Literary Analysis Courses and Certifications

Ancient Masterpieces of World Literature

30 ratings at edX

Examine how cultures of the ancient world defined themselves through literature and how their vision of literature contributes to our understanding of civilization, culture, and literature today.

• edX
• 6 weeks, 3-6 hours a week
• On-Demand
• Free Online Course (Audit)

Shakespeare's Life and Work

53 ratings at edX

Learn how to read William Shakespeare's plays through his biography, Elizabethan and Jacobean history, and modern performance.

• edX
• 4 weeks, 5-7 hours a week
• On-Demand
• Free Online Course (Audit)

ChinaX Book Club: Five Authors, Five Books, Five Views of China

An exploration of the dynamics of contemporary China using the tools of close reading, discussion, and analysis.

• edX
• 5 weeks, 1-2 hours a week
• On-Demand
• Free Online Course (Audit)

Modern Masterpieces of World Literature

32 ratings at edX

Examine how great modern writers capture the intricacies of our globalized world and how their works circulate within that world to find their own audiences.

• edX
• 8 weeks, 3-6 hours a week
• On-Demand
• Free Online Course (Audit)

Microcredential

Shakespeare's Life, Work, and Characters

Explore Shakespeare's life, works, and iconic characters through lectures, on-location filming, and expert discussions. Gain insights into his plays' historical context and modern interpretations.

• edX
• On-Demand
• $596.00
• 4 courses

A Political Poetry: Reading and Conversation with Solmaz Sharif

Explore political poetry with Solmaz Sharif as she reads selected works and engages in a thought-provoking discussion on language, form, and the role of poets in addressing societal issues.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 14 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Writer and the Critic - Marilynne Robinson and James Wood in Conversation

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marilynne Robinson engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with literary critic James Wood, exploring literature, religion, and contemporary issues in American culture.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 18 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Robert Pinsky Poetry Reading - Selected Poems and New Works

Former U.S. poet laureate Robert Pinsky shares selected and new poems, offering insights into his creative process and exploring themes of culture, language, and human experience.

• YouTube
• 55 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Gorgeous Nothings: Emily Dickinson's Envelope-Poems

Explore Emily Dickinson's envelope-poems through text and images, examining the envelope as a radical space for literary expression and transmission.

• YouTube
• 55 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Film as Visual and Literary Mythmaking

Explore the intersection of film, literature, and classic Western myths, examining philosophical aspects and creative techniques that shape mythmaking in visual and written media.

• MIT OpenCourseWare
• On-Demand
• Free Online Course

Modern American Poetry

100 ratings at Coursera

Explore diverse American poetry through expert analyses, covering major poets and movements from Whitman to Hughes. Gain historical context and close readings, enriched by multimedia illustrations and readings.

• Coursera
• 1 day 10 hours 11 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Online Course (Audit)

Introduction to the Old Testament

3 reviews

This course examines the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) as an expression of the religious life and thought of ancient Israel, and a foundational document of Western civilization.

• YouTube
• 19 hours
• On-Demand
• Free Video

How to Read a Novel

Explore the key elements of fiction - plot, characters, dialogue, and setting - using examples from acclaimed novels to enhance your literary appreciation and analysis skills.

• Coursera
• 8 hours 59 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Online Course (Audit)

Storying the Self: How Stories Shape our Identities

Explore artistic identity formation through creative media and scholarly discussions. Connect with personal inspiration, analyze life-shaping moments, and discover how these themes impact leadership and relationships.

• Coursera
• 9 hours 9 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Online Course (Audit)

William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night: Comedy, Conflict, and Community

30 ratings at Coursera

Explore Shakespeare's Twelfth Night through expert insights, analyzing its comedy, conflicts, and themes. Gain a deeper understanding of the play's language, characters, and enduring relevance.

• Coursera
• 1 day 1 hour 35 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Online Course (Audit)