Question 1

What is literature?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Why study literature?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What beneficial outcomes can I expect if I study literature?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What career opportunities can arise from studying literature?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How can online courses help me study literature?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What are the benefits of taking an online Literature course?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What Literature courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

Accepted Answer

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.

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Explore the Literature Course Catalog

American Renaissance: Classic Literature of the 19th Century

How to Read a Novel

Creative Writing

The Modern and the Postmodern (Part 1)

Greek and Roman Mythology

Online Games: Literature, New Media, and Narrative

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Plagues, Witches, and War: The Worlds of Historical Fiction

English Composition I

Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop

Write Your First Novel

Modern & Contemporary American Poetry (“ModPo”)

Good with Words: Writing and Editing

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Frequently Asked Questions about Literature

What is literature?‎

Why study literature?‎

What beneficial outcomes can I expect if I study literature?‎

What career opportunities can arise from studying literature?‎

How can online courses help me study literature?‎

What are the benefits of taking an online Literature course?‎

What Literature courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?‎

Other topics to explore