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.
- The British empire in sub-Saharan AfricaCourse start date: Sat 17 Feb 2024 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: James StannardFrom transatlantic slavery to the fall of apartheid, this course examines Britain’s major projects and legacies in sub-Saharan Africa.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £99.00 - Performance poetry
Course start date: Sat 10 Jun 2023 (and 2 other dates)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Megan BeechWrite poetry and perform it, finding your own style and delivery under the guidance of a spoken word artist. Explore the differences between performance and other forms of poetry.Full fee £69.00 - Philosophy of religionCourse start date: Sat 10 Jun 2023
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Philosophy of religion is where philosophical methods meet far-reaching religious doctrines. Join this introductory course to explore some of the big questions that go to the very essence of what it means to be human.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £38.00 - Dickens' London Course start date: Sat 10 Jun 2023 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Molly Rumbelow'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.' Enjoy this introduction to Dickens' work and the London of his time. Morning lecture at City Lit followed by a walk in the area of the city connected to his work.Full fee £59.00 - The Aztecs Course start date: Sat 10 Jun 2023
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Max CarocciDiscover one of the great New World civilisations and their achievements - the Aztecs of Mexico.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £38.00 - The lost town of Lundenwic: mid-Saxon London 600-900 CECourse start date: Sat 10 Jun 2023
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Stuart BrookesLook at the least known episodes in London's history, Lundenwic (AD 600-900) and Lundenburh (AD 900-1000).
Includes an introductory lecture and a guided walk.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - A taste of creative writing Course start date: Sat 27 May 2023 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Vicky GrutGive 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. Please note: this course has a 2-hr break from 12:30-14:30.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 - The gritty studio: The rise of Warner Bros.Course start date: Sat 17 Jun 2023
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Ann-Marie FlemingIn the Golden Age of Hollywood there was one studio that promised grit over glamour. That studio was Warner Bros. In this course, we will examine how the studio felt the need to educate their audience and opt for stories that were both edgy and rooted in headlines of the time. The course will explore Warner Bros. style, narrative and stars.
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 £38.00 - Book blogging and reviewing Course start date: Sat 17 Jun 2023 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Lisa GollWant to write about books? This short course will get you started on you path to becoming a book reviewer or blogger.Full fee £69.00 - Up close and personal with Greek archaeological treasuresCourse start date: Sat 17 Jun 2023
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Anke MarshDiscover stunning objects from ancient Greece and the evidence they provide for the lives of ancient people. Spend the afternoon having a close look at the British Museum's collection.Full fee £69.00 - Local history writing
Course start date: Sat 23 Mar 2024 (and 2 other dates)Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Allis MossOn this inspiring short course you will learn how to write local history books, booklets and features; covering a wide range of topics such as family, home towns, old buildings, parks, markets and beyond.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £69.00 - Not drowning but waving: Edith Sitwell, Stevie Smith and Lorraine MarinerCourse start date: Sat 17 Jun 2023
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Laurie SmithWe explore poems written by three highly original English women poets. Their styles of writing are unique as they respond to the stresses of their lives, and to their position as women, with wit and humour. Their resilience shows them as the reverse of Smith’s famous line ‘Not waving but drowning’.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00 - London's East End in fact and fictionCourse start date: Sat 17 Jun 2023 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Sarah WiseCovering the early 19th century to the early 20th century, we will examine the history of the East End, and we will analyse how it was portrayed in works of fiction.Full fee £59.00 - Satan and the Devil: a cultural eye view through texts, images and traditionsCourse start date: Sat 17 Jun 2023
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Ann JeffersThe figure of Satan/devil has pervaded many centuries of the cultural imagination of the Western world. The course will examine the literary and iconographic sources for this enduring phenomena and will ask why ideas about the devil have continued to both frighten and fascinate and why its long-lasting association with sexuality and deceit continues to make it an attractive theme in contemporary culture.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £38.00 - Art of Islamic SpainCourse start date: Sat 24 Jun 2023
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Roberta MarinDiscover the art and architecture of Spain during the Arab domination (711-1493).Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £38.00
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