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.
- Study day: Rembrandt and 17th century printmakingCourse start date: Sun 8 Dec 2024
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 - Film studies tasterCourse start date: Sun 8 Dec 2024 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Jon WisbeyThis taster of forthcoming film courses at City Lit in 2025 offers you the chance to think about which ones to take while also providing an opportunity to explore some of the key areas in film studies more generally.
Learn how to evaluate and discuss films while enjoying a working example of a City Lit film studies class.
We will view clips from a wide variety of films, exploring themes and technique in British, European and modern American cinema. There will be a chance to review term two film courses at City Lit (January - July 2025).
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 - Lamp-lit HampsteadCourse start date: Sun 8 Dec 2024
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Marilyn GreeneDiscover the mysterious atmosphere to Hampstead on a tour after-dark where the streets are lit by old-fashioned lamps. We will wind through the narrow back streets and catch glimpses of its fascinating history from the glow of lamps and lit buildings. This tour is particularly stunning over the Festive season where subtle Christmas lights add to the effect. We will end at the historic Holly Bush Tavern where we can warm up with a drink!
Tour starts outside Wagamama 58-62 Heath Street, NW3 1EN Ends Hampstead Tube Station.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £15.00 Concession £12.00 - Ways into screenwriting: getting startedCourse start date: Sun 20 Jul 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Clive FordWant 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.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Creative writing: getting startedCourse start date: Sun 12 Jan 2025 (and 8 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sophie McKenzieGive creative writing a try on this fun and supportive online short 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.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs: part 3Course start date: Sun 19 Jan 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Hugo CookContinue to discover hieroglyphs and their fascinating history. Suitable for those who have already completed the introductory class as well as part 2 of this course.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £84.00 - Craft focus: introduction to novel plottingCourse start date: Sun 19 Jan 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Gurnaik JohalExplore different approaches to novel plotting and learn how to plot your own novel successfully in this short course suitable for those who have begun writing a novel.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £219.00 Concession £110.00 - And the Oscar doesn’t go to…Course start date: Sun 26 Jan 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Graham RinaldiCome and join us at the Cultureplex during awards season. We will watch a film from three directors, three actors and three actresses, who have been nominated on multiple occasions but have never achieved an academy award in their respective categories. Each film will be introduced, placed in both its cinematic, cultural and historic context. After the screening we will devote the rest of the class to a collective exploration of the film, led by the tutor, but involving everyone in a participatory discussion that will allow all to express their responses, their views, their thoughts on the film screened.Full fee £324.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £211.00 - How to write a book about your expert knowledgeLearn to write about your specialist expertise in a way that will appeal to a wider reading audience.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Writing flash fiction: getting startedCourse start date: Sun 3 Aug 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Suzannah V. EvansA sideways glance: succinct, powerful. This short workshop on the essential components of flash fiction will teach you to tell a complete story in very few words.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - Focus on: DürerCourse start date: Sun 2 Feb 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Leslie PrimoExplore the life, works, and legacy of one of the most innovative German artists of his time: Albrecht Dürer. See how he assimilated the art of Venice into his style and exploited the possibilities of print.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £23.00 Concession £19.00
- Writing about food: getting startedCourse start date: Sun 16 Feb 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Laura SilvermanLove food and want to write about it? Whether you’re keen to review dishes, interview chefs or write about sustainable eating, now is your chance.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £79.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £40.00 - How to write a non-fiction book proposalCourse start date: Sun 2 Mar 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Nick BarlayLearn how to write a compelling non-fiction book proposal on this interactive and informative short course, which will demystify the essentials to give your project the best chance of success.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Can't see a course you want?
Add this category to your waiting list to set up alerts and we will update you when new courses are released online.
Add me to waiting list