History & Culture

Past

Intro to Historical Linguistics with Theresa (Online)

What do J.R.R. Tolkien, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Amy Adams have in common? They’re all historical linguists!* Learn about the history of language in a 75-minute introductory class on Historical Linguistics. Together, we will explore how this field has developed, and the changing meanings of words and language. This class is suitable for people who have never heard of …

Past

Indian Mirror Work: Embroidery for Beginners with Manjari

What’s it all about? Learn the basics of Mirror (Sheesha) work embroidery from the Kutch region of India. Traditionally mirror work was used to ward off evil spirits and bad luck away from homes and the wearer! This embroidery is fun, playful and bright! In this class we will learn various stitches and techniques on …

Past

Bottled Empire: How Booze Built the World with Bronwyn (Online)

This class uncorks the rich, intoxicating history of alcohol—not just as a beverage, but as a cultural force. We’ll explore the drinkers who shaped rituals and rebellion, the makers who brewed identity into every barrel, the taxers who turned booze into bureaucracy, and the travellers who carried spirits across oceans and borders. From Mesopotamian beer …

Past

Bhangra Dancing for Everyone with Joshinder

Bhangra is a folk dance from Punjab, India, known as the dance of the harvest and celebration, and Joshinder wants to share culture and introduce you to its unique joy and flavour! It is a joyous expression of the body, with simple moves like bouncing and tapping, that instantly elevates one’s soul. Come along for a fun session …

Past

Monks, Monarchs and Moonshine: A History of Whisky with Bronwyn (Online)

From rowdy Scottish stills to the smoky bars of Prohibition-era America, whisky has a history as rich and complex as its flavors. In this spirited class, we’ll trace whisky’s evolution from medieval monks’ medicinal drams to the billion-dollar industry it is today. Along the way we’ll uncover the scandals, smuggling, and surprising innovations that shaped …

Past

Mulled Wine, Sangria and Everything In Between with Maria

We all know what to do with good wine… drink it! But what about the fruity, weird wine of dubious provenance your aunty gifted you?  Let’s discover some options to spruce it up a little!  Join us and learn all about mulled wine and the Spanish traditional sangria to start. What will we cover? In the class …

Past

Learn to Write Beautiful Calligraphy with Océane

Put down your phone, step away from the text messages and embrace handwriting again. Not just any old handwriting, but Calligraphy! Turn your messages and love letters into real works of art. Your teacher Océane knows a thing or two about calligraphy. As a French native, cursive handwriting is still an important part of French …

Past

Mulled Wine, Sangria and Everything In Between with Maria

We all know what to do with good wine… drink it! But what about the fruity, weird wine of dubious provenance your aunty gifted you?  Let’s discover some options to spruce it up a little!  Join us and learn all about mulled wine and the Spanish traditional sangria to start. What will we cover? In the class …

Past

Visible Mending: Sashiko Boro Patches with Robyn

What’s it all about? Being able to mend our clothes is an important skill that serves us throughout life. Whether it’s repairing that denim jacket, darning some woolly socks, reinforcing elbows or the dreaded crotch mend! It gives our favourite items of clothing extra life and longevity. And memories. Sometimes subtlety is key, but sometimes …