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.
- Queer USA: 250 years of struggle and prideCourse start date: Tue 10 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Siobhan McGuirkFrom early colonial repression of Two-Spirit people to Trump 2.0’s attacks on trans communities, we explore struggles for LGBTIQ+ rights, dignity and freedom in the United States – a history longer than the nation itself.
Full fee £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £7.00 - Haka- the breath of FireCourse start date: Tue 10 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Haka is a core expression of Māori culture and recently came to the world’s attention when Hana Maipi, a Māori politician, began a haka in Parliament and ripped a proposed bill being introduced into the House. Made famous by the All Blacks rugby team, come and learn about the history of Haka and its role in NZ politics in this interactive course.
Full fee £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £10.00 - Women in the French RevolutionCourse start date: Wed 11 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Zoe QuinnIn this taster explore how the French Revolution opened up opportunities for female political engagement and action. Through an overview and case studies we will try to answer why the significant social and political gains made by French women in the revolutionary era were to prove transitory.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £12.00 - London's East End in fact and fictionCourse start date: Sat 14 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Sarah WiseCovering the early 19th century to the early 20th century, we will examine the history of the East End, and we will analyse how it was portrayed in works of fiction. - Global encounters: Gold, the Enslaved and Exotic Animals: Europe and Africa before 1700
Course start date: Sat 14 Jun 2025Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Vanessa KingExplore European perceptions of Africa and its inhabitants: from misconstrued tales of monstrous races and the legendary Prester John, to the charting of the west coast and rise of the slave trade.Full fee £49.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £32.00 - Refugee Week at City Lit: Refugees and displaced people in modern Chinese historyCourse start date: Mon 16 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Qiuyang ChenJoin this session to understand how displaced people and refugees are central to understanding modern Chinese history. This course is part of City Lit’s Refugee Week events.Full fee £10.00 Senior fee £8.00 Concession £7.00 - Renowned and refugeed - 12 scientists who fled persecutionCourse start date: Mon 16 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Gary RetallickJoin this session to explore the histories of 12 scientists who became refugees.
Full fee £10.00 Senior fee £8.00 Concession £7.00 - Queer UK: Broadcasting historyCourse start date: Tue 17 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Siobhan McGuirkAttitudes towards gender and sexuality have transformed over the past 50 years. Television has documented it all – and sometimes surprisingly driven – radical change. Join us to explore the key moments that shaped Queer UK.
Full fee £10.00 Senior fee £8.00 Concession £7.00 - The US Civil Rights Movement: from Reconstruction to the passing of the 1965 Voting Rights ActCourse start date: Wed 18 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Zoe QuinnExplore the African American Civil Rights movement in the southern states from Reconstruction to the passing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £38.00 - Royal Mistresses of England and FranceCourse start date: Sat 21 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Vanessa KingTake a romp through history exploring the highs and lows of being a royal mistress. You may have heard of the Fair Rosamund or Diane de Poitiers, but what about The Maypole and The Elephant?Full fee £49.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £32.00 - The Battle of Lepanto 1571Course start date: Tue 24 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Vanessa KingThe Battle of Lepanto, possibly the largest naval battle in 2000 years, has been described as the last European crusade that led to the decline of the Ottoman empire. But has its significance been exaggerated?Full fee £49.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £32.00 - Queer UK: rebels and revolutionariesCourse start date: Tue 24 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Siobhan McGuirkUnder-sung heroes, heroines and trancestors have long battled to make life bearable, better and even brilliant for LGBTIQ+ people in the UK. Join us to celebrate key figures in local history – and groups still battling for change
Full fee £10.00 Senior fee £8.00 Concession £7.00 - Museum and RepatriationCourse start date: Fri 27 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Olivia DurandExplore the challenges of decolonising museums, focusing on repatriation, reparations, and ethical dilemmas, with part of the course inside the British Museum.Full fee £49.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £32.00 - Key figures in Indian history Course start date: Sat 28 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Ketan VariaWant to know more about Indian history but not sure where to start? Join us in this course to learn about key figures in Indian history from different eras and areas of society.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - The Rise and Fall of the Mughal EmpireCourse start date: Sat 28 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: T HussainFollow the fortunes of the Mughal Emperors, rulers of Northern India from the 1500s to the 1800s. What were their contributions to the religious, political and cultural life of northern India and how can we explain the decline of their powers in the 1700s and 1800s?Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £45.00
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