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.
- Europe 1848 to 1919
Course start date: Thu 19 Sep 2024Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Alison ApplebyThis course examines how Europe was reshaped between the revolutions of 1848 and the outbreak of the First World War. Nationalism became a powerful force, transforming the continent, alongside movements towards liberal
democracy and socialism .Full fee £289.00 Senior fee £231.00 Concession £188.00 - Islamic art in the medieval world Course start date: Thu 26 Sep 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Anita ChowdryA course examining the formation and development of Islamic Art and Design; looking at the role of ideology and patronage, and the key influences that went into its development and evolution. - The Great (European) Powers and the creation of the Middle East, 1914-1948 Course start date: Wed 15 Jan 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Sebastien ArdouinHow and why did the countries of the Middle East emerge, and what were the consequences of that process? What was the role of Britain and France? What impact did the US and the USSR have on the region?Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £207.00 Concession £168.00 - Introduction to the V&A Course start date: Thu 16 Jan 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Julia MusgraveExplore the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum. We visit different galleries each week looking at the decorative arts, paintings and the transfer of design ideas across the centuries.Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £223.00 Concession £181.00 - Arts of the empire-builders: Timurids, Safavids and Mughals Course start date: Thu 16 Jan 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Anita ChowdryPatronage under the Timurids, Safavids and Mughals marked a definitive period in the development of the arts and culture of the Islamic world. This course looks at the visual ‘brands’ that characterised these important empires. - Looking at paintings
Course start date: Thu 16 Jan 2025 (and 1 other date)Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Julia MusgraveLook at masterpieces in major London galleries in this introduction to European painting. Explore different painting techniques and genres (landscape, portrait and history painting) for a basic understanding and increased enjoyment of Western art.Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £223.00 Concession £181.00 - The rise and fall of Empires in Modern Times 1885-1940Course start date: Thu 1 May 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Alison ApplebyIn 1885, there were numerous empires, some solely in Europe, others spanning Asia and other parts of the world. Why did some of these empires collapse and others expand as a result of the Great War? N.B. no session on 12 June 2025.Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £207.00 Concession £168.00
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