In this lively and friendly course we will study five famous trials drawn from 20th century British history. Each session will focus on a different trial, chosen by the tutor and not announced in advance. The trials chosen will cover a range of topics, for example treason, libel, slander, adultery, divorce and murder. The people, the stories and the issues behind each trial will be studied, so as to understand their legal, political and/or social significance.
Course aim
To explore the people, the stories and the issues behind five famous trials drawn from 20th century British history, so as to understand those trials’ legal, political and/or social significance.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- describe in outline the background to at least 3 of the trials studied in this course;
- explain in outline what those 3 trials were about;
- identify at least 1 point of legal, political or social significance for each of these 3 trials.
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
- You may be asked to undertake additional work in your own time to support 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
What else do I need to know?
- It would be helpful if you had access to the internet (Mobile phone, tablet or computer at home or through a library etc.)
- Students are asked to bring a notebook and a pen/pencil with them to the sessions, so that they can take notes.
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
- 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
Download full course information sheet







