East & Southeast Asia Season
An ancient cradle of humanity, East and Southeast Asia are home to 2.2 billion people and some of the world’s most influential cultures, histories, and traditions. Spanning 19 countries and territories, these regions have shaped global politics, economics, philosophy, art, cuisine, and wellbeing practices for millennia. From the rich histories of China and Japan to the dynamic cultures of Indonesia and the Philippines, their legacies transcend borders. Whether you're drawn by family heritage, a love of travel, or curiosity sparked by global media, City Lit invites you to explore and celebrate the profound significance and contemporary impact of East and Southeast Asia.
85 courses available
China and AfricaThis course studies the evolution of Chinese involvement in Africa, from the 1950s to the present day. Themes explored include diplomatic and defence relations, trade and commerce, politics and ideology.Full fee £139.00 Senior fee £139.00 Concession £90.00- Japanese Reading Club
Discover the joy of reading in Japanese! Follow engaging stories from The Red Candle while building your vocabulary, grammar, and kanji knowledge. Through guided discussions and interactive activities, you'll gain confidence reading longer texts and deepen your understanding of authentic Japanese. Ideal for learners moving from JLPT N5 towards N4 who are ready to take their reading skills to the next level.
Online
Tue 13 Oct 2026Junko FuseFull fee £99.00 Senior fee £99.00 Concession £64.00 - An introduction to JainismThis course is an introduction to Jain philosophy, with a particular emphasis on its relevance to environmentalism.
Keeley Street
Sat 17 Oct 2026Ketan VariaFull fee £89.00 Senior fee £71.00 Concession £58.00 - Japanese Etiquette
Travel with confidence and cultural insight!
Ever wondered how to bow correctly, what to say when entering a shrine, or the polite way to enjoy a meal in Japan? This immersive workshop introduces you to the essential customs and etiquette that shape Japanese society. Perfect for travelers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Japan’s traditions.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £69.00 - Japanese Proficiency: Practice using the News
ニュースで学ぶ日本語
Designed for learners at JLPT N2 level and above, this course uses authentic Japanese news stories to build vocabulary, strengthen reading comprehension, and develop discussion skills. Explore current events, gain cultural insights, and grow your confidence in understanding and communicating about real-world topics in Japanese.
Online
Sat 17 Oct 2026Junko FuseFull fee £99.00 Senior fee £99.00 Concession £99.00 - Road to Antalya: Global Climate Solutions at COP31
Will COP 31 address theunprecedentedthreats that climate change posesto society and the environment, or do we need more ambitious global solutions?
Online
Wed 21 Oct 2026Anita PunwaniFull fee £49.00 Senior fee £49.00 Concession £32.00 - Introduction to Studio GhibliFounded by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki in 1985, Studio Ghibli is the most well-known anime studio of all time, combining boundless imagination with a complexity that has led them to win both prestigious awards and the hearts of viewers. This course provides an overview of the history, artistry, and cultural influences of the studio for newcomers and fans alike.
Zoe Crombie is a film studies lecturer and researcher based at Lancaster University who specialises in Japanese animation. She has articles on Studio Ghibli in academic publications like the Journal of Anime and Manga Studies, and has presented on animation at international conferences. Additionally, she works as a film critic, with bylines at publications like Little White Lies, Vulture, and The Skinny.Online
Mon 26 Oct 2026Zoe CrombieFull fee £189.00 Senior fee £189.00 Concession £123.00 - Japanese beginners: holiday Kit
Make the most of your trip to Japan!
Planning a visit? This short, intensive course is your ultimate survival kit for Japan. Learn the essential phrases and cultural tips to navigate common holiday situations with confidence-from ordering food to asking for directions-and even enjoy friendly chats with locals.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £69.00 - Diaspora history: Chinese communities around the worldTrace the movements of the Chinese diaspora from the 10th century to the present day and dive into case studies highlighting the Chinese communities’ integration and influence in different regions of the world.
Keeley Street
Sat 31 Oct 2026Qiuyang ChenFull fee £79.00 Senior fee £63.00 Concession £51.00 - Corruption and colonialism: how the past affects the presentIn large parts of the Global South, corruption is rampant but that was not always the case. By upending local values and customs and forcibly replacing indigenous institutions with Westerns structures, colonialism introduced systemic corruption on a grand scale that continues to this day.
Keeley Street
Sat 31 Oct 2026Tariq HassanFull fee £79.00 Senior fee £63.00 Concession £51.00 - Ancient China/modern fantasies
Explore the material culture of imperial China and its influence on modern and contemporary visual cultures.
Keeley Street
Tue 3 Nov 2026Meitao QuFull fee £29.00 Senior fee £23.00 Concession £19.00 - Korean beginners: holiday kit
Make the most of your holidays in Korea with this face to face short, intensive course. Choose either in-person classes in central London or live online classes. This Holiday Kit will provide you with all the language you need to communicate in the most common holiday situations & have a friendly chat with the locals!
Online
Tue 3 Nov 2026Jaeran WonFull fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £84.00 - Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Societies
This four-week course explores peacebuilding in post-conflict societies, examining key concepts, case studies, and practical tools to understand how diverse actors rebuild and sustain peace after violent conflict.
Online
Wed 4 Nov 2026Maisa EdwardsFull fee £89.00 Senior fee £89.00 Concession £58.00 - Gua Sha Facial massage: Taster WorkshopFacial gua sha is a traditional Chinese skincare technique that involves gently gliding a smooth, flat tool (often made of jade or rose quartz) over the face in specific patterns to promote circulation, reduce puffiness, and encourage
lymphatic drainage.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £69.00 - Korean beginners: short introduction
Get a short introduction to the Korean language and discover aspects of Korean language culture in these either an in-person course in Covent Garden or live online communicative classes. Suitable for complete beginners.
Keeley Street
Thu 5 Nov 2026Jiyeon KimFull fee £99.00 Senior fee £79.00 Concession £64.00
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