SHAKESPEARE’S CONTEMPORARIES: WEBSTER’S THE DUCHESS OF MALFI

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Join us to explore John Webster's gruesome Jacobean tragedy, famous for its brilliant poetry, unexpected twists and feisty heroine, who defies her tyrannical aristocratic brothers to marry secretly for love. Passion, intrigue, murder and madness, among the Italian nobilty. Come and enjoy! Clare Smout (Shropshire www.highamhall.com/clare-smout) Residential: £250 Non-residential: £180

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE ISLAMIC WORLD

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

The classical philosophy of the Islamic world is largely an attempt to reconcile the Hellenistic philosophy of Aristotle and Plotinus with the doctrines of the Qur'an. We will trace the evolution of Islamic thought beginning with it's founders, al Kindi and al Farabi, before exploring Ibn Sina and the Mind/Body problem, Ibn Rushd's argument that 

Let me read more...

WRITING FICTION: SETTING AND STRUCTURE

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

A residential creative writing course aimed at both beginning and intermediate writers interested in flash fiction, short stories, novellas or the novel. Consisting of lectures, writing exercises and individual tutorials, enjoy uninterrupted writing time in a beautiful rural retreat. In addition to taught sessions on ‘Setting’ and ‘Structure’, Darren will provide you with short stories 

Let me read more...

THE LAZY PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO IRIS MURDOCH

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Murdoch’s philosophy has often been neglected in favour of her novels. In this course we will remedy this imbalance.  Beginning with the novel The Bell, we will look at the relationship between her philosophy and her fiction. We will then reflect upon the influence of Existentialism on her oeuvre before immersing ourselves in her best-known 

Let me read more...

TALK & TEA: THE PHILOSOPHY OF HAPPINESS

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

One in a series of lectures by our Philosophy Tutor Darren for anyone who would like to enrich their lives by hearing a philosophical perspective on various topics. What is happiness?  Is it nothing more than feeling good, which underpins the philosophy of utilitarianism?  Is it merely the temporary cessation of suffering?  Or is it 

Let me read more...

PHILOSOPHY: DEATH, GOD AND THE MEANING OF LIFE

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

In this introduction to existentialism and the philosophy of religion, we eschew traditional approaches to questions of life’s meaning and God’s existence. Instead, we explore profound, historical and yet underdiscussed approaches to both; including, but not limited to, Kierkegaard’s proclamation that “God does not exist, He is eternal”. How does this connect with Nietzsche’s equally 

Let me read more...

APPRECIATING SHAKESPEARE IN PERFORMANCE: TWELFTH NIGHT

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Shakespeare brings together romance and carnival in this world of separated twins, hopeless love triangles, lyrical poetry and practical jokes. Watch the Festival Players' outdoor performance at Higham, followed by a chance to discuss the production with director and cast. Lectures and discussions on the surrounding days will add context and depth. Clare Smout (Shropshire 

Let me read more...

FREEDOM, FRANCHISE AND FEMININITY IN VIRGINIA WOOLF

What is Freedom?  Is Freedom having a ‘room of one’s own’?  Are there several forms of Freedom?  Is ‘Political Freedom’ and franchise the most important?  Using Woolf’s novel Mrs Dalloway, as well as her essay A Room of One’s Own, this course will explore the concepts of Freedom, Franchise and Femininity.   Darren Harper (Cumbria 

Let me read more...

TALK & TEA: THE LAZY PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO SOLITUDE

Another in a series of lectures by our Philosophy Tutor Darren for anyone who would like to enrich their lives by hearing a philosophical perspective on various topics. What is the difference between loneliness and solitude?  Have you ever felt lonely in a crowd? Making reference to Existentialist philosophiser Paul Tillich; being in a body means 

Let me read more...

SHAKESPEARE’S HAMLET

Join us to explore Shakespeare's most famous tragedy, in which the ghost of Hamlet's father urges his introspective son to revenge his murder. The royal court of Denmark slowly disintegrates under the weight of grief, madness and suspicion. Lectures and discussion are supported with film clips throughout. Clare Smout (Shropshire www.highamhall.com/clare-smout) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190