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.
Study in-person at City Lit or offsite, or online from the comfort of home, with interactive classes that allow you to participate in discussions with fellow adult students. We offer daytime, evening and weekend courses, both short and long. For more information on our online courses, please see our guide to online learning.
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.
- An introduction to poetryCourse start date: Sat 30 Oct 2021
Location on this date: Online
Always wanted to read and discuss poetry? Enjoy this introduction to a range of poetry from the last 400 years and explore how the poets shape our responses.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £23.00 Concession £18.00 - Craft focus: setting in fiction
Course start date: Sat 30 Oct 2021Location on this date: KS - Keeley Street
Setting is one of the integral elements of fiction craft. It is essential for building a world that a reader can escape into and for providing context that supports character and plot. In this practical intensive course, you'll learn how to create settings that matter in your stories.
This course takes place in the classroom, please follow this link to find out what we are doing to keep you safe: Staying COVID-19 secure at City LitFull fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £28.00 - Machiavelli's 'The Prince': an introductionCourse start date: Sat 30 Oct 2021
Location on this date: Online
One of the most poignant ideas that emerged from the Italian Renaissance was the centrality of mankind. This new society, in which man could shape his own destiny, led to a new type of ruler, which is perfectly described in Machiavelli's work.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £36.00 - The meaning of light: symbolism and religious objects in world faithsCourse start date: Sat 30 Oct 2021
Location on this date: Online
World religions and the objects associated with light, from different faiths and festivals.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £15.00 Concession £12.00 - Introduction to journalismCourse start date: Sat 19 Mar 2022 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: KS - Keeley Street (other locations are available)
On this course students will explore the basic skills a freelance journalist needs to write and sell news and features to newspapers and magazines. From developing ideas and identifying outlets to interview skills and approaching editors.
This course takes place in the classroom, please follow this link to find out what we are doing to keep you safe: Staying COVID-19 secure at City LitFull fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £52.00 - Victorian fiction 1840 -1880: the rise of RealismCourse start date: Sat 6 Nov 2021
Location on this date: Online
The course will consider the Victorian novel over a period of 40 years from the perspective of realism and its importance in the development of the novel’s form, style and significance.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £36.00 - A taste of creative writingCourse start date: Sat 16 Oct 2021 (and 6 other dates)
Location on this date: Online (other locations are available)
Give creative writing a try on this fun and supportive short course online. 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 £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £28.00 - A taste of journalismCourse start date: Sat 6 Nov 2021
Location on this date: Online
Ever dreamed of becoming a journalist? Come and learn the basics from an experienced news and features writer. Discover how journalists develop, write and edit their stories.
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 £69.00 Concession £28.00 - Cryptocurrencies: fad or revolution?Course start date: Sat 6 Nov 2021
Location on this date: Online
Cryptocurrencies moved from the fringes to the financial mainstream. Yet, questions about their utility and long-term viability are far from settled. This course equips participants with tools to forge their own informed opinions.
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 £35.00 - The Trojan WarCourse start date: Sat 6 Nov 2021
Location on this date: Online
The myths surrounding the war between the Greeks and Trojans in c. 1200 BC. Or is it true?
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 £42.00 - African history for beginnersCourse start date: Sat 6 Nov 2021
Location on this date: Online
This course provides an introduction to modern African history with a look at the major themes from 1850 onwards. It offers a way to contextualise many of the trends and challenges in the continent today and invites students to see Africa in a new light.
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 £63.00 Concession £40.00 - Craft focus: character in fictionCourse start date: Sat 13 Nov 2021
Location on this date: Online
In fiction, character and plot are inseparable. Without characters in stories there can be no action, and without characters acting there can be no plot. In this short course you'll learn how to create characters that can drive a narrative forward and deepen its themes.
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 £69.00 Concession £28.00 - Published poets groupCourse start date: Sat 13 Nov 2021
Location on this date: Online
Share your work, develop your poetry and receive feedback from your peers and tutor in this inspiring workshop for published poets.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £8.00 - The big fellow: the life of Michael CollinsCourse start date: Sat 13 Nov 2021
Location on this date: Online
2021 marks the centenary year of the 1921 Anglo Irish-Treaty. On this short course we will evaluate the life, career and legacy of the Irish dissident, politician, finance minister and military leader, Michael Collins, a leading figure in the Irish War of Independence. How can we best evaluate the ‘Big Fellow’s’ political legacy?
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 £35.00 - Sofia Coppola - the cinema of liminalityCourse start date: Sat 13 Nov 2021
Location on this date: Online
In this online film course we will deconstruct the complete filmography of American director Sofia Coppola, and the way in which her ambient sound design, muted colour palettes, and pared-down framing communicate remoteness, ambivalence, indulgence, and solitude.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £36.00
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