Explore Culture, History & Humanities Courses
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.
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.
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- Focus on: Van Gogh
Course start date: Sun 20 Oct 2024Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Julia MusgraveFamously unsuccessful in his own lifetime, Vincent van Gogh developed his unique style be engaging with his contemporaries, old masters and Japanese art. Discover van Gogh’s influences and legacy in this one-day course. - Writing and rewriting fairytales Course start date: Tue 22 Oct 2024 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: KR MoorheadOnce upon a time there was a City Lit workshop all about writing fairytales. The quest: to inspire writers to pen stories of love, fear, forests, revenge, dragons, witches, kings, queens, frogs and magic.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Creating your author platform online Course start date: Sun 27 Oct 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Lisa GollIncreasingly publishers are looking for authors with an impressive online presence, as well as a sparkling manuscript. On this practical and interactive course, you'll learn how to start and grow your author brand, gain a following and build a readership.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information. - The meaning of light: symbolism and religious objects in world faiths Course start date: Sun 3 Nov 2024
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Marilyn GreeneJoin this museum tour to explore world religions and the objects associated with light, from different faiths and festivals. NB: This course will take place at the Victoria and Albert Museum. The meeting point is the V&A grand entrance. - Study day: Velázquez, painter to the King Course start date: Sun 3 Nov 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Mark Stuart-SmithInvestigate 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. Includes visit to the National Gallery.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - Creative writing: getting started Course start date: Sat 9 Nov 2024 (and 9 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: William BradyGive creative writing a try on this fun and supportive short course. Ideal if you want to express yourself but need help in getting started. Guided exercises will encourage you to experiment and unlock your imagination.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs: part 3 Course start date: Sun 10 Nov 2024 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Hugo CookContinue to discover hieroglyphs and their fascinating history. Suitable for those who have already completed the introductory class as well as part 2 of this course.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £84.00 - Study day: Surrealism - everything you’ve wanted to know, but were to afraid to ask Course start date: Sun 17 Nov 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Chantal CondronThe Surrealist movement marks its centenary in October 2024, marking the moment that the First Surrealist Manifesto was launched in Paris led by its chief protagonist, André Breton. Come and celebrate this art historical landmark in this special workshop dedicated to Surrealist art. Get closer to the roots of the movement, discover its leading and less well-known artists; have a go at automatic drawing; and engage with Surrealism’s central themes of the dream world, unconscious and desire.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - Study day: Leonardo da Vinci, art to understand the world Course start date: Sun 24 Nov 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Sarah JaffrayArtist, scientist, and ‘Renaissance Man’ Leonardo da Vinci is considered one of the greatest minds in history. We look at his inspirations, his theories, his process and some of his major works.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - Film studies taster Course start date: Sat 30 Nov 2024 (and 5 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Paul SuttonLearn how to evaluate and discuss films while enjoying a working example of a City Lit Film Studies class. In this class we will view and explore clips from a number of films, including popular remakes, enabling us to consider and compare themes and techniques from differing filmmaking countries. There will be a chance to review – in brief – film courses at City Lit (January - March 2025).Full fee £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £10.00 - Study day: Michelangelo – poet, philosopher, artist Course start date: Sun 1 Dec 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Sarah JaffrayExplore Michelangelo's art through the perspective of his philosophical beliefs. Using the artist’s context, his poetry and letters, this course delves into the cultural concepts behind the subjects and symbols in some of the artist's key works.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - Study day: Rembrandt and 17th century printmaking Course start date: Sun 8 Dec 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Caroline RaeRembrandt, one of the most famous painters of the Dutch Republic, was also an innovative printmaker. He produced a large oeuvre of printed works, which in their expressive effect and astounding use of light can be considered artworks which rival his paintings. This course will offer a deep dive into Rembrandt’s practice and the seventeenth century Netherlands to explore how he experimented with the medium. Rembrandt as a collector of prints will also be discussed.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - Ways into screenwriting: getting started Course start date: Sat 11 Jan 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Clive FordWant to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this short online course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Think like an artist: in 16th century Venice Course start date: Sun 26 Jan 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Julia MusgraveFind out how the art of the mercantile republic of 16th century Venice reflects its unique location, trade routes and society. - How to write a book about your expert knowledge Learn to write about your specialist expertise in a way that will appeal to a wider reading audience.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00
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