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.
- Craft focus: grammar, syntax, and style for creative writers
Course start date: Tue 16 Sep 2025 (and 3 other dates)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: William BradyGreat poetry and prose begin when the writer puts the right words in the right places. Learn how and why the rules and conventions of language matter in this new course, which combines creative writing with a review of essential points of grammar.Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £105.00 - Philosophy and the selfCourse start date: Tue 13 May 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Ariel KernbergWho am I? Is there such a thing as “my true self”? These and related questions will be looked at from various philosophical perspectives.
NB There will be no class on 26/05/26.Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £259.00 Concession £168.00 - In the footsteps of London's rebelsCourse start date: Tue 9 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: David RosenbergExplore London's places of protest and discover the stories of radicals, agitators and campaigners who fought for social justice, equal rights and better lives for all from the 1830s to the 1930s.
The first session will be in the classroom at Keeley Street followed by 11 guided walks.Full fee £319.00 Senior fee £255.00 Concession £207.00 - The Great (European) Powers and the Ottoman Empire: the Eastern Question, 1768-1914Course start date: Tue 9 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Sebastien ArdouinThe decline of the Ottoman Empire shaped the relations with and between the Great Powers, giving birth to new
countries and spheres of influence, the legacy of which is still felt to this day.Full fee £309.00 Senior fee £247.00 Concession £201.00 - Rising powers: China, from Mao to XiCourse start date: Tue 9 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Sebastien ArdouinThe spectacular rise of China is one of the most significant developments of the last decades. What explains it and what does it mean for China itself and the world?Full fee £309.00 Senior fee £247.00 Concession £201.00 - Ways into creative writing Course start date: Tue 29 Apr 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 - Introduction to moral philosophyCourse start date: Tue 16 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Ariel KernbergWhat’s the right thing to do? But what does ‘right’ actually mean? And what reason do I have to do it? Join us as we grapple with these fundamental questions. NB: No class on Tues 28th October.Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £223.00 Concession £181.00 - Money - myths, magic, morals and markets Course start date: Tue 16 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Christian MichelMoney is the most powerful energy in the world. Without understanding its nature, its function, where it comes from, and how to control it, it will badly burn us.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £155.00 - A history of art in 100 objectsCourse start date: Tue 7 Oct 2025
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Sarah JaffrayWhat is art history? How can better a better understanding of the subject help us to better connect with art made by fellow humans? Explore these big questions of historical significance, socio-cultural impact and artistic process by studying a history of art in some of London’s greatest museums. - Archaeology of Prehistoric BritainCourse start date: Tue 6 May 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Jill HummerstoneThis course will explore the many fascinating archaeological sites and finds in the UK from the period of the first people in the British Isles c900,000 years ago, until the start of the Roman period c50AD.Full fee £259.00 Senior fee £207.00 Concession £168.00
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