History, Culture & Writing Courses Online & in London
Explore our extraordinary range of History, Culture and Writing courses and lectures. We offer both introductory and specialist in-depth courses to suit all levels of interest and experience, from ‘How to read a film’ and World literature, to writing creative non-fiction and American history and politics.
Study online from the comfort of home, with interactive classes that allow you to participate in discussions with fellow adult students. We offer daytime, evening and weekend courses, both short and long. For more information, please see our guide to online learning.
Our tutors are experts in their fields and experienced educators; many have published, teach in universities or share their expertise in the media. Tutors share their knowledge and passion through presentations, readings, interactive discussion and exercises, analysis, and other activities.
Many students return to take more courses, telling us they enjoy being part of our City Lit Learning community.
Our popular courses often sell out quickly, so we invite you to browse and book your place online now.
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City Lit gift vouchers - the perfect gift
Looking for that perfect present? Treat someone to the gift of learning this Christmas. Gift vouchers are available from just £10 and can be used to book a place on any of our online and London-based courses including art, languages, dance classes, poetry, and much more.From: £10.00 -
Writing great child characters
Course Date: Fri 27 Nov 2020
Location on this date: OnlineWrite your way to compelling and convincing child characters that truly connect with your readers, in this fun, interactive course.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £69.00Senior fee: £69.00Concession: £28.00 -
Craft focus: scenes in fiction
Course Date: Sat 28 Nov 2020 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: OnlineLights, camera, action! Scenes in fiction are essentially no different to those in film. They both make us watch as action unfolds, as a story is moved closer to its conclusion. In this course you'll learn about this essential unit of fiction craft and develop scenes that will grab readers' attention.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £69.00Senior fee: £69.00Concession: £28.00 -
'B' movies from the golden age of Hollywood
Course Date: Sat 28 Nov 2020
Location on this date: OnlineOnce a significant part of Hollywood's output, the 'B' movie, characterised by low budgets, shorter running times and an absence of stars, originated in a Depression era strategy offering a cheaper, second feature as part of a double bill. Explore the history of the 'B' movie through a range of examples and consider their production and exhibition contexts along with their critical reputations.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £47.00Concession: £36.00 -
The use and abuse of history in 20th century wars and conflicts
Course Date: Sun 29 Nov 2020
Location on this date: OnlineFollowing an introduction to 20th century memory politics around the world, the session explores memory politics before and during war and conflict on the one hand, and memory politics, reconciliation and trauma after war and conflict on the other.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £49.00Senior fee: £39.00Concession: £25.00 -
A taste of creative writing
Course Date: Fri 4 Dec 2020 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: OnlineGive creative writing a try on this fun and supportive short course online. Ideal if you want to express yourself but need help in getting started. Guided exercises will encourage you to experiment and unlock your imagination.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £69.00Senior fee: £69.00Concession: £28.00 -
Craft focus: voice in fiction
Course Date: Sat 5 Dec 2020 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: OnlineAll fiction must speak to us as readers. It must communicate atmosphere and plot, character and layers of meaning. Naturally, this means it must have a 'voice,' a complex mix of elements that, together, give the piece its unique identity. Learn what 'voice' really means in fiction and how to develop a voice for your story that can capture the attention of readers.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £69.00Senior fee: £69.00Concession: £28.00 -
Craft focus: how to edit your story (fiction and non-fiction)
Course Date: Sat 5 Dec 2020
Location on this date: OnlineEditing is an essential skill for any writer. Learn the different types of editing process and how to polish your own prose in this workshop for writers who are ready to find a readership for their work. Suitable for those with some experience of creative writing.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £69.00Senior fee: £69.00Concession: £28.00 -
Jump start your play
Course Date: Sat 5 Dec 2020 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: OnlineHave you got a script idea but not yet put pen to paper? Or a script you started long ago but never finished? This intensive one-day course is like a dramaturgy bootcamp. You’ll inject some new energy into your idea – and get a headstart at writing it. A perfect motivator to finally fulfill those playwriting resolutions, suitable only for those with playwriting experience.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £69.00Senior fee: £69.00Concession: £28.00 -
America's Wars: the United States in World War Two
Course Date: Sun 6 Dec 2020
Location on this date: OnlineThis one-day online course will provide an overview of the American participation and experience during World War II.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £59.00Senior fee: £47.00Concession: £30.00 -
Playwriting: a taster
Course Date: Mon 7 Dec 2020 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: OnlineGive playwriting a try in this fun and supportive one-off taster session. Ideal if you want to unlock your imagination and express yourself, but need a bit of encouragement to get started. This course will be delivered online.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £10.00Senior fee: £10.00Concession: £10.00 -
Write a short story in a week
Course Date: Mon 7 Dec 2020
Location on this date: OnlineTurn your great idea into a short story on this fun practical course. Through a series of inspiring exercises, you'll be introduced to some key fiction writing techniques and encouraged to draft a short story from beginning to end in two days. Suitable for beginners who are comfortable learning at a fast pace.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £99.00Senior fee: £99.00Concession: £40.00 -
The grammar of ancient languages
Course Date: Wed 9 Dec 2020
Location on this date: OnlineBecome familiar with some grammar terminology and concepts that will enhance your knowledge of English and the learning of other languages.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £10.00Senior fee: £10.00Concession: £10.00 -
Christmas unwrapped: an exploration of the story, imagery, carols and traditions of Christmas
Course Date: Sat 12 Dec 2020
Location on this date: OnlineThis course aims to unwrap the story, imagery, music and traditions of Christmas to see what they tell us about: the person of Jesus and his role, Christmas's origins and its place in contemporary society.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £29.00Senior fee: £23.00Concession: £18.00 -
Literature taster
Course Date: Sun 13 Dec 2020 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: OnlineCome and join this taster session to find out what makes a literature class at City Lit so special. The course includes an overview of our literature courses for next term (January-March 2021).
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee: £10.00Senior fee: £10.00Concession: £10.00
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