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.
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- How to write a non-fiction book proposalCourse start date: Sun 25 Feb 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Nick BarlayLearn how to write a compelling non-fiction book proposal on this interactive and informative short course, which will demystify the essentials to give your project the best chance of success.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information. - Writing poetry from visual art
Course start date: Sun 25 Feb 2024Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Lawrence BradbyArt has inspired some of the world’s greatest poetry. This course will show you how to draw from visual art when writing your own poems.
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 £35.00 - Submitting your short stories to magazines Course start date: Sun 3 Mar 2024
Location on this date: Online
This is a fast-track course to help you hone and prepare your short stories for submission to magazines and publishers.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information. - Cutting it fine: collage in modern & contemporary art Course start date: Sun 3 Mar 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Chantal CondronImmerse yourself in an exploration of the history of collage going as far back as ancient China to international contemporary art today. This engaging study day will enhance your knowledge of the roots of this fascinating media, and illustrate how collage techniques have been pivotal to major modern and contemporary art movements, from Cubism, Dada and Surrealism to photomontage and digital art.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £38.00 - Public enemies, screen heroes: the gangster filmCourse start date: Sun 3 Mar 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Jon WisbeyAlthough primarily associated with American cinema, the gangster film is also a major genre in British and French cinema. Explore gangster cinema in each of these three production contexts, looking at themes such as the representation of the gangster, violence, masculinity and style - particular that of the film noir - while considering the ways in which it has evolved at key historical moments.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £59.00 - Writing women in the 21st centuryCourse start date: Sun 3 Mar 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sophie McKenzieCelebrate strong women for International Women's Day with this inclusive one-off session on how to create your own, powerful fictional women.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information. - Focus on: iconography Course start date: Sun 17 Mar 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Leslie PrimoEver wondered whether there’s a hidden meaning behind paintings? Discover why there are signs and symbols in paintings and how to find and interpret their meanings in medieval and Renaissance art.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information. - Writing historical fiction Course start date: Sun 17 Mar 2024
Location on this date: Online
Dig into the past to craft historical fiction that speaks vividly to contemporary readers. From Hilary Mantel to C.J. Sansom, learn techniques writers use to turn historical record into compelling fiction.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information. - Melodrama, fantasy and realism: British cinema in the 1940s Course start date: Sun 17 Mar 2024
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Jon WisbeyThe 1940s saw major developments in British films and filmmaking matched by record numbers of cinema-goers and lively critical debate. Explore this 'golden age' of British cinema through films such as Millions Like Us, Brief Encounter and The Red Shoes, and themes including national cinema, realism, melodrama and fantasy, while assessing its critical reception and impact on British film culture.
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 - Masters of cinema: Steve McQueen Course start date: Sun 24 Mar 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Paul SuttonThis course will explore the work of the Turner prize winning artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen. Awarded an Oscar in 2014 for his film, 12 Years a Slave, McQueen has been producing politically and racially committed artworks and films since the early 1990s. His most recent project, the five film Small Axe (2020) was broadcast on the BBC amid increasing recognition that racial prejudice for Britain’s ethnic minorities remains as prevalent today as it was half a century ago. This course will examine McQueen’s work as a response to and an engagement with these experiences.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £38.00 - Craft focus: grammar, syntax and style for creative writers - getting started Course start date: Sun 21 Apr 2024 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
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.
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 £35.00 - Theme focus: writing parenthoodCourse start date: Sun 28 Apr 2024
Location on this date: Online
Explore how writers have represented the experience of parenthood in poetry and prose, and learn the ways in which you can write parenthood in this short intensive course.
Check back soon for further details.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £99.00 Concession £50.00 - The capital of the Safavid Empire: Shah Abbas I and the transformation of Isfahan (1501-1736)Course start date: Sun 28 Apr 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Roberta MarinThis course will trace the origins and development of the Safavid dynasty and the ongoing conflicts with the Ottoman neighbours. The choice of Isfahan as the capital of the empire will be also analysed.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £47.00 Concession £38.00 - Writing a short film
Course start date: Sun 5 May 2024Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sharmila ChauhanWould you like to write a script for a short film? This short course offers an insight into the fundamentals of screenwriting through tutor input, writing exercises, group work and discussion.
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 £35.00 - The Ottomans and the Sublime Porte (1299-1922): Istanbul's control of the Mediterranean and the BalkansCourse start date: Sun 19 May 2024
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Roberta MarinThis course will offer an insight into the long and complex history of the Ottoman empire and of Istanbul, its iconic capital.Full fee £59.00
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