Exploring five films from Alfred Hitchcock. Often referred to as the master of suspence, this course explores several of the director's most famous Hollywood films, but also allows participants (re)discover some his earlier British works, whilst uncovering some cinematic experiments which he himself felt less satisfied with. Considering Hitchcock's running themes and the key inspirations which led to his distinct approach to cinema. North By Northwest (1955) Blackmail (1929) Vertigo (1958) Rope (1949) The 39 Steps (1939)
Course aim
A friendly and accessible exploration of five films from 'the master of suspense' Alfred Hitchcock.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for a group of around 15 students studying in a live video-learning platform conference and an online digital learning environment platform from the comfort of your own home.
- You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- You will need your own personal email address so that you’re able to login to the WEA’s digital learning platform: WEA Canvas. You will need to be able to understand how to follow URL links to pages on the internet. If you want to understand more about Canvas please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge, fresh appreciation & understanding for the films of Alfred Hitchcock.
- Critically analyse, discuss and comment on films of Alfred Hitchcock.
- Draw from one's own knowledge and experience in expressing informed opinions when commenting on the films of Alfred Hitchcock
- Confidently discuss the subject area and in particular any aspects of an Alfred Hitchcock film which one finds important
- Discuss my motivation & enthusiasm for film and cinema in general and issues arising relating to the course theme.
How will I be taught?
- The WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas will be used to provide resources or to support lessons, enable assessment, provide learner feedback and for other activities for individuals away from the course. If you want to understand more about our digital learning platform please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
- 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 consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions
What else do I need to know?
- You will also need access to the internet outside of your sessions. You could do this using a smart phone, tablet, laptop or a desktop computer (at home or through a library etc.).
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- Nothing else is needed
- All materials will be provided
- A pen and note book would prove usefull.
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
- No strict pre-reading/viewing is required however - Films included are: North By Northwest (1955) Blackmail (1929) Vertigo (1958) Rope (1949) The 39 Steps (1939)
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Progress to a course with another provider
- This course could lead to a range of job opportunities. Follow link to National Careers Service for more details https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/
- 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/
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
- Further online learning opportunities with the WEA on a local and national level.
Download full course information sheet







