Explore History, Culture & Writing
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 non-fictionCourse start date: Mon 8 Jan 2024 (and 10 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Julie GartonExplore practical and imaginative approaches to creative non fiction, including travel writing, life writing and the essay. Analyse published work, produce your own pieces, and benefit from detailed feedback.Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £219.00 Concession £110.00 - Writing a memoir (continuation)Course start date: Mon 19 Feb 2024 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Julie GartonSome moments in our lives are so powerful they beg to be shared with the world. This continuation course guides students in developing a memoir project that will resonate and inspire.Full fee £139.00 Senior fee £139.00 Concession £70.00 - Advanced fiction writing workshopCourse start date: Mon 18 Sep 2023 (and 8 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Livia FranchiniFor experienced writers, this supportive but rigorous workshop offers the perfect opportunity to develop your novel or short story. Receive in-depth feedback and benefit from detailed group discussions on the art of fiction.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £229.00 Concession £115.00 - Ways into playwritingCourse start date: Mon 15 Apr 2024 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Grant CorrExplore the fundamental techniques of writing for the stage in this introductory course. Get to grips with dialogue, character, story and structure, and start work on your own play.Full fee £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £105.00 - Writing for children: workshopCourse start date: Mon 8 Jan 2024 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Penny JoelsonOn this ongoing workshop you will develop your work-in-progress with constructive feedback from tutor and classmates. You need to have completed a ‘Writing for children’ course before joining this class.Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £229.00 Concession £115.00 - Ways into creative writing: a gentle paceCourse start date: Mon 19 Feb 2024 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Claire CollisonAre you brand new to creative writing? Do you want to build your confidence in a supportive environment alongside other beginners? This gentle short-course guides students taking their first steps on the path to becoming a creative writer.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £139.00 Senior fee £139.00 Concession £70.00 - Ways into creative writingCourse start date: Mon 18 Sep 2023 (and 15 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Henry MartinWant 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 £209.00 Senior fee £209.00 Concession £105.00 - Reading hieroglyphicsCourse start date: Mon 2 Oct 2023
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Hugo CookThis is a follow-on course for those who have attended the Introduction to Hieroglyphs held at the British Museum, and the Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs: a continuation course. - Africa and the Classics - an exploration of the role Africa played in shaping the Classical world and Classical traditionCourse start date: Mon 2 Oct 2023
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Szerdi NagyThis course aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between Africa and the Classical
world, highlighting Africa's significant contributions to the Classical world.Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £175.00 Concession £142.00 - Understanding contemporary art: ideas and originsCourse start date: Mon 2 Oct 2023
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Christopher CollierEver wondered what's going on in the mind of contemporary artists? This course explores the ideas and historical background behind some of today’s most intriguing works, from Conceptualism and Video to Body Art and Installation.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information. - Nineteenth century French fictionCourse start date: Mon 2 Oct 2023
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Megan BeechNineteenth-century France was full of intrigue and squalor. Even a century after the upheaval of the French revolution, the country continued to grapple with issues of hierarchy, capitalism, and inevitable family dramas. In this course we’ll explore these themes through three of the most successful writers of this period: Zola, Maupassant and Flaubert.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £97.00 - Introduction to art historyCourse start date: Mon 2 Oct 2023 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Thomas BalfeArt history is much more than decoding secrets and symbols. It is about critical thinking and empathy, understanding how an artwork reflects an artist’s interpretation of their world, and what it says to you about our world now. This course is designed to build your confidence in understanding visual art of the Western tradition. It is designed for both the absolute beginner and those with some existing art historical knowledge.Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £183.00 Concession £149.00 - Writing for magazinesCourse start date: Mon 18 Sep 2023 (and 6 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Susan GrossmanGet inspired to write on this practical course for freelance journalists and bloggers. Learn to carry out research, interview people, pitch and publish stories, and build your presence on social media.Full fee £139.00 Senior fee £139.00 Concession £70.00 - The Portuguese Empire; establishment, world-making, demise and legaciesCourse start date: Mon 9 Oct 2023
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Ingrid Aguiar SchlindweinA journey through the rise and fall of the Portuguese Empire. Uncover pioneering navigation, understand colonial societies in Brazil, Africa, and Asia through their economies, culture, independence struggles, and legacies.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - Before the election: the essentials of British politicsCourse start date: Mon 16 Oct 2023
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Tasha Ashman-BanksThis essential online 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. Think of it as an educational version of Have I Got News For You, you’ll be learning and laughing.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £95.00 Concession £77.00
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