Explore History, Culture & Writing
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 Creative non-fiction writing courses and American history and Politics courses.
Study in-person at City Lit or offsite, or 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 on our online courses, 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 now.
- City Lit gift vouchers - the perfect gift
Looking for that perfect present? Treat someone to the gift of learning with a course at City Lit. Available from £10, our gift vouchers can be used to book a place on any of our courses, from London walks and food tasting to museum visits, poetry and much more. Simply purchase your voucher and the recipient can choose from thousands of courses, at a time which suits them.From £10.00 - US Vice PresidentsCourse start date: Thu 2 Dec 2021
Location on this date: Online
The course will give the student an understanding of the evolution of the role of Vice President in the US political landscape. We will also look at Vice Presidents over the last two centuries - successful and otherwise.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £39.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £17.00 - Archaeology of London gardensCourse start date: Sat 4 Dec 2021
Location on this date: Online
In this course we explore the archaeological evidence used to uncover some of the hidden secrets of significant designed gardens in London and close by, which has led to the attractive restoration of some of the parks and gardens enjoyed today.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £39.00 Senior fee £31.00 Concession £20.00 - A taste of creative writingCourse start date: Sat 4 Dec 2021 (and 10 other dates)
Location on this date: Online (other locations are available)
Give 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 £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £28.00 - Religion and U.S historyCourse start date: Sat 4 Dec 2021
Location on this date: Online
This one-day online course will provide an overview of the role of religion in American life, from the colonial era up until the present day.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £30.00 - Writing great child charactersCourse start date: Sat 4 Dec 2021
Location on this date: Online
Write 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 £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £28.00 - Jump start your playCourse start date: Sat 4 Dec 2021 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Have you got a script idea but not yet put pen to paper? Or a script you started long ago but never finished? On this intensive course you’ll inject some new energy into your idea – and get a headstart at writing it. 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 £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £28.00 - Autobiography into fiction: a tasterCourse start date: Sat 4 Dec 2021 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Online (other locations are available)
Turn real-life experiences into gripping fiction with this fun and welcoming course for those interested in transforming personal stories into written narratives - realistic or fantastical.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £28.00 - The EtruscansCourse start date: Sun 5 Dec 2021
Location on this date: Online
Discover the mysterious people who lived in Central Italy and ended up being enveloped by the Romans.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £36.00 - Craft focus: how to edit your story (fiction and non-fiction)Course start date: Sun 5 Dec 2021
Location on this date: Online
Editing 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. (Please note this course includes a 2-hour break.).
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £28.00 - Between two bars: Strolling along Fleet StreetCourse start date: Sun 5 Dec 2021
Location on this date: Online
This is a virtual walk. In 1878 the symbolic entrance to the City of London from Westminster, Temple Bar was taken down to allow greater traffic flow into the City. It was replaced by the Temple Bar Monument, a more subtle marker into the City. In this virtual walk we trace the history of Fleet Street and the institutions and professions that the street is symnominous with and take a survey of the architecture and monuments of this conservation area. The walk ends at the entrance of Paternoster Square, where in 2004 the former, restored Temple Bar was re installed as its gateway.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £15.00 Concession £10.00 - Velazquez, painter to the KingCourse start date: Sun 5 Dec 2021
Location on this date: Online
Investigate the work of the Spanish painter Diego Velázquez, including enigmatic paintings such as Las Meninas (1656), and learn about how his art relates to his political role as court painter to Philip IV.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £42.00 - The grammar of ancient languagesCourse start date: Tue 7 Dec 2021
Location on this date: Online
Become 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 £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £10.00 - Children's writing: a tasterCourse start date: Tue 7 Dec 2021 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Find out more about writing children's stories in this practical and interactive, short taster session.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £10.00 - Picture book writing: a tasterCourse start date: Wed 8 Dec 2021 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Find out more about writing a picture book text in this practical and interactive, short taster session.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £10.00
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