Aesop’s fables have been used through history to clarify important issues within society. Investigate their perseverance through history and why they continue to be relevant today.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Aesop’s fables have been used since ancient times to discuss politics, values, ethos and relationships with in society. This course introduces Aesop’s fables, investigates their relevance, and perseverance through history. Asking why they are still used throughout the world to make us aware of dynamics amongst nations and within communities. How do they give us direction for the formation of a fairer world.
What will we cover?
We will discuss what constitutes fables and what function/s they serve in society? We will read (in translation) certain fables discussing their content, meaning, and reappearance. Why we refer to them in times of social unrest.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
identify prominent Aesop’s fables
discuss their background
relate them to contemporary times and world history
evaluate the debates around them
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a course for anyone curious about the subject – no previous knowledge needed.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor presentations and discussions of text and images in class. There will be no work outside class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Bring writing material. Further reading will be recommended.
Maria Contos has published many stories with mythical themes. She has also written and performed puppet shows and plays based on myths. She has adopted myths for television and theatre, teaches mythology and runs creative writing workshops. She also teaches languages.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/aesop-s-fables-an-introduction178175Aesop's fables: an introductionhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/e/aesop-s-fables-rc658-square.jpg4949GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Classical literature/Courses/Weird and wonderful City Lit/Courses/vm/Summer courses228511771191147417451345712285117711911653Aesop’s fables have been used through history to clarify important issues within society. Investigate their perseverance through history and why they continue to be relevant today. <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">Aesop’s fables have been used since ancient times to discuss politics, values, ethos and relationships with in society. This course introduces Aesop’s fables, investigates their relevance, and perseverance through history. Asking why they are still used throughout the world to make us aware of dynamics amongst nations and within communities. How do they give us direction for the formation of a fairer world. <br />
<br />
This is a live online course. You will need:<br />
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.<br />
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.<br />
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.<br />
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.</div>252991464Aesop's fables: an introduction4949https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/e/aesop-s-fables-rc658-square_7.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-07-14T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJul 2026Culture, history & humanitiesRC6584949Aesop's fables: an introduction393249Maria Contosaesop-s-fables-an-introduction/rc658-2526Aesop’s fables have been used through history to clarify important issues within society. Investigate their perseverance through history and why they continue to be relevant today.0000-Available|2026-07-14 00:00:00Aesop’s fables have been used since ancient times to discuss politics, values, ethos and relationships with in society. This course introduces Aesop’s fables, investigates their relevance, and perseverance through history. Asking why they are still used throughout the world to make us aware of dynamics amongst nations and within communities. How do they give us direction for the formation of a fairer world.Aesop’s fables have been used through history to clarify important issues within society. Investigate their perseverance through history and why they continue to be relevant today.We will discuss what constitutes fables and what function/s they serve in society? We will read (in translation) certain fables discussing their content, meaning, and reappearance. Why we refer to them in times of social unrest.<ul><li>identify prominent Aesop’s fables</li><li>discuss their background</li><li>relate them to contemporary times and world history</li><li>evaluate the debates around them</li></ul>This is a course for anyone curious about the subject – no previous knowledge needed.Tutor presentations and discussions of text and images in class. There will be no work outside class.Bring writing material. Further reading will be recommended.Any Classical civilisations class from September.Ancient civilisationsClassical literaturevirtual394932RC658NONETue14/07/26 - 21/07/2613:50 - 15:5013:5015:502 sessions (over 2 weeks)21 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetMaria ContosBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-07-14T00:00:00+00:00Jul 2026Culture, history & humanities4949Aesop's fables: an introductionaesop-s-fables-an-introduction/rc658-2526Aesop’s fables have been used through history to clarify important issues within society. Investigate their perseverance through history and why they continue to be relevant today.0000-Available|2026-07-14 00:00:00Aesop’s fables have been used since ancient times to discuss politics, values, ethos and relationships with in society. This course introduces Aesop’s fables, investigates their relevance, and perseverance through history. Asking why they are still used throughout the world to make us aware of dynamics amongst nations and within communities. How do they give us direction for the formation of a fairer world.Aesop’s fables have been used through history to clarify important issues within society. Investigate their perseverance through history and why they continue to be relevant today.We will discuss what constitutes fables and what function/s they serve in society? We will read (in translation) certain fables discussing their content, meaning, and reappearance. Why we refer to them in times of social unrest.<ul><li>identify prominent Aesop’s fables</li><li>discuss their background</li><li>relate them to contemporary times and world history</li><li>evaluate the debates around them</li></ul>This is a course for anyone curious about the subject – no previous knowledge needed.Tutor presentations and discussions of text and images in class. There will be no work outside class.Bring writing material. Further reading will be recommended.Any Classical civilisations class from September.Ancient civilisationsClassical literatureconfigurable
14741191Classical literaturehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/ancient-civilisations/classical-literature1/2/285/1177/1191/14741/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Classical literature