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.
- Ruling Russia: Tsars, Revolutions, Civil War , and the Triumph of Lenin (1860-1924)Course start date: Tue 13 May 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Zoe QuinnThis course explores the transformative period of Russian history from 1860 to 1924, encompassing the autocratic rule of the Tsars, the revolutionary upheavals of 1905 and 1917, the chaos of the civil war, and the consolidation of the Bolshevik regime. Students will examine key events, figures, and ideologies that shaped modern Russia, delving into the complexities of political, social, and economic changes during this era.
Please note: this course includes much of the material covered in previous Russian Revolution courses at the City Lit. Moreover this course is taught at an introductory level. Tutor: Zoe Quinn.Full fee £169.00 Senior fee £169.00 Concession £110.00 - In Conversation with Hallie Rubenhold
Course start date: Wed 14 May 2025Location on this date: Keeley Street
Join us at City Lit for an event with Hallie Rubenhold to celebrate her new book, Story of a Murder: The Wives, The Mistress and Dr Crippen. Hosted by City Lit Principal Mark Malcomson CBE, the conversation will focus on Hallie's feminist retelling of the infamous true-crime story of Dr Crippen. The event includes an audience Q&A, followed by a drinks reception and book signing.
Full fee £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £10.00 - The labours of Hercules and TheseusCourse start date: Wed 21 May 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Maria ContosDiscover the legendary labours of two of Greek mythology’s greatest heroes: Hercules and Theseus. Learn about the psychological and philosophical themes embedded in their myths and explore why these heroes continue to captivate audiences across cultures and generations.
Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £38.00 - Ways into creative writing: intensive Course start date: Wed 28 May 2025 (and 9 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Lucy PopescuNot sure whether creative writing is for you? Give it a try on one of these fun and supportive short courses covering the basics of fiction and poetry. Increase your confidence and produce work through guided exercises and discussion.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Reading images: exploring film studies Course start date: Wed 28 May 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Cristina MassaccesiThis comprehensive introductory course provides an overview of the main historical, technical and theoretical aspects of filmmaking and film analysis. In its exploration of aspects of film theory as it relates to film aesthetics and film history, the course develops certain ideas with rigour and depth. - Ways into screenwriting Course start date: Wed 7 May 2025 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Nico MensingaLearn to write for the screen on this practical, introductory course. Writing exercises, presentations and screenings will teach you key skills, and you’ll begin to produce work and an outline for a full-length project.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £120.00 - Ways into creative writing Course start date: Wed 7 May 2025 (and 16 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Claire CollisonWant to have a go at creative writing in a supportive environment? Join one of these introductory courses. Guided exercises will give you the tools to explore language creatively and find your own writing voice.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £120.00 - Isis, Mithras and Christ: iconography and mythologyCourse start date: Wed 7 May 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Michael BloomfieldAn introduction to the history, essential beliefs, mythology, and iconography, of three influential religions
of the Graeco-Roman world: Isis, the mystery cult devoted to Mithras and Christ.Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £136.00 - Ways into Advanced Literature: disruptors, transgressors and storytellersCourse start date: Wed 7 May 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Patricia SweeneyExplore the challenges of close reading and critical thinking through reading, analysing and debating works from three authors that challenged the status quo and entered into the debates of their time. Includes 'Family Lexicon' (1963) by Natalia Ginzburg, 'Housekeeping' (1980) by Marilynne Robinson and 'Happiness' (2018) by Aminatta Forna.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £84.00
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