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.
- Creative writing: getting started
Course start date: Sun 15 Mar 2026 (and 9 other dates)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Vicky GrutGive creative writing a try on this fun and supportive 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. (Course includes a 1-hr break.).Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Ways into poetry: intensive Course start date: Mon 14 Jul 2025 (and 5 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Claire CollisonAre you just starting to write poetry? This shorter version of our introductory Ways into poetry course offers an opportunity to experiment with language and a variety of poetic devices. Discover the key elements of a poem in a friendly and interactive class.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £75.00 - Ways into screenwriting: getting started Course start date: Sun 20 Jul 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Alan NixonWant to write scripts but don't know how to start? Discover the basics of screenwriting - character, conflict and more - on this online taster course that will help you shape your ideas and get your story going.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Writing about food: getting started Course start date: Sat 2 Aug 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Laura SilvermanWhether you’re keen to review dishes, interview chefs or write about sustainable eating, now is your chance. This introductory course will cover the basics of writing about food.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Walk and Talk: Around Chaucer's London Course start date: Sun 21 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Vanessa KingJoin Vanessa King to explore Life in London in the Age of Chaucer (c.1343-1400) on this morning talk & afternoon walk.
Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - Hilma af Klint to Malevich: pioneering abstract art in Europe, 1907 to 1915Course start date: Sun 12 Oct 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
In this study-day, you will study the origins and beginnings of one of the most radical changes in Western art: abstraction. Through the work of visionary pioneers—Hilma af Klint, Kandinsky, Kupka, Malevich, Mondrian, Delaunay—we will examine the shift from representation to pure line and colour.
Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - Study day: Rembrandt and 17th century printmaking Course start date: Sun 7 Dec 2025
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 - Study day: Surrealism - everything you’ve wanted to know, but were to afraid to askCourse start date: Sun 22 Mar 2026
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 - The Arts of the Book in the Islamic World Course start date: Sun 29 Mar 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Anita ChowdryStudy book design and production in the Islamic world. The art of the book is one of the cornerstones of Islamic visual culture, with the role of the Qur’an driving the development of the arts in general.
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