
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
- You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning
What else do I need to know?
- Nothing else is needed
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- Although optional, any of the texts recommended by the tutor would enhance the weekly group discussions and participants' personal development.
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Become involved with the WEA in a range of voluntary work and other activities including campaigning as a WEA member
- Become involved as a volunteer for a WEA partner or another organisation
- You could progress to Higher Education courses. Follow link to the PEARL website for information http://pearl.open.ac.uk/
- Students could further develop their critical thinking skills and an understanding of other societies’ cultures and attitudes
Download full course information sheet







