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.
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.
- The cult of Antinous
Course start date: Mon 26 Jun 2023Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sean GabbAntinous was Emperor Hadrian's lover. When he died, Hadrian was so saddened by his death that he had the boy declared a god. Come and discover more about this story and the cult that was created about Antinous.
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 - Gold, gemstones and enamel: the fascinating story of Islamic jewelleryCourse start date: Mon 26 Jun 2023
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Roberta MarinThis course will offer an overview on the most interesting pieces of jewellery produced by Islamic dynasties along the centuries.
This session accompanies the forthcoming Classics Day (RCD61) organised by City Lit in partnership with the British Museum and University College London. This year’s inspiration is the major British Museum exhibition “Luxury and power: Persia to Greece”.Full fee £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £10.00 - Sex and the city: Jeanne Mammen & Otto Dix's 1920s BerlinCourse start date: Mon 26 Jun 2023
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sarah JaffrayExplore the roles that both art and science played in the liberation of sexual expression in 1920s Berlin. This lecture looks subjects of Jeanne Mammen, Otto Dix and Magnus Hirshfeld and how their work reflects the potential of freedom in the face of fascism.
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 £7.00 - Art history taster Course start date: Fri 7 Jul 2023 (and 17 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Sarah JaffrayEver wondered what art history is but don’t want to commit to a whole course? This taster explores some of the ways art historians come to their interpretion art. Build your confidence in looking at art by learning what art and art history really are.Full fee £10.00 - Picture book writing: a taster Course start date: Sat 5 Aug 2023 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Andrew WealeWould you like to write a picture book text for young children? This taster course is designed for children's writers and for illustrators wishing to write their own stories; a starter course to develop both your ideas and your technique.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 - Playwriting: a taster Course start date: Tue 12 Sep 2023 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Grant CorrGive 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. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £10.00 - Film studies taster Course start date: Sat 16 Sep 2023 (and 7 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
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 (September - December 2023).Full fee £10.00 - Memoir writing: a taster Course start date: Mon 4 Dec 2023 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Julie GartonDo you have a personal story to tell that will move, delight, stir and inform readers? This short course guides students in planning and crafting a memoir.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £10.00 - Creative writing: a taster
Course start date: Mon 4 Dec 2023 (and 1 other date)Location on this date: Online
Give creative writing 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. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £10.00
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