Explore History, Culture & Writing

So many works of arts refer, in one way or another, to Ovid's Metamorphoses. In this course, you'll become familiar with some of the most memorable stories in this masterpiece and begin to understand why its stories are - and have been - so universally fascinating and influential.



This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

During this six-week course, we will explore aspects of Charles Booth’s landmark survey ‘Life & Labour of the People in London’, published in 17 volumes between 1889 and 1903.



This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

Journey through the history, literature, film, music and art of the 70s, an era of economic struggle and cultural change. While America continued to reflect aspects of 60s social upheaval, a more energised 'New Right' was emerging in defense of political conservatism and the traditional family, schisms that still exist today. We investigate the cross currents across the many facets of the 70s through a 'taster' of each subject area.



This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

Lindsay Anderson is widely recognised as one of the few authentic geniuses of British cinema, a visionary film director unafraid to challenge convention, who left an indelible mark on British cinema (e.g. on Ken Loach and Mike Leigh). He was a true maverick in every sense of the word. His uncompromising artistic vision challenged storytelling to provoke thought and change. He tackled social issues and explored the human condition through his unique directorial style. His key feature films are This Sporting Life (1963), If…(1968), O Lucky Man! (1973) and his final film in 1993, Is That All There Is?



This course is running as part of City Lit's regular collaborations with the British Film Institute (BFI), who are screening a programme of films by Lindsay Anderson during May 2024. Please note that this course is taking place in the Cultureplex at City Lit, Keeley Street.

Henry II is remembered for marrying Katherine Hepburn aka Eleanor of Aquitaine, his revolting sons and the murder of Becket. Richard I was a great soldier but an absentee monarch. His brother, John, has been dubbed the worst king in English history.







Please note there will be no class on 2/7/24.



This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

Come and explore Homer's great epic tale in translation.



This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

The filmmakers associated with Italian Neorealism are celebrated for their commitment to representing post-World War 2 Italy as realistically as possible and their influence has been significant. In this 6-week course, Dr Paul Sutton will examine the richness of this ‘movement’ and consider the reasons for its enduring legacy, while countering some of the myths that have grown up around it on the way.



Please note that this course takes place in The Studio at the BFI Southbank.

In 1917 two revolutions swept through the Russian Empire. The second, in October, is a pivotal moment in modern world history, leading to the creation of the Soviet Union. This introductory interactive lecture course explores how and why these two revolutions occurred. Tutor: Zoe Quinn.

This essentials course will give you the foundations of the political system in the United Kingdom, whilst also enabling you to use your newly acquired knowledge to discuss and debate current affairs matters in real time.

This course explores some of the most elaborate and powerful displays of the Graeco-Roman world. Designed to entertain, inform, and elicit support, often at times of great political or religious significance, they were unforgettable, and have long exercised an influence on our own understanding of the nature of power.

How did the working classes adapt to the social changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution? Shifting demographics, the rise of industry, child labour and the role of women in the industrial sphere are all themes that we will explore on this course, together with public protests against wages and living conditions.