Online Literary History Courses
Trace the evolution of storytelling, style and ideas with City Lit’s online literary history courses. Explore how writers, genres and literary movements have shaped — and been shaped by — the cultures and societies around them, from the earliest texts to modern literature.
Study key periods and authors, from medieval epics and Renaissance drama to Romantic poetry, Victorian novels and twentieth-century innovation. Discover the historical contexts that influenced literary works, and examine how literature reflects and challenges the world in which it was written. With live interactive sessions, group discussion and expert tutor guidance, our flexible online courses offer the chance to deepen your understanding of the history of literature — all from home.
Open to all levels, these courses create a welcoming space to explore major literary developments and engage thoughtfully with the past through its texts.
Explore our online literary history courses today and connect with the voices and ideas that continue to shape the literary landscape.
2 courses available
Medieval MedicineSource material for medieval medicine is rich and diverse. In this course we explore extracts from the work of literary greats, such as Langland, Gower,Chaucer and Boccacio, alongside extracts from scientific writings, recipes, legal and constitutional works, religious writing and other historical records, to illuminate ideas about the body, society and health in the middle ages.
Online
Mon 28 Sep 2026Rachel BuglassFull fee £149.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £97.00- Medieval Animals
Important food source, dear companion, or powerful allegory? Placing literary works alongside non-fiction and surviving material culture, this course explores the varied relationships between humans and animals in the medieval world.
Online
Mon 12 Apr 2027Rachel BuglassFull fee £149.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £97.00
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