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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 Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Michigan

      Writing and Editing: Structure and Organization

      Skills you'll gain: Writing and Editing, Editing, Writing, Organizational Skills, Productivity, Time Management, Content Creation, Lifelong Learning, Professional Development, Critical Thinking

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      553 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of Minnesota

      Preventing Chronic Pain: A Human Systems Approach

      Skills you'll gain: Preventative Care, Chronic Diseases, Health Care, Stress Management, Personal Care, Behavioral Health, Personal Development, Care Management, Health Systems, Patient Education and Support, Resilience, Mindfulness, Systems Thinking

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      425 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of London

      Introduction to Who Wrote Shakespeare

      Skills you'll gain: Liberal Arts, Creativity, European History, Writing and Editing, Psychology

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      256 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Y

      Yale University

      Age of Cathedrals

      Skills you'll gain: Art History, European History, Social Studies, Liberal Arts, Architecture and Construction, Culture, World History, Higher Education, Economics, Storytelling, Architectural Design

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      491 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • 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

    • 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

    • O

      O.P. Jindal Global University

      Introduction to Academic Writing

      Skills you'll gain: Writing, Writing and Editing, Research, Journals, Policy Analysis, Research Design, Content Creation

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      126 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • 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

    • 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

    • U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Wonders of Ancient Egypt

      Skills you'll gain: Art History, Ancient History, Culture, World History, Anthropology, Timelines, Research Methodologies

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

      Intermediate · 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

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      W

      Wesleyan University

      Creative Writing: The Craft of Style

      Skills you'll gain: Storytelling, Writing and Editing, Editing, Proofreading, Writing, Creativity

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.2K reviews

      Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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    1…456…17

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

    • Writing and Editing: Structure and Organization: University of Michigan
    • Preventing Chronic Pain: A Human Systems Approach: University of Minnesota
    • Introduction to Who Wrote Shakespeare: University of London
    • Age of Cathedrals: Yale University
    • Love as a Force for Social Justice: Stanford University
    • Learning How To Learn for Youth: Arizona State University
    • Introduction to Academic Writing: O.P. Jindal Global University
    • The American South: Its Stories, Music, and Art: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    • Chinese Culture and Contemporary China : Nanjing University
    • Wonders of Ancient Egypt: University of Pennsylvania

    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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