Taking a literature course is similar to reading, but it is a much better way to delve into the books you love. Begin studying literature today with one or more of the free online literature courses offered at universities like MIT and UC - Berkeley.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (mit.edu)
Major English Novels Course
MIT's OpenCourseWare program offers access to more than 80 free literature courses. One of the most recent is the Major English Novels Course, which features readings, assignments and concentrated study of the novel genre. Registration is not required.
2. Western Governors University (wgu.edu)
Literature Course- Parts I and II
Western Governors University's Liberal Arts Department offers a downloadable literature course that is free to everyone. Course topics are split into ten modules and include everything from poetry and drama to fiction and literary ethics. Registration is not required.
3. The University of Utah (utah.edu)
Introduction to Shakespeare
The University of Utah's free literature course is a comprehensive introduction to the works of Shakespeare. The course is easy to download and includes seven lessons, reading assignments and other accessible resources. Registration is not required.
4. University of California, Berkeley (berkely.edu)
Shakespeare Course
UC Berkeley webcasts select courses every semester. The Shakespeare Course includes 32 lectures on Shakespeare and readings of his best works. All webcasts can be downloaded in mp3 format or heard on a free version of RealPlayer. Registration is not required.
5. University of Sheffield (shef.ac.uk)
Criticism and Literary Theory Course
The University of Sheffield's Department of English Literature provides free access to a great literary theory course designed for intermediate and advanced students. Course materials include an introduction, notes from lectures and links to relevant articles and resources. Registration is not required.
6. Open University (open.ac.uk)
Approaching Prose Fiction
The free literature course offered by the UK's Open University introduces you to studying literary texts at a university level. The course takes about 20 hours to complete and includes several units of study. Registration is not required.
7. Utah State University (usu.edu)
Introduction to Writing
Utah State University doesn't offer a free course completely devoted to literature, but you can access an online interpretation of the university's English 1010 course. Materials include a PDF of the English 101 handbook, reading assignments and more. Registration is not required.