English Literature Courses Offered Free by Top Schools and Universities

Get Educated for Free

1. General Literature Courses

• Literary Studies: The Legacy of England - Literature study course from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
• Introduction to Literary Theory - This MIT course explores strategies that can be used when reading, comprehending and engaging with literary texts.
• Literature and Ethical Values - MIT course designed to acquaint students with the classical works.
• The Dynamic Word - Capilano College course that focuses on the ways technology has influenced and been incorporated into modern literary works.
• Exploring the English Language - This Open University course explores key developments in the English language between the fifteenth and nineteenth century.
• English Grammar in Context - Open University course with a focus on the difference between writing and speaking English.

2. Reading English Literature

• Reading English Literature - Introductory reading course from the Open University.
• Approaching Poetry - Open University course designed to teach students how to develop the analytical skills needed to study poetry in-depth.
• Approaching Prose Fiction - Open University course that teaches students how to approach and learn from the narrative events, perspectives, novel settings and other things seen in prose fiction.
• Approaching Plays - Another Open University course that is meant to develop the skills needed for an in-depth study of literary plays.
• Introduction to Shakespeare - Introduction to a selection of Shakespeare's works from the University of Utah.
• Shakespeare Course - Lectures and Shakespeare readings from UC Berkeley.
• Major English Novels - MIT course that focuses on select English novels.
• Reading Romantic Fiction - This MIT course explores aspects of English romantic fiction.

3. Writing Courses

• Introduction to Writing - Introduction to writing academic prose from the Utah State University.
• Writing What You Know - This Open University course is meant to improve students' descriptive writing skills.
• Introduction to Creative Writing - Introductory creative writing course from the University of Utah.
• Writing About Literature - MIT course with a focus on communicating through writing using knowledge of literary styles, terms and forms.
• Start Writing Fiction - Open University course that focuses on characterization and settings in fiction.
• Writing and Reading Short Stories - MIT course focusing on the craft of the short story.

Why Study English Literature?

Studying English literature through a formal campus-based program can provide students with a degree and an enriching college experience. But there are other reasons for studying English lit.

Many of the people who study English literature go on to become journalists, novelists or poets. Others go on to pursue advanced degrees in teaching, law, business or another field of study. Studying English literature can broaden your mind and improve your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This is true whether you study on your own or though a formal program.

Career Options and Salary Potential

The career options for people who study English literature are virtually endless. Although some career paths, such as English professor, require a formal degree, there are a number of different professions that can be entered into with the knowledge that is obtained through free English literature courses. The most obvious jobs include author, poet, editor and journalist.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics