Art History
Are you interested in art history and how to interpret art? Then why not browse our range of art history courses and choose from introductory courses, or explore further into practices, debates and discover the work of some of the greatest artists of all time. Daytime, evening and weekend classes are available at our main learning centre in London's cultural heart - Covent Garden.
You can now study in the comfort of your home with our online courses.
For a limited time you can enjoy 20% off our online courses with a start date from 1 September 2020 using discount code: NEWONLINE. (Terms & Conditions apply )
To participate in online classes you will need an email address, a reliable internet connection, a computer/laptop/tablet with fully updated browser (preferably Google Chrome). Your device will need a microphone, and preferably a camera. Many classes use Google Classroom.
Contact us to find out more about art history - call 020 7492 2700 Monday - Friday between 10am - 5pm or email visualarts@citylit.ac.uk.
- Tokyo: an insider's guideCourse start date: Fri 16 May 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Kiyomi UntenJoin this lively course and learn about this bustling capital that mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers and anime shops to cherry trees and temples. Open to all levels.Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00 - Places to visit in South KoreaCourse start date: Sat 17 May 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Jaeran WonCome and learn more about key places to visit in this fascinating country.Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00 - French pronunciation through songsCourse start date: Fri 23 May 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Estelle HélouinWhether you are a shower singer, an experienced singer or just like listening to songs in French, this course is for anyone who would like to improve their French pronunciation while enjoying beautiful songs from different French speaking countries.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £45.00 - Influence of the Greek language on EnglishCourse start date: Sat 21 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Maria ContosDid you know that the Oxford companion to the English language states that more than 150,000 words of English are derived from Greek, which is considered to have the richest vocabulary in the world?
Join this lively workshop in the heart of London where you will be introduced to how Ancient Greek influenced the vocabulary of the English language.Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00 - Japanese Etiquette
Course start date: Sat 28 Jun 2025 (and 1 other date)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaCome and experience the customs of Japan, and gain an insight into Japanese society. Open to all levels.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00 - Japanese through Origami: Tanabata Star festival Course start date: Sat 5 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Rie Tsuruta-BarrattThis workshop will introduce you to the culture and basics of origami, a central part of Japanese arts and crafts.
You will learn some introductory Japanese phrases, Japanese festivals and learn how to fold folk Origami pieces as well as origami decorations for Tanabata Star Festival.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Chinese: fan writingCourse start date: Sat 5 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Zhonghan LinExplore the enchanting world of Chinese fan writing in our workshop! Delve into the rich tapestry of Chinese culture as we unravel the history and significance of this ancient art form. Discover the profound cultural significance behind each stroke, and unleash your creativity on the canvas of tradition.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £69.00 - French film matinéeCourse start date: Tue 8 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Stephanie RadetWith proceeds going to the City Lit Student Bursary, the French Film matinée is a chance to round out the term with a fun movie matinée in the college. The film will be presented by tutor Stéphanie Radet.
The film we will be watching is Les 400 coups by François Truffaut (1959), a film about Antoine Doinel, a semi-autobiographical character and a misunderstood adolescent in Paris who struggles with his parents and teachers.Full fee £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £10.00 - Chinese: The meaning of charactersCourse start date: Sat 12 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Joyce LeeCome and explore the essence of Chinese characters and their profound significance in this enlightening lively online workshop. Unlock the hidden meanings behind strokes and symbols, tracing the cultural, historical, and philosophical depths they hold.Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00 - the Japanese Soroban Course start date: Sat 12 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Hisaka BuntingA fascinating introduction to this ancient Japanese abacus. A lively in-person workshop in central London.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00 - Taste of JapanCourse start date: Tue 15 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaFrom street food to monks' food, come and explore the richness of regional Japanese cuisine across the seasons in this exciting workshop.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £69.00 - Japanese calligraphy Course start date: Tue 29 Jul 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaDiscover the Japanese writing system and practise writing a few characters using a brush pen.Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00 - Japanese calligraphy: Shodo / peace and harmonyCourse start date: Thu 31 Jul 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Chikako NakagawaCome and experience the calming effect of writing Japanese with a brush on a large scale. Shodo is an aesthetic and artistic calligraphy skill used to write the Japanese language. You need to have basic knowledge of the Japanese writing system.Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00 - The Healing Power of Dionysian celebrationsCourse start date: Wed 8 Oct 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Maria ContosNietzsche in his book ‘The death of tragedy’ claims that by not experiencing Dionysian festivals in the modern world, we have lost the capacity to truly affirm life.
This session is part of the 2024 Mental Wealth Festival hosted by City Lit and partners.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £15.00 Concession £19.00 - Celebrate through singing Welsh songsCourse start date: Wed 8 Oct 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Clare WhiteheadEnergise yourself singing and connecting with others in the Welsh language. You do not need to speak Welsh.
This session is part of the 2024 Mental Wealth Festival hosted by City Lit and partners.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £15.00 Concession £19.00
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