Regional Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences short courses

The centre for Regional Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (RHASS) offers a bespoke range of short courses that amplify the study of liberal arts. Enhancing the intellectual and cultural landscape of Ballarat, RHASS aims to build a sustainable and vibrant intellectual community that fosters collaboration, innovation, and positive social change with impact. To find out more or to register you interest email rhass@acu.edu.au

Current short courses include: 

300 Years of Women's Fashion: From Europe to the Goldfields and Beyond

Join dress and material culture historian Dr Sarah Bendall for a 1-day experience exploring the story of 300 hundred years of European and Australian women’s fashions at Sovereign Hill. Participants will listen to talks and watch dressing demonstrations, as well as take part in guided, behind-the-scenes tours of Sovereign Hill’s Costume department and the Fashion Collections at the Centre for Gold Rush Collections.

Workshop details

When: Saturday 30 November 2024, 9:30am-5pm
Cost: $200 full price $180 concession. Lunch and refreshments included.
Presenter: Dr Sarah A. Bendall
For more information visit sovereignhill.com.au/events

Book now 

Make a Sixteenth-Century Farthingale

Learn how to make a sixteenth-century Spanish farthingale with dress and material culture historian Dr Sarah Bendall. In this full-day workshop, you will use historically accurate methods and materials to create a half-scale hooped farthingale, based on a surviving sixteenth century example from Spain. Through clear demonstrations and group tuitions, you’ll be taught sixteenth century sewing and construction techniques, as well as how to make ‘ropes of bents’ – just like Queen Elizabeth I’s tailors and farthingale-makers!

Workshop details
Where: Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades
When: Early 2025
Cost: TBC. Booking essential. Limited places.
Presenter: Dr Sarah A. Bendall

Note: Students must be able to competently use a sewing machine and do basic hand stitches – this is not a beginner sewing class.

Excavating the Vessel

Join multi-disciplinary artist and visual arts lecturer Professor Catherine Bell and Associate Professor of Art History, Victoria Carruthers in a unique exploration excavating the vessel. In this full-day workshop you will explore the idea of the vessel both as a physical and psychological object representative of life and death in a guided tour of vessels within the Art Gallery of Ballarat collection. Followed by a hands-on practical workshop where you will craft your own vessel out of a soft, biodegradable, sculpting medium, and reflect on themes related to the human condition, and our mortality. 

Workshop details

Where: Art Gallery of Ballarat
When: 2026
Cost: TBC
Presenters: Professor Catherine Bell & Associate Professor Victoria Carruthers

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Bringing the past to life

Explore one of the most pervasive themes across humanities with Senior Lecturer in history at ACU, Associate Professor Benjamin Mountford. Experience history in a whole new way, exploring the impenetrable impact of story and identity told through ancestry and historical events.  In this workshop you will learn how to trace your family’s past and acquire essential knowledge and tools to enable you to become more proficient and bring the past to life.

Workshop details

Where: Australian Catholic University Ballarat
When: TBC 2025
Cost: TBA. Booking essential. Limited places.
Presenter: Associate Professor Benjamin Mountford

To find out more or to register you interest email rhass@acu.edu.au