Courses: June/July 2024

[smallhobbit]

Five more courses:

FutureLearn

Heart of Scotland: History & Heritage of Stirling at 900 Years (University of Stirling)  A very interesting look through 900 years of the city of Stirling, beginning from its foundation by King David up to the current time.  Having visited Perth and Dundee last year I can see Stirling being on the list to visit next year - there would be plenty to see.

Tracing the History of the Italian Language (University of Padova)  I knew nothing about the formation of the Italian language and only know a very limited number of words but that didn't matter as I found this a fascinating course learning how Italian grew from being a purely written language to one that is spoken throughout Italy and by Italians throughout the world.  One of those course which I think I'll try out and was very pleased to have done so.


OpenLearn

Introducing the Classical World
Exploring Ancient Greek religion
Introducing Homer's Iliad
Three more course in my Classical summer.  As ever I find the interpretation of what people thought at the time rather narrow - especially when views change over time.  However, it's interesting to look at a way of life that has had an influence on Western civilisation.

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

Well done! I always admire your commitment to learning. The Italian course sounds interesting.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much. It helps keep my brain active (always important at my advancing age!)

[apachefirecat]

The Scotland history one sounds fascinating! Enjoy!

[smallhobbit]

It was very interesting, well worth doing.

[aome]

Those first two sound absolutely fascinating!

[smallhobbit]

They were, the Italian one surprisingly so.

[shallowness]

That's an interesting nugget about Italian having started off as a written language and become an oral one later!

[smallhobbit]

Yes, because Italy wasn't united until the second half of the nineteenth century everyone spoke their local dialect.

[rusty_armour]

All of these FutureLearn/OpenLearn courses sound really interesting, though I'd probably like Heart of Scotland: History & Heritage of Stirling at 900 Years, Introducing the Classical World, and Introducing Homer's Iliad the most. I'm truly impressed by how many of these courses you've taken. You've obviously learned a LOT!

[smallhobbit]

The one about Stirling was interesting and has certainly encouraged me to what to visit, and finding out more about the Classical world, given how much it's influenced western civilisation is well worthwhile.