Local newspapers are a wonderful source of information and insights into contemporary life. We will take a different approach to the history of Leicester and Leicestershire by exploring the stories behind some of their headlines from the early 19th century, from matters of great moment to 'melancholy' and 'mysterious' occurrences, letters to the editor on issues of the day, and intriguing advertisements for a range of goods and services. Specific topics will include the trial of Luddites in Leicester in 1817; the threatened destruction of part of New Walk in 1856; the search for a giant sloth in Patagonia in 1901; the prosecution of banana and celery sellers in the city in 1932; and what the Victorians made of the vagaries of the weather. There will be an opportunity for you to choose other topics from a list of unusual headlines compiled by the tutor. We will also learn something of the ownership of Leicester's newspapers and their political inclinations.
Additional information about this course
Actual venue is Bishop Street Methodist Church
Course aim
We will take a different approach to the history of Leicester and Leicestershire by exploring the stories behind some of the headlines in local newspapers from the early 19th century.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- No skills or experience needed
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Give examples of some of the stories behind the headlines that we study during the course.
- Identify some of the historical sources that allow us to discover their wider context.
- Explain how ownership of newspapers, their political bias and sources of funding could affect their reporting of news and issues of the day.
- Make some comparisons where appropriate with the media in the 21st century and how they 'headline' news stories.
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
What else do I need to know?
- Nothing else is needed
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
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
Download full course information sheet
