Going off the Rails
The railway network has made a huge difference to Britain's social history, to perceptions of speed and distance and to the appearance of countryside and town. The course will look at how writers and film-makers have responded to railway travel and the experience it offers.
Additional information about this course
How the growth of the railway network changed the country, the landscape and our way of life and how this has been reflected in literature and film.
The railway network has made a huge difference to Britain's social history, The course aims to explore how writers and film-makers have responded to the rsailwaqys and their development.
Who is the course for?
What topics will this course cover
The course will look at how writers such as Wordsworth, Larkin, Owen, Edward Thomas, Dickens and many others have explored rail travel and the experience it offers.We will also be looking at films (feature and documentary) which provide interesting views of rail travel. We will look in particular at the the works of John Betjeman and Alfred Hitchcock
What will it be like?
WEA classes are friendly and supportive. You will be encouraged to work together with your fellow students and tutor. You will be asked to share your ideas and views in the class and work with the group to give and accept feedback in a supportive environment. The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you to be actively involved in your learning. You may be asked to undertake work to support your course outside of your class.
By the end of the course I should be able to:
Explain why railway travel has appealed to wide variety of writers and film-makers. Talk about Betjeman's films and poems about rail travel. Explain why some writers (in particular Wordsworth) were against the development of railways. Be able to provide examples of music inspired by the railways
How will I know I'm making progress?
Informal conversation and discussion
What else do I need to know, do or bring?
No prior knowledge required
Reading and information sources
Books, websites etc. will be recommended during the course
What could the course lead to?
I hope the course will lead students to explore the extensive literature on this subject for themselves.