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Economic life is driven by creativity, collective rules, and emotions, not just by rational calculation. It is a product of imagination and social sentiments. Why is it, then, that most economic theories study this dynamic process through static equilibrium models and narrow rationalistic assumptions?
This course will trust fiction writers and artists to give us another view of economic realities. We will call to the witness stand authors as diverse as Aristophanes, Dickens, Zola, and Ben Okri (and you may have others in mind you would like to see contributing their expertise). We will discuss paintings and scenes from films.
Like any good fiction, economics is about metaphors, myths, fantasies, heroes and villains; it mixes cognitive truths and ideological falsifications. Let’s see if we can find a way along these blurred lines.
The course is designed for anyone who has an interest in words and in the world. No prior knowledge of the subject is needed.
What will we cover?
We will visit the great concepts of economics: value, price, exchange, markets, money, interest rates, speculation, income distribution, growth and development, but we will let writers and poets, rather than certified economists, be our introductory guides.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Summarise a few fundamental notions of economics.
Identify the practical and ethical issues discussed in the media and among politicians.
Discuss and interpret the work of new artists and literary authors.
Participate in lively group discussions concerning both art and the issues of the day.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.
However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Lessons will start briefly analysing and discussing a passage of a poem, play, or novel, or a painting, or a scene from a film.
If a literary text (never more than 3-4 pages), it will be sent the week before the lesson, and students will be expected to have read it, even if they are not familiar with the entire work (which is not required).
We will identify, and then formalise, the economic concepts that are introduced, and which we need to understand in order to enjoy a better-informed life in society.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. You may wish to bring writing materials.
After a brief stint at Sorbonne University reading French Lit and odd jobs in the film industry, Christian Michel joined a financial firm in Paris, before moving to Geneva, working on projects in West Africa and Russia. To use a common metaphor, business is only looking at trees, whereas Christian was keen to gain a perspective on the whole forest. He developed an interest in economics, questioning the purpose of it all – why work, why trade, why money, why growth, and what effects do production and consumption have on us, on our society and on nature. Christian has written a couple of books (in French) on these topics and many articles. He has been teaching various courses at City Lit since 2013.
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/art-literature-and-economics2926239Art, literature and economicshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-literature-and-economics-hpc279-1080.jpg199199GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics22851177167216771228511771677<p>An introductory course in economics, guided by the writers and artists we love. </p>002926194Art, literature and economics199199https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/r/art-literature-and-economics-hpc279-1080_1.jpgInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-01-21T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJan 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC279199199Art, literature and economics199129199Christian Michelart-literature-and-economics/hpc279-2526<p>An introductory course in economics, guided by the writers and artists we love. </p>0000-Available|2026-01-21 00:00:00<p>Economic life is driven by creativity, collective rules, and emotions, not just by rational calculation. It is a product of imagination and social sentiments. Why is it, then, that most economic theories study this dynamic process through static equilibrium models and narrow rationalistic assumptions?</p><p>This course will trust fiction writers and artists to give us another view of economic realities. We will call to the witness stand authors as diverse as Aristophanes, Dickens, Zola, and Ben Okri (and you may have others in mind you would like to see contributing their expertise). We will discuss paintings and scenes from films.</p><p>Like any good fiction, economics is about metaphors, myths, fantasies, heroes and villains; it mixes cognitive truths and ideological falsifications. Let’s see if we can find a way along these blurred lines.</p><p>The course is designed for anyone who has an interest in words and in the world. No prior knowledge of the subject is needed.</p><p>An introductory course in economics, guided by the writers and artists we love. </p><p>We will visit the great concepts of economics: value, price, exchange, markets, money, interest rates, speculation, income distribution, growth and development, but we will let writers and poets, rather than certified economists, be our introductory guides.</p><ul><li>Summarise a few fundamental notions of economics.</li><li>Identify the practical and ethical issues discussed in the media and among politicians.</li><li>Discuss and interpret the work of new artists and literary authors.</li><li>Participate in lively group discussions concerning both art and the issues of the day.<br/> </li></ul><p>This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.</p><p>However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. </p><p>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p><p>Lessons will start briefly analysing and discussing a passage of a poem, play, or novel, or a painting, or a scene from a film.</p><p>If a literary text (never more than 3-4 pages), it will be sent the week before the lesson, and students will be expected to have read it, even if they are not familiar with the entire work (which is not required).</p><p>We will identify, and then formalise, the economic concepts that are introduced, and which we need to understand in order to enjoy a better-informed life in society.</p><p>No other costs. You may wish to bring writing materials.</p><p>You can browse further <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs">Politics, Economics & Current Affairs</a> courses via our website.</p>Politics & economicsEconomicsvirtual199199129HPC279NONEWed21/01/26 - 25/03/2618:00 - 19:3018:0019:3010 sessions (over 10 weeks)105-10 weeksEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetChristian MichelBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-01-21T00:00:00+00:00Jan 2026Culture, history & humanities199199Art, literature and economicsart-literature-and-economics/hpc279-2526<p>An introductory course in economics, guided by the writers and artists we love. </p>0000-Available|2026-01-21 00:00:00<p>Economic life is driven by creativity, collective rules, and emotions, not just by rational calculation. It is a product of imagination and social sentiments. Why is it, then, that most economic theories study this dynamic process through static equilibrium models and narrow rationalistic assumptions?</p><p>This course will trust fiction writers and artists to give us another view of economic realities. We will call to the witness stand authors as diverse as Aristophanes, Dickens, Zola, and Ben Okri (and you may have others in mind you would like to see contributing their expertise). We will discuss paintings and scenes from films.</p><p>Like any good fiction, economics is about metaphors, myths, fantasies, heroes and villains; it mixes cognitive truths and ideological falsifications. Let’s see if we can find a way along these blurred lines.</p><p>The course is designed for anyone who has an interest in words and in the world. No prior knowledge of the subject is needed.</p><p>An introductory course in economics, guided by the writers and artists we love. </p><p>We will visit the great concepts of economics: value, price, exchange, markets, money, interest rates, speculation, income distribution, growth and development, but we will let writers and poets, rather than certified economists, be our introductory guides.</p><ul><li>Summarise a few fundamental notions of economics.</li><li>Identify the practical and ethical issues discussed in the media and among politicians.</li><li>Discuss and interpret the work of new artists and literary authors.</li><li>Participate in lively group discussions concerning both art and the issues of the day.<br/> </li></ul><p>This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.</p><p>However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills. </p><p>Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p><p>Lessons will start briefly analysing and discussing a passage of a poem, play, or novel, or a painting, or a scene from a film.</p><p>If a literary text (never more than 3-4 pages), it will be sent the week before the lesson, and students will be expected to have read it, even if they are not familiar with the entire work (which is not required).</p><p>We will identify, and then formalise, the economic concepts that are introduced, and which we need to understand in order to enjoy a better-informed life in society.</p><p>No other costs. You may wish to bring writing materials.</p><p>You can browse further <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs">Politics, Economics &amp; Current Affairs</a> courses via our website.</p>Politics & economicsEconomicsconfigurable
16721677Economicshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/politics-and-world-affairs/economics1/2/285/1177/1677/16721/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Economics
