• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Coursera
  • Log In
  • Join for Free
    Coursera
    • Browse
    • Literature

    Literature Courses Online

    Study literature to understand significant works and authors. Learn about literary analysis, genres, and the history of literature.

    Skip to search results

    Filter by

    Subject
    Required
     *

    Language
    Required
     *

    The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

    Learning Product
    Required
     *

    Build job-relevant skills in under 2 hours with hands-on tutorials.
    Learn from top instructors with graded assignments, videos, and discussion forums.
    Get in-depth knowledge of a subject by completing a series of courses and projects.
    Earn career credentials from industry leaders that demonstrate your expertise.

    Level
    Required
     *

    Duration
    Required
     *

    Skills
    Required
     *

    Subtitles
    Required
     *

    Educator
    Required
     *

    Explore the Literature Course Catalog

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      D

      Dartmouth College

      American Renaissance: Classic Literature of the 19th Century

      Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Oral Expression, Writing, Liberal Arts, Editing, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Social Studies, Research, Social Justice, World History, Cultural Diversity, Culture, European History, Political Sciences, Advocacy, Public History

      5
      Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      9 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      W

      Wesleyan University

      Creative Writing

      Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Peer Review, Writing and Editing, Writing, Editing, Proofreading, Storyboarding, Content Creation, Constructive Feedback, Persistence, Professionalism, Creativity

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.3K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      T

      The University of Edinburgh

      How to Read a Novel

      Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Aesthetics, Writing and Editing, Liberal Arts

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      14 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      W

      Wesleyan University

      The Modern and the Postmodern (Part 1)

      Skills you'll gain: Aesthetics, Art History, European History, Liberal Arts, World History, Culture, Socioeconomics, Political Sciences, Sociology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Greek and Roman Mythology

      Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Art History, Liberal Arts, World History, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.5K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      M

      Michigan State University

      Write Your First Novel

      Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Storytelling, Editing, Constructive Feedback, Proofreading, Literacy, Creative Thinking, Goal Setting, Self-Discipline, Overcoming Obstacles, Critical Thinking

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      369 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 Months

    What brings you to Coursera today?

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      D

      Duke University

      English Composition I

      Skills you'll gain: Research, Literacy, Persuasive Communication, Report Writing, English Language, Grammar, Case Studies, Journalism, Editing, Proofreading, Style Guides, Qualitative Research, Peer Review

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.3K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      C

      California Institute of the Arts

      Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop

      Skills you'll gain: Editing, Peer Review, Music, Creativity

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.9K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Modern & Contemporary American Poetry (“ModPo”)

      Skills you'll gain: Art History, World History, Aesthetics, Liberal Arts, Performing Arts, Social Justice, Multimedia, Peer Review

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      652 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      V

      Vanderbilt University

      Online Games: Literature, New Media, and Narrative

      Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Game Design, Video Game Development, Animation and Game Design, Liberal Arts, Multimedia, Media and Communications, Art History, Psychology

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      201 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      U

      University of Virginia

      Plagues, Witches, and War: The Worlds of Historical Fiction

      Skills you'll gain: Public History, Writing, Storytelling, Writing and Editing, World History, European History, Oral Expression, Creativity

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      619 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Preview
      Preview
      L

      Lund University

      Writing in English at University

      Skills you'll gain: Editing, Proofreading, Writing, Grammar, English Language, Literacy, Vocabulary

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      821 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Literature learners also search

    World Literature
    Creative Writing
    Writing
    Creative
    Beginner Creative Writing
    Business Writing
    Beginner Writing
    Writing Projects
    1234…17

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular literature courses

    • American Renaissance: Classic Literature of the 19th Century: Dartmouth College
    • Creative Writing: Wesleyan University
    • How to Read a Novel: The University of Edinburgh
    • The Modern and the Postmodern (Part 1): Wesleyan University
    • Greek and Roman Mythology: University of Pennsylvania
    • Write Your First Novel: Michigan State University
    • English Composition I: Duke University
    • Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop: California Institute of the Arts
    • Modern & Contemporary American Poetry (“ModPo”): University of Pennsylvania
    • Online Games: Literature, New Media, and Narrative: Vanderbilt University

    Frequently Asked Questions about Literature

    Literature is a word-based art form, usually a work of fiction. Works of literature include poems, plays, short stories, novels, and stories that are written down. Some are transcribed from oral tradition while many are original works of writing. Scholars and historians often categorize these works by language, genre, historical period, theme, and region.‎

    There are several advantages to studying literature, notably the way it builds critical thinking skills and increases cultural awareness. Literature is a window into the human experience, allowing readers to visit places and understand events that may be inaccessible through other means. Reading stories and poems also is entertaining and provides a stress-reducing escape from the world around you.‎

    Studying literature changes the way you view the world and yourself. When you read a novel set in another country or depicting customs from other cultures, you may discover similarities between these faraway places and your own neighborhood that help you make sense of cultural differences. A story may spark an interest in a specific topic that can lead to a new hobby or career. Analyzing the way writer’s use words builds your vocabulary and boosts your ability to look for patterns and trends—even outside the context of a story.‎

    The communication and critical thinking skills you develop from studying literature can lead to a variety of career opportunities like a promotion or a job in a different field. Connecting with characters in a story develops empathy, an important skill for anyone who works in a management or supervisory role. Analyzing the use of language in a story can improve your own language and communication skills, which make you a better team member.‎

    Online courses create an opportunity for you to study literature more deeply than you would by reading on your own. Knowing you have deadlines to meet motivates you to make reading a priority and increases the chance that you'll finish the story. You can choose a specific genre or theme to explore in-depth. The coursework of an online class may guide you to see different perspectives and ask questions that you may not otherwise consider.‎

    Online Literature courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Literature skills. Choose from a wide range of Literature courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Literature, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

    Other topics to explore

    Arts and Humanities
    338 courses
    Business
    1095 courses
    Computer Science
    668 courses
    Data Science
    425 courses
    Information Technology
    145 courses
    Health
    471 courses
    Math and Logic
    70 courses
    Personal Development
    137 courses
    Physical Science and Engineering
    413 courses
    Social Sciences
    401 courses
    Language Learning
    150 courses

    Coursera Footer

    Skills

    • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
    • Cybersecurity
    • Data Analytics
    • Digital Marketing
    • English Speaking
    • Generative AI (GenAI)
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft Power BI
    • Project Management
    • Python

    Certificates & Programs

    • Google Cybersecurity Certificate
    • Google Data Analytics Certificate
    • Google IT Support Certificate
    • Google Project Management Certificate
    • Google UX Design Certificate
    • IBM Data Analyst Certificate
    • IBM Data Science Certificate
    • Machine Learning Certificate
    • Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Certificate
    • UI / UX Design Certificate

    Industries & Careers

    • Business
    • Computer Science
    • Data Science
    • Education & Teaching
    • Engineering
    • Finance
    • Healthcare
    • Human Resources (HR)
    • Information Technology (IT)
    • Marketing

    Career Resources

    • Career Aptitude Test
    • Examples of Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews
    • High-Income Skills to Learn
    • How Does Cryptocurrency Work?
    • How to Highlight Duplicates in Google Sheets
    • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
    • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
    • Preparing for the PMP Certification
    • Signs You Will Get the Job After an Interview
    • What Is Artificial Intelligence?

    Coursera

    • About
    • What We Offer
    • Leadership
    • Careers
    • Catalog
    • Coursera Plus
    • Professional Certificates
    • MasterTrack® Certificates
    • Degrees
    • For Enterprise
    • For Government
    • For Campus
    • Become a Partner
    • Social Impact
    • Free Courses
    • ECTS Credit Recommendations

    Community

    • Learners
    • Partners
    • Beta Testers
    • Blog
    • The Coursera Podcast
    • Tech Blog

    More

    • Press
    • Investors
    • Terms
    • Privacy
    • Help
    • Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Articles
    • Directory
    • Affiliates
    • Modern Slavery Statement
    • Do Not Sell/Share
    Learn Anywhere
    Download on the App Store
    Get it on Google Play
    Logo of Certified B Corporation
    © 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
    • Coursera Facebook
    • Coursera Linkedin
    • Coursera Twitter
    • Coursera YouTube
    • Coursera Instagram
    • Coursera TikTok