The Wars of the Three Kingdoms, better known as the English Civil Wars, from 1640 to 1660, were 20 tumultuous years of conflict which finally united the three countries in a constitutional monarchy which has lasted, with some modifications, until the present day. The political and religious institutions developed in this period have since been exported to many countries. This course explores the upheavals in church and state in all three kingdoms, introducing us to significant historical figures like Charles I, ‘king and martyr’, William Laud, and Oliver Cromwell; and some great battles like Edgehill, Naseby and Worcester, and some then-novel ideas, like freedom of religion. Read from contemporary accounts of the execution of Charles I and from Samuel Pepys’ coded diary.

Independent Study Discussion Courses are for study by groups without a tutor, so there is no need to write reports. These courses were written by tutors who have now since retired from the Discussion Group Program. Some courses were written a number of years ago, and therefore contain references to events which are now more historical than current, however, all are entertaining, well-produced and worthwhile.

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Author: Douglas Golding

Course Code: D213

Supplied Material: Course Booklet

Units & Pricing: 6 units / $48 per person

GETTING STARTED

Start your Group: Anyone can start a Discussion Group – seek out some like-minded friends or put up a notice in your local library, bookshop or workplace. Please note a minimum of 6 people is required to start a new discussion group.

Arrange the Meetings: New groups need to decide where and when to meet, and for how long – whatever best suits members' particular situations.

Run your Group: Choose a secretary to liaise with WEA and your tutor, a Discussion Leader to chair meetings, a reporter to take discussion notes to send to your tutor, and maybe a librarian to look after the books.

Start the Course: Contact WEA Sydney to enrol. Bookings can be made for one year, divided into two terms – Term 1 commences in February, Term 2 in July (Groups may make forward bookings for popular choices). Please indicate in what order your Group wishes to study the courses, if more than one course is booked.