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.

Why study literature?

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.

What beneficial outcomes can I expect if I study literature?

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.

What career opportunities can arise from studying literature?

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.

How can online courses help me study literature?

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.

Browse
Literature

Filter by

148 results for "literature"

Searches related to literature

literature review

english literature

online games: literature, new media, and narrative

exploring piano literature: the piano sonata

moses' face: moses' images as reflected in jewish literature

中國園林文學 (一) (chinese garden literature (1))

literatura

littérature mondiale

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular literature courses

Basic Statistics: University of Amsterdam
Unraveling the Cycling City: University of Amsterdam
How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper (Project-Centered Course): École Polytechnique
Leadership in 21st Century Organizations: Copenhagen Business School
African development – from the past to the present: Lund University
Local Economic Development: Erasmus University Rotterdam
Density Functional Theory: École Polytechnique
Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court: University of Lausanne
Digital Governance: Erasmus University Rotterdam
Egypt before and after pharaohs.: Sapienza University of Rome

Frequently Asked Questions about Literature

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.‎
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.‎
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.‎
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.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Filter by

148 results for "literature"

Basic Statistics

Unraveling the Cycling City

How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper (Project-Centered Course)

Leadership in 21st Century Organizations

African development – from the past to the present

Local Economic Development

Density Functional Theory

Challenging Forensic Science: How Science Should Speak to Court

Digital Governance

Egypt before and after pharaohs.

The Bible's Prehistory, Purpose, and Political Future

Research Design: Inquiry and Discovery

Searches related to literature

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular literature courses

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?‎

Start or advance your career

Browse popular topics

Popular courses and articles

Earn a degree or certificate online

Coursera

Community

More

Filter by

148 results for "literature"

Searches related to literature

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular literature courses

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?‎

Coursera Footer

Start or advance your career

Browse popular topics

Popular courses and articles

Earn a degree or certificate online

Coursera

Community

More