Online Program
Adventures Online: A WWII Symposium
Program No. 25609RJ
Delve into the history and impact of World War II in a unique online symposium that will connect you with other Road Scholars and experts in engaging discussions and discoveries.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
3 days
Building on the success of the onsite program “An Oxford WWII Conference,” join us for an online look at World War II history. This year, we turn our attention to 1943 — a turning point in the war. Follow the topics of the in-person conference in this online symposium, including a dynamic exploration of the war’s far-reaching impact. From life on the English home front to the evolution of airpower to the shadowy world of espionage, learn more about how World War II shaped everyday life and the course of global conflict. Throughout your online journey, connect with your fellow Road Scholars through lectures and Q&A sessions led by experts like award-winning historian Dr. Spencer Jones, senior lecturer in armed forces and war studies at the University of Wolverhampton.
Best of all, you'll...
- Engage in insightful presentations from historians that explore World War II in multiple contexts, including political, social, military and cultural.
- Learn from World War II experts like Dr. Spencer Jones through interactive discussions in an accessible online format.
- Gain a new perspective on World War II’s lasting impact on the modern world alongside other Road Scholars.
General Notes
You’ll enjoy 2-3 hours of daily instruction, discussion and/or field trips, which includes sufficient breaks throughout the program. This online program is through Zoom, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. We’ll provide a how-to guide to make sure you’ll have a hassle-free experience. This session is offered live only and will not be available on demand. Please review the daily itinerary for start and end times to ensure you won’t miss a minute of this live experience. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Spencer Jones
Dr. Spencer Jones is an award-winning historian with a special interest in the First and Second World Wars and the life of Sir Winston Churchill. He is a senior lecturer in armed forces and war studies at the University of Wolverhampton, and serves in the British Army as the regimental historian of the Royal Artillery. His most recent publication is 'The Armchair General World War One: Can You Win the Great War?'
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Spencer Jones
Dr. Spencer Jones is an award-winning historian with a special interest in the First and Second World Wars and the life of Sir Winston Churchill. He is a senior lecturer in armed forces and war studies at the University of Wolverhampton, and serves in the British Army as the regimental historian of the Royal Artillery. His most recent publication is 'The Armchair General World War One: Can You Win the Great War?'
Matthias Strohn
Dr. Matthias Strohn is a Senior Research Fellow in the Humanities Research Institute and teaches in the University of Buckingham’s program based in London. He is a senior lecturer in the Department of War Studies, The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Dr. Strohn is a specialist in the history of the German army in the 20th century, with a special interest in the World Wars, command and leadership, and the development and application of doctrine on the battlefield.
Kevin Durjun
Kevin Durjun began his career in theatre arts as a radio producer and presenter. He then served as manager at the Theatre Royal Stratford East and later as membership and communications manager for the Independent Theatre Council as well as two leading off-West End theatres.
Ruth Polling
Ruth Polling graduated at the top of her class as the London Blue Badge Travel Educator of the Year and has been sharing her knowledge of London with curious travelers for over 10 years. London born and bred, she is energetic and passionate about her city and country and sharing their stories. Ruth graduated from the London School of Economics and previously worked in politics for 11 years, both in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Kate Vigurs
Dr. Kate Vigurs, FRHistS, is an historian, author, and researcher. She is currently a visiting academic in the department of political and international studies at the University of Warwick. With a Ph.D. in history from the University of Leeds, she speaks widely on women's history and both World Wars at museums, history festivals, and clubs. Kate works as an expert on trips covering the Western Front battlefields, Berlin, and Krakow/Auschwitz. She is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
Victoria Taylor
Dr. Victoria Taylor is an award-winning historian and presenter. She is a noted expert on British and German aviation during the interwar period and the Second World War. Her most recent publication is 'Eagle Days: Life and Death for the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain' (2025). A former lecturer at the Defence Academy of the UK (King's College London), she is an ambassador for both the National Spitfire Project and the RAF Charitable Trust.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
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Call
800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan
Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
- Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
- Assurance Plan
Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
- Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
- Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.