Joan of Arc: Heretic or Heroine, Myth or Marvel?

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