The Best English Literature Online Courses

Banner Image The Best English Literature Online Courses

Let’s be honest here – who doesn’t love the idea of curling up with a good book and immersing oneself in the world of beautiful words and thought-provoking storylines? The world of English literature is vast, elegant, and full of surprises! Weaving together the magic of words and human emotion, English literature not only delights our senses but deepens our understanding of life and all its complexities. But what if I told you that you could enhance your love for literature and expand your knowledge without setting foot in a classroom? Sounds unbelievable, right? Let’s dive into the world of online English literature courses.

Juggling the chaos of everyday life and reserving time for personal growth may seem challenging, but here’s some fantastic news for all of you literature lovers out there: there are a plethora of online courses available that fit into even the busiest of schedules. Imagine being able to study Shakespeare, Woolf, or Austen at your own pace, in the calm of your own abode. Just put on your cozy reading socks and jump down the rabbit hole of classic pieces, modern marvels, and everything in between. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best English literature online courses available to help you nurture your passion for literary treasures.

English Literature Courses – Table of Contents

  1. English Literature: Be as Informed as a Literature Graduate
  2. An Introduction to British and American Literature
  3. Literary Theory: English Literature
  4. World Literature: Your Guide to Becoming Very Well Read
  5. The English Master Course: English Grammar, English Speaking
  6. Postmodernism: English Literature
  7. Learn English Literature Basics
  8. American Literature: The Gothic and Edgar Allan Poe

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English Literature: Be as Informed as a Literature Graduate

Course Preview English Literature: Be as Informed as a Literature Graduate

Platform:
Udemy

Rating:
4.6 out of 5

Are you ready to dive into the world of English literature and explore works from renowned authors across centuries? This extensive online course has got you covered. Created by Eve, a holder of an English Literature degree and a Master’s in Old English from Queen’s University Belfast, the course delves into various eras of English Literature, from the Anglo-Saxon period to the modern day. It also examines the development of the English language, English history, and the progression of ideas from medieval heroicism to postmodernism. With a focus on not just personal favorites but also the English literary canon, you’ll find plenty of literary gems, including Chaucer, Shakespeare, Austen, and even J.K. Rowling.

Whether you’re taking the course to brush up on your knowledge, test the waters before pursuing a college degree in English literature, or simply to gain confidence in your understanding of literature, this course caters to all. The reading list is comprehensive, allowing you to pick and choose as per your interest with no prior knowledge of the texts required. As a bonus, the course also features American, Australian, Canadian, and Irish literature in English. With a 30-day money-back guarantee from Udemy, you can enroll risk-free and join Eve on a literary odyssey that spans 13 centuries and more than 47 writers. Happy reading!

Skills you’ll learn in this course:

  1. Discover timeless stories and poetry
  2. Grow confidence in your knowledge of literature
  3. Learn about the development of the English language
  4. Understand cultural and ideological shifts found in English Literature
  5. Become familiar with major authors from each literary era
  6. Explore American, Australian, Canadian, and Irish literature in English
  7. Gain a well-rounded understanding of English literary history
  8. Prepare for citizenship tests or college entrance exams requiring knowledge of English Literature

An Introduction to British and American Literature

Course Preview An Introduction to British and American Literature

Platform:
Udemy

Rating:
4.8 out of 5

Dive into the fascinating world of literature, spanning from the 16th century to the 20th century, with this captivating online course. Covering a variety of genres such as drama, poetry, short stories, and novels, it’s a treat for anyone looking to broaden their knowledge of historical literature and its development. Get ready to explore gripping questions about the origins of the English novel, how political figures like Napoleon influenced literature, and distinctions between British and American literature, among others.

This introductory course is designed to forge connections between literary periods, writers, and history, blending them seamlessly into an engaging and informative experience. While it may be impossible to discuss every single work and the history behind them, this course does an excellent job of highlighting major periods and prominent writers, as well as examining how historical events have influenced their life and work. So, buckle up for an enriching adventure into the depths of literature and the stories that have shaped our world!

Skills you’ll learn in this course:

  1. Understanding the evolution of literature from the 16th to the 20th century.
  2. Identifying major literary periods and their key writers.
  3. Analyzing the impact of historical events, such as wars, on literature.
  4. Comparing and contrasting British and American literature.
  5. Recognizing the significance of groundbreaking literary techniques, such as stream-of-consciousness.
  6. Discovering overlooked pioneers in various literary genres.
  7. Connecting a writer’s biography with their literary creations.
  8. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of literature in a historical context.

Literary Theory: English Literature

Course Preview Literary Theory: English Literature

Platform:
Udemy

Rating:
4.5 out of 5

If you’re a student or budding scholar in English literature, there’s an online course tailored specifically for you. This course serves as an introduction to key English literary theories and major schools of thought in literary analysis. Designed to cover the basics, the course creator is open to enhancing the complexity level if the need arises.

Not only will you learn about all major approaches to literary theory and analysis, but you’ll also be taught how to read texts critically and understand literature from various theoretical perspectives. The course features video lectures, textual resources, and links to more detailed videos, as well as a range of resources available on the creator’s website. Engage with the additional materials on their YouTube channel to deepen your understanding. Don’t hesitate to contact the course creator with ideas, questions, or suggestions via the course messaging system – they are always eager to receive feedback to improve the course.

Skills you’ll learn in this course:

  1. Understanding major schools of thought in English literary theory.
  2. Gaining the ability to analyze literature from different perspectives.
  3. Developing critical reading skills.
  4. Accessing additional resources to further expand knowledge.
  5. Enhancing your understanding through video lectures and textual resources.
  6. Applying introduced concepts to analyze texts effectively.
  7. Engaging in course communication to ask questions and provide suggestions.
  8. Adapting to different levels of complexity in literary theory.

World Literature: Your Guide to Becoming Very Well Read

Course Preview World Literature: Your Guide to Becoming Very Well Read

Platform:
Udemy

Rating:
4.4 out of 5

Are you a bookworm eager to dive deep into the world of literature? Then buckle up, because this World Literature course on Udemy is designed just for you! This one-of-a-kind course explores texts from around the globe and spans across different time periods, providing you a thorough understanding of literature and enabling you to hold intellectual discussions with fellow literature enthusiasts.

Guided by a lecturer with an MA in English Literature, who has taught at Queen’s University and has been part of the C.S. Lewis Literary Festival, this course will immerse you in Greek and Roman mythology, the influence of the Bible on various texts, the growth of Arthurian myths, fairy tales, and more. You’ll study renowned authors from Europe, North and Latin America, Australia, Africa, the Far East, and Asia, including the likes of Shakespeare, Dickens, Austen, and James Joyce. With a 30-day money-back guarantee offered by Udemy, you can join this epic literary journey risk-free! Don’t wait – enroll now and unlock a world of literary treasures!

Skills you’ll learn in this course:

  1. Understanding Greek and Roman mythology, history, and epic poetry.
  2. Recognizing the influence of the Bible on various literary works.
  3. Exploring the growth of Arthurian myths.
  4. Discovering the origins and significance of fairy tales.
  5. Analyzing key authors from different time periods worldwide.
  6. Discussing texts in their historical, political, philosophical, and cultural contexts.
  7. Gaining a thorough knowledge of world literature.
  8. Confidently engaging in literary discussions with the literati.

The English Master Course: English Grammar, English Speaking

Course Preview The English Master Course: English Grammar, English Speaking

Platform:
Udemy

Rating:
4.6 out of 5

The English Master Course on Udemy is designed to help you take your English language skills to the next level. This best-selling course is an all-inclusive package that covers English grammar, speaking, punctuation, and pronunciation. With a whopping 40 hours of video lessons, hundreds of example scenarios, and full-length PDFs, this course aims to give you a truly comprehensive learning experience. As a bonus, the 2023 update includes a brand new accent training section to help you perfect an American or British accent. And it doesn’t stop there – the course also offers 500 new interactive practice questions focused on grammar, IELTS, and TOEFL.

Divided into four main sections (English Grammar, Speaking, Writing, and Pronunciation), you’ll have access to a vast array of resources that cater to all levels of proficiency. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced learner, the English Master Course will provide valuable insight into real-life conversations, practical applications, and industry-standard exams such as A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, TOEFL, IELTS, and TOEIC. Satisfied students have praised the course for informative lessons, instructor support, and ample opportunity to practice and refine their language skills. So if you’re eager to improve your English fluency, why not give the English Master Course a try?

Skills you’ll learn in this course:

  1. Master advanced English grammar concepts
  2. Improve English speaking and conversation skills
  3. Enhance English writing abilities, including punctuation
  4. Perfect English pronunciation with American or British accent
  5. Build confidence in English language usage
  6. Learn to score higher on English exams (TOEIC, IELTS, TOEFL)
  7. Expand English vocabulary, verbs, and phrases
  8. Gain a deeper understanding of English sentence structures and punctuation marks

Postmodernism: English Literature

Course Preview Postmodernism: English Literature

Platform:
Udemy

Rating:
4.5 out of 5

Are you ready to dive into the world of postmodernism and gain a deeper understanding of this often misunderstood concept? This ever-growing online course is perfect for you! It provides a comprehensive introduction to postmodernism and postmodern literary theory, so you’ll be able to confidently discuss and explain these ideas once you’ve finished the course. Through video lectures and textual resources, you’ll explore major concepts, theories, and debates surrounding postmodern literature in English.

Not only does the course include a wealth of resources, but you’ll also have access to additional materials via the instructor’s YouTube channel, expanding your knowledge even further. The course creator encourages open communication and is receptive to any suggestions you might have, so feel free to reach out through the messaging system. Sign up now and embark on your journey to understanding postmodernism and postmodern literature like an expert!

Skills you’ll learn in this course:

  1. General understanding of Postmodernism and postmodern literary theory
  2. Familiarity with major concepts, theories, and debates about the postmodern condition
  3. Deeper grasp of postmodern literature in English
  4. Ability to understand and explain postmodernism and postmodern literature confidently
  5. Exposure to important postmodern literary texts
  6. Knowledge of additional resources like YouTube lectures and supplementary readings
  7. Engagement with course community through messaging system
  8. Flexibility to adapt and incorporate new ideas into the evolving course content

Learn English Literature Basics

Course Preview Learn English Literature Basics

Platform:
Udemy

Rating:
4.8 out of 5

Are you intrigued by the world of English literature and looking to deepen your understanding? Well, you’re in luck! This course offers an engaging and comprehensive introduction to the essentials of English literature, covering its primary branches – poetry, novels, and drama. By taking this course, you’ll be able to quickly analyze any literary work, while also gaining access to course files and real-life examples of literature masterpieces.

The creator of this course, a literature teacher with twelve years of experience, promises that not only will this course transform the way you think and view life, but it will also propel your future in an extraordinary way. Give this course a chance and be prepared to find yourself recommending it to your friends! Get ready to embark on an exciting journey through the world of literature, and watch your perspective on life change and grow.

Skills you’ll learn in this course:

  1. Understanding the basics of English literature
  2. Analyzing poetry, novels, and drama
  3. Gaining insights into famous literary masterpieces
  4. Expanding critical thinking skills through literary analysis
  5. Gaining a deeper understanding of cultural and historical contexts
  6. Becoming comfortable with different literary techniques and styles
  7. Broadening your perspective on life through literature
  8. Improving overall reading comprehension and enjoyment

American Literature: The Gothic and Edgar Allan Poe

Course Preview American Literature: The Gothic and Edgar Allan Poe

Platform:
Udemy

Rating:
4.3 out of 5

Dive into the eerie world of Gothic literature and uncover the uncanny motifs often found in the works of Edgar Allan Poe with this fascinating online course. The course provides an in-depth exploration of both English and American Gothic literature, placing a particular focus on specific texts by Poe. Moreover, it delves deeper than literary analysis; it delves into understanding ways in which elements such as monsters, doppelgangers, and claustrophobic settings create a sense of fear, horror, and anxiety in readers.

Each lesson within the course tackles a unique story or poem by Poe, offering fresh perspectives and interpretations of these compelling texts. Throughout the course, you’ll explore how Poe’s stories masterfully use horror elements and create suspense. To do this, you’ll discuss the concept of “the uncanny,” as theorized by Sigmund Freud, and “the fantastic,” as proposed by Tzvetan Todorov. By the end of this journey, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for Gothic literature and the captivating works of Edgar Allan Poe.

Skills you’ll learn in this course:

  1. Understanding common Gothic and uncanny motifs in literature
  2. Analyzing examples of English and American literature
  3. Exploring elements that generate fear, horror, and anxiety in Gothic texts
  4. Recognizing literary techniques used to create suspense
  5. Applying Sigmund Freud’s concept of “the uncanny” to literary analysis
  6. Utilizing Tzvetan Todorov’s concept of “the fantastic” in understanding horror stories
  7. Examining how Gothic elements affect characters and narrators
  8. Gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of Edgar Allan Poe’s works

In conclusion, English Literature online courses provide an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to broaden their horizons and engage with some of the greatest works ever written. The digital age has made accessing these courses easier than ever – all you need is a computer or mobile device and an internet connection. You’ll be able to study and analyze an incredibly diverse range of texts, utilizing multimedia tools to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the stories you read. Whether it’s for personal enrichment or career development, you can discover or rediscover your passion for English Literature through online courses.

So if you’ve ever been curious about what it takes to truly appreciate the masterpieces of English Literature, or if you simply want to revisit your old favorites in a new light, an online course might be just the ticket. Go ahead and start your literary journey, connect with fellow literature enthusiasts, and dedicate some time to exploring the world of English Literature. After all, a great story awaits you – just a few clicks away!

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