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    Literature Courses Online

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

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    Explore the Literature Course Catalog

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of California, Santa Cruz

      The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry

      Skills you'll gain: World History, Social Justice, European History, Culture, Liberal Arts, Cultural Diversity, Socioeconomics, Storytelling, Political Sciences, Writing

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      188 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • T

      The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

      The American South: Its Stories, Music, and Art

      Skills you'll gain: Music History, Music, Oral Expression, Culture, World History, Social Studies, Liberal Arts, Performing Arts, Public History, Art History, Storytelling, Cultural Diversity, Writing

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      405 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      S

      Stanford University

      Love as a Force for Social Justice

      Skills you'll gain: Compassion, Interpersonal Communications, Social Justice, Communication, Empathy, Relationship Building, Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, Community and Social Work, Collaboration, Cultural Diversity, Creativity, Research, Psychology, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Neurology

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      421 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      A

      Arizona State University

      Learning How To Learn for Youth

      Skills you'll gain: Learning Strategies, Productivity, Human Learning, Willingness To Learn, Mental Concentration, Creativity, Time Management, Stress Management, Problem Solving, Self-Awareness, Persistence

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      W

      Wesleyan University

      The Modern and the Postmodern (Part 2)

      Skills you'll gain: Liberal Arts, Culture, European History, World History, Psychology, Political Sciences, Sociology, Social Sciences

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      362 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

      Multimodal Literacies: Communication and Learning in the Era of Digital Media

      Skills you'll gain: Differentiated Instruction, Teaching, Instructional Strategies, Literacy, Pedagogy, Oral Expression, Education Software and Technology, Learning Strategies, Human Learning, Media and Communications, Multimedia, Cultural Diversity, Digital Communications, Writing, Non-Verbal Communication

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      165 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of Colorado Boulder

      Textual Elements of Design: Fonts, Typography, and Spacing

      Skills you'll gain: Typography, Graphic and Visual Design, Design, Graphic Design, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Design Software, Design Elements And Principles

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      273 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • W

      Wesleyan University

      Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader

      Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Journals, Writing

      4.3
      Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
      ·
      252 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free
      Free
      N

      National Taiwan University

      唐詩新思路 (Tang Poetry)

      Skills you'll gain: Music History, Ancient History, Art History, Liberal Arts, Writing, Psychology

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      615 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • D

      Deep Teaching Solutions

      Uncommon Sense Teaching

      Skills you'll gain: Instructional Strategies, Teaching, Learning Strategies, Learning Theory, Differentiated Instruction, Student Engagement, Human Learning, Time Management, Mental Concentration, Student-Centred Learning, Neurology, Adaptability

      4.9
      Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
      ·
      613 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • N

      Nanjing University

      Chinese Culture and Contemporary China

      Skills you'll gain: Music, Culture, Classical Music, World Music, Social Studies, Cultural Sensitivity, Ancient History, Media and Communications, Art History, Language Learning, Cultural Diversity, Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, Electronic Media, Intercultural Competence, Performing Arts, Anthropology, Sociology, Nutrition and Diet

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      519 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • E

      Emory University

      The Bible's Prehistory, Purpose, and Political Future

      Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Social Studies, Liberal Arts, Political Sciences, World History, Culture, Community Development, Education and Training, Storytelling

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      286 reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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    1…567…17

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

    • The Holocaust: The Destruction of European Jewry: University of California, Santa Cruz
    • The American South: Its Stories, Music, and Art: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    • Love as a Force for Social Justice: Stanford University
    • Learning How To Learn for Youth: Arizona State University
    • The Modern and the Postmodern (Part 2): Wesleyan University
    • Multimodal Literacies: Communication and Learning in the Era of Digital Media : University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • Textual Elements of Design: Fonts, Typography, and Spacing: University of Colorado Boulder
    • Memoir and Personal Essay: Managing Your Relationship with the Reader: Wesleyan University
    • 唐詩新思路 (Tang Poetry): National Taiwan University
    • Uncommon Sense Teaching: Deep Teaching Solutions

    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.

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