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.
- Art history taster
Course start date: Fri 7 Jul 2023 (and 17 other dates)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Sarah JaffrayEver wondered what art history is but don’t want to commit to a whole course? This taster explores some of the ways art historians come to their interpretion art. Build your confidence in looking at art by learning what art and art history really are.Full fee £10.00 - Film studies taster Course start date: Sat 16 Sep 2023 (and 7 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Paul SuttonLearn how to evaluate and discuss films while enjoying a working example of a City Lit Film Studies class. In this class we will view and explore clips from a number of films, including popular remakes, enabling us to consider and compare themes and techniques from differing filmmaking countries. There will be a chance to review – in brief – film courses at City Lit (September - December 2023).Full fee £10.00 - Emily Dickinson – ‘Open me carefully’Course start date: Sat 2 Dec 2023
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Laurie SmithWe explore how the myth of Emily Dickinson’s solitary life was shaped by others. The course investigates the reality behind the myth through letters and poems written to and shared with her great friend and confidante, Susan Gilbert, over many years. We also look at how and why her first editor, Mabel Loomis Todd, set about excluding Susan from the record, establishing Emily as a recluse, writing for herself alone.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £15.00 Concession £12.00 - Christmas at the cinema: holiday favourites
Course start date: Sat 9 Dec 2023Location on this date: Online
Tutors: John WischmeyerA Christmas cracker filled with seasonal films, from It’s a Wonderful Life to Die Hard, a carefully-curated cornucopia celebrating the genre of the Christmas film with classic clips and hidden gems: Scrooge as a film noir, Covent Garden market in the fifties, and a grown man dressed as an Elf. Full of delights, discussions and a quiz or two.
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 £19.00 - An introduction to poetry: W. H. Auden and Elizabeth BishopCourse start date: Sat 20 Jan 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Laurie SmithCome and join an introduction and exploration of the poetry of W H Auden and Elizabeth Bishop. We will read, discuss and enjoy a selection of their poetry and consider how the poets shape our responses.Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £23.00 Concession £19.00
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