Whether you're into history, politics, philosophy and science, we want you to be able to find a course that speaks to you. So each term we invite new professionals and academics to add new courses for you.
In our second presentation round this summer, we are delighted to be able to share our new tutors who will offer new courses. Their courses range from geology, ecology and the history of science over philosophy, religious studies to memory studies.
Andres Mesa
Andres is an experienced geologist and exploration consultant with a strong background in regional subsurface analysis, earth’s evolution and field geology in addition to expertise in oil & gas exploration, renewable energy, and energy economics. Offering a unique perspective on the interplay between Earth’s processes and human society, Andres is passionate about teaching the history of the Earth, fossil records, and natural landscapes science communication and adult education and making learning accessible, engaging and a platform for encouraging critical thinking and inspiring curiosity. Learn more about Andres’ geology introductory courses and enrol here:
- Introduction to Geology I: The rocks beneath our feet. Understanding landscapes for you next trip
[Course completed] - Introduction to Geology II: How rocks are present in our every day life
Ben Chapple
Ben has a Masters in biodiversity, evolution and conservation from University College London and is currently a PhD candidate with Imperial College London, focusing on the impacts of nature-based tourism on both people and wildlife in the context of climate change. Outside his research, Ben is a wildlife tour guide in the UK and beyond. At City Lit, Ben is excited to offer courses on local ecologies and habitats, so far offering courses on ornithology and wildlife more broadly in Rainham Marshes, Walthamstow Wetlands and Richmond Park.
Dr Denis Bosseau
Denis Bosseau (PhD) is an experience lecturer and seminar leader in the humanities, specialising in Modern European Philosophy (i.e., Modernity, Nietzsche, Existentialism, Marxism), and Socio-political Theory (e.g. Theories of Democracy and Democratic Practice; Socialism and Revolutionary Theory and Practice; Philosophical approaches to the concepts of emancipation, freedom, resistance and power). His research currently focuses on contemporary debates in the radical left surrounding the heritage of Leninism and its potential relevance today in the light the recent cycles of social movements and struggles. His research also touches on the relationship between Philosophy and Art, and debates surrounding the idea of ‘Engaged Literature’. Prior to joining CityLit in 2025, Denis held various teaching positions at the University of Sussex, Birkbeck College (University of London) and the University of Brighton. Learn more about Denis’ course on the histories of the ideas of security, surveillance and freedom and enrol here:
Dr Geoffrey Levett
Dr Geoffrey Levett gained his PhD from Birkbeck College, University of London and has published widely on the history of the Britain and France in the twentieth century, specialising in the relationship between sport and politics. He has been a Blue Badge qualified guide to London for more than twenty years, leading groups big and small around the city’s streets and into the major historic sites that dot the capital. He is also the Secretary of The Cricket Society, a body dedicated to promoting cricket in all its spheres - playing, watching, listening and reading. In the theatre he specialises in adapting works in French for the English stage but recently branched out into producing a radical new version of Chekhov's Uncle Vanya. At City Lit, Geoff will offer walks on 20th century London. Learn more and enrol here:
Joseph Streeter
Joseph’s research interests lie in intellectual history and anthropology, and he has published several scholarly works in both fields. His article ‘Conceptions of tolerance in antiquity and late antiquity’ appeared in the Journal of the History of Ideas in 2021 and received the Selma V. Forkosch prize. He studied ancient history at University College London and the University of Oxford, and social anthropology at the LSE, and has taught ancient history and Latin at universities in England and the United States, including UCL and Birkbeck. At present he is preparing a number of works for publication, including a long essay on the history of religious toleration in late antiquity, and a number of methodological essays in the history of ideas. Joseph will be teaching courses on religious toleration and morality. Learn more and enrol here:
Dr Kathy Chater
Dr Kathy Chater is a historian and genealogist with many interest and has a long track record of publications, teaching for family and local history societies, researching both family history and Black British history and also supporting TV productions and exhibitions. She is very excited to start offering courses at City Lit. Learn more and enrol here:
Monica Clarke
Fully onboard City Lit’s mission to enrich lives through learning, Monica teaches wellbeing and health courses at City Lit and we are pleased to now have her offer courses here with us also. If you are new to the UK, are looking for your first courses after ESOL or want to reflect more on the meaning and value of heritage, look below to learn more and enrol:
- Exploring histories, memories and heritage: Making connections (1)
[Course completed] - Exploring histories, memories and heritage: Making connections (2)
[Course complete]
Nathalie Puget
Nathalie Puget is a Garden Designer, Horticulturalist and experienced Lecturer. Nathalie has a Diploma in Garden Design and the RHS Level 3 Diploma in The Principles and Practices of Horticulture, she has been teaching Garden Design and Planting Design Qualifications for the past twelve years as well as running her own Garden Design Practice. Nathalie studied History and History of Art at the Sorbonne University in Paris, before moving to London in the 1980s, history being a key part of understanding Garden Design today, Nathalie has taken many groups of students to gardens and parks in and around London to discover the fascinating connections to wider historical developments and understand where our familiar garden features come from. Nathalie will apply her expertise in her courses at City Lit. You can learn more and enrol here:
- Garden History: Italian Renaissance Gardens
[Course completed]
Tas Rahman
Tas has always had an interest in science, technology and engineering. After studying Electronic Engineering at the University of London, he has worked for almost 30 years as a Management Consultant and Programme Director in industry, implementing technology solutions for large organisations across the world. Outside work, Tas has a strong passion for Islamic History, Art & Architecture. This has been nurtured for decades through extensive travel across Andalucia, Sicily, North Africa, the Middle East and South & Central Asia. He’s an avid collector of Islamic art and antiques, having extensively studied the field, and has also researched the history of medieval and early-modern Islamic empires. Bringing these strands together at City Lit, Tas will offer courses on the Islamic world with an emphasis of the history of science.
Vernon Thompson
Vernon has been full-time academic staff in the DRADAS department since September 2005 and prior to this a part-time tutor at the college from October 2003. His responsibilities include being Programme Manager for the year-long OCN accredited Foundation in Drama course.
Vernone is also Tutor-Co-ordinator responsible for overseeing all Voice Speech and Communication courses and also City Lit Theatre Company, for whom he has also directed ten productions. He has a major presence in teaching on the accredited courses. Vernon has an MA in Voice Studies from Central School of Speech & Drama, and a PGCE from City University.
Previous posts include Head of Voice at the Academy Drama School and teaching at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. He works for Channel 4 News in London and TRT World in Istanbul as a voice consultant to their broadcasters and journalists, as well as accepting private clients. Vernon produces and directs his own professional London Repertory Company. Recent directing credits are "Dial M For Murder" (Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, 2024) and "An Intervention" (Hen and Chickens Theatre, Islington, 2024).
Vincent Marquis
Vincent is a writer and educator trained in art history, philosophy, and law. His work explores the intersection of memory, international justice, and visual culture, and in particular the role that monuments and heritage play during and after conflict. His research has been published and presented at universities and museums internationally.
Beyond academia, Vincent has worked on access to justice initiatives with marginalised communities, collaborated with international organisations on human rights research, and led curatorial projects in Berlin, Montreal, and London. He also writes fiction and has trained in horticulture and acting. Bringing his research into his teaching, Vincent will teach courses on heritage, conflict and questions on historical justice. Learn more and enrol here:
Study at City Lit
We hope you'll join us in welcoming our new tutors to City Lit. Browse their courses using the links above and book your place today!
