Explore History, Politics & Economics
Whether you’re fascinated by the past, wishing to keep up to date with current affairs, or to develop a deeper understanding of democracy and capitalism, we have the course for you.
City Lit offers a wide range of history, politics and economics courses on weekdays, evenings and weekends. Our courses vary from skills-based courses on oral and family history projects, to the history of empire, the history of London and the study of global powers and international politics.
Gain critical thinking and analytical skills
Courses in the Humanities help you understand our world today, and the history that has informed the political, social and economic dynamics of modern times. Our courses, including short day courses, lectures and longer-term study over several weeks or whole terms, aim to inform you of the issues that interest and matter to you. Our courses also encourage the development of wider skills such as critical thinking and analysis, listening and discussion skills, and evidence-based interpretation.
Learn from expert tutors
Our tutors are experts in their fields and come from a range of backgrounds, and include academics, experienced educators, serving politicians, acclaimed authors and renowned guides.
Browse our range of courses below to choose your perfect option: both complete beginners and returning students are equally welcome.
- US Election and Political Update: Constant turmoil?Course start date: Thu 21 Mar 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Mark MalcomsonWith the first primaries over, the state of the presidential election is becoming clearer, and we will review the state of the race and what comes next. At the same time, both the Senate and House of Representatives have been experiencing significant turmoil, and we will look at how each of them is trying to navigate these challenging times.
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 £19.00 Concession £12.00 - Global History Friday Lates: Certain Herbs to take their Smokes: A brief history of TobaccoCourse start date: Fri 22 Mar 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Ellen CarpenterHow can we explain the European addiction to tobacco? Join us to discover the history of tobacco in global trading, from its growth in the Americas to its modes and patterns of consumption in Britain.
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 £19.00 Concession £12.00 - The IncaCourse start date: Sat 23 Mar 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Max CarocciWant to learn more about the Inca, the culture that in 1532 ruled the largest empire in the Americas? Join Dr Carocci for a study to explore the history and cultureof the Inca. - King John: the worst king in English history?Course start date: Sat 23 Mar 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Vanessa KingKing John is remembered as a murderer, treacherous, and a loser; ‘a bad king’. On the plus side, he was probably the cleanest medieval king around, carrying a tin bath wherever he went travelling!Full fee £49.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £32.00 - Why are history and memory important?Course start date: Mon 25 Mar 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Martin JorgensenThis session will explore how history and memory work in the different spheres of British society and address the question of how we can engage to promote history and memory work as democratic practice.Full fee £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £7.00 - Britain and the global 1960s: youth culture and generational revoltCourse start date: Mon 8 Apr 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: David FowlerThis course offers an exploration of the 1960s in Britain. It addresses some of the myths of the period about the Beatles, the Mod Culture, the media representation of “Swinging” London; and Britain’s “1968”.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £77.00 - Right wing extremism across EuropeCourse start date: Tue 9 Apr 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Angelos SeposIn the last decade, authoritarian populism and extremism has swept much of Europe and the world. What are its roots and why does it persist?
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £64.00 - Henry Kissinger and US Foreign PolicyCourse start date: Tue 9 Apr 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This course offers an introduction to the diplomacy of one of the most controversial statesmen of the 20th century – Henry Kissinger.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £97.00 - Two levels of South London: Dulwich and Crystal PalaceCourse start date: Tue 9 Apr 2024
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Richard WatkinsThrough 4 walking tours explore the development of 2 south London areas: Dulwich and Crystal Palace.
First meeting place: The College Old Gates, the intersection of Dulwich Village, Gallery Road, College Road. West Dulwich and North Dulwich stations nearby also served with local buses.Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £64.00 - A taste of politicsCourse start date: Wed 10 Apr 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Martin JorgensenBorders, conflicts, citizenship, elections, activism and global politics. We see these topics on the news every day. Some seem connected, others less so. Join our politics taster to get perspective and an overview of our politics courses.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information. - Before the election: Understanding the different political systems across the United KingdomCourse start date: Thu 11 Apr 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Ian McGarvieWant to understand how the different political systems across the United Kingdom works? Join our tutor Ian McGarvie to explore!
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 £45.00 - Key Black political thinkers around the world in the 20th and 21st centuryCourse start date: Thu 11 Apr 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Gabriel Olumide ApataThis course is an introduction to some of the Key black political thinkers of the 20th and 21st centuries who have helped to shape our understanding of the politics of race in society.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £99.00 Concession £64.00 - The future of democracyCourse start date: Mon 15 Apr 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Christian SchneeWant to think about and discuss what makes and breaks a democracy? Join Dr. Christian Schnee to engage in this vital discussion.Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £64.00 - Why do we obey? The politics of obedienceCourse start date: Tue 16 Apr 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Christian MichelWe groan against bosses, berate politicians, demonstrate against most aspects of the social system, and then humbly take our orders from above. Is obedience imprinted in our genes? How submissive must people be for society to function? In this short course we will discuss the politics of obedience – drawing on psychology, anthropology, history, and political philosophy. - An introduction to African and diaspora studiesCourse start date: Tue 16 Apr 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Gabriel Olumide ApataThe course explores the many ways by which Africans came to be dispersed across the world and their political, socio-cultural experiences in their new societies.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £99.00 Concession £64.00
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