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Free online courseLiterature

Duration of the online course: 20 hours and 51 minutes

4.87

(45)

Explore masterpieces from Richard Wright to Philip Roth in Yale's free online Literature course. Perfect for anyone interested in classic and contemporary literature.

Course Description

The course "Literature" is an immersive journey into the world of classic and contemporary literature, boasting a comprehensive duration of 20 hours and 51 minutes. With an impressive average rating of 5 out of 5 stars, it is a testimony to its quality and the engaging manner in which it has been crafted. This course falls under the category of Basic studies and resides in the subcategory of Literature, making it an ideal choice for those looking to delve into literary analysis, themes, and the art of storytelling.

The course begins with introductory sessions that lay the foundation for the exploration of literary works, providing students with the essential tools for critical analysis and a deep appreciation of literature. The journey then proceeds to an in-depth study of seminal texts across different genres and eras.

Starting with Richard Wright's "Black Boy," the course examines the poignant and powerful narratives shaped by themes of race, identity, and adversity. The examination continues with Flannery O'Connor's "Wise Blood," where themes of religious fervor, morality, and existentialism are dissected, enriching students' understanding of Southern Gothic literature.

The analysis extends to Vladimir Nabokov's controversial yet critically acclaimed "Lolita," a novel that challenges readers with its complex narrative style and provocative themes. A guest lecture by Andrew Goldstone interweaves additional perspectives, enhancing the depth of literary analysis.

The curriculum further explores the Beat Generation with Jack Kerouac's "On the Road," capturing the essence of post-war America and the quest for freedom through spontaneous prose. This journey also includes a study of J.D. Salinger's "Franny and Zooey," which provides insight into the intricacies of familial bonds and spiritual crises.

The exploration doesn't stop there; students delve into John Barth's "Lost in the Funhouse" and Thomas Pynchon's "The Crying of Lot 49," where postmodernist techniques and narrative structures push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" offers a profound exploration of racial identity and societal expectations.

Moving towards more contemporary works, Maxine Hong Kingston’s "The Woman Warrior" introduces themes of cultural identity and feminism through myth and memoir. Marilynne Robinson's "Housekeeping" is discussed in detail to uncover its rich themes of family and transience.

Cormac McCarthy's "Blood Meridian" takes students into the grim and violent depiction of the American frontier, with deep thematic elements being drawn out across two sessions. Philip Roth's "The Human Stain" provides a critical look at issues of identity, secrecy, and societal judgment over three sessions.

The course curriculum also includes Edward P. Jones's "The Known World," a narrative offering profound reflections on slavery and freedom. In an inclusive approach, students have a choice novel, Jonathan Safran Foer's "Everything is Illuminated," giving them an opportunity to engage with a contemporary text of their preference.

The course culminates with a comprehensive review session to prepare students for their final exam, ensuring that all essential themes, literary techniques, and critical perspectives are revisited and consolidated. Overall, this literature course offers a rich, diverse, and structured journey through some of the most pivotal works in literary history.

Conteúdo do Curso

Video class: 1. Introductions

0h47m
Video class: 2. Richard Wright, Black Boy

0h50m
Exercise: _What is the critical response to Black Boy's relation to truth and its genre?
Video class: 3. Flannery O'Connor, Wise Blood

0h47m
Video class: 4. Flannery O'Connor, Wise Blood (cont.)

0h44m
Exercise: _What is the general ugliness of women that pertains in the novel "Wise Blood" by Flannery O'Connor?
Video class: 5. Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita

0h51m
Video class: 6. Guest Lecture by Andrew Goldstone

0h43m
Exercise: _What is the focus of Andrew Goldstone's lecture on Lolita?
Video class: 7. Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita (cont.)

0h46m
Exercise: _What happened to Lolita when Nabokov circulated it to American publishers?
Video class: 8. Jack Kerouac, On the Road

0h47m
Exercise: _What is one way in which the writing of Jack Kerouac in On the Road shares something with modernism?
Video class: 9. Jack Kerouac, On the Road (cont.)

0h45m
Exercise: _What does George Dardess say about "On the Road"?
Video class: 10. J. D. Salinger, Franny and Zooey

0h47m
Video class: 11. John Barth, Lost in the Funhouse

0h49m
Exercise: _Which of the following was not a reason why "Ambrose His Mark" is typically a favorite story among students?
Video class: 12. Thomas Pynchon, The Crying of Lot 49

0h49m
Exercise: _What is the main difference between the Beats and O'Connor/Nabokov's visions of language in literature?
Video class: 13. Toni Morrison, The Bluest Eye

0h50m
Exercise: _What is Soaphead Church's intention in giving Pecola the poison to feed the dog?
Video class: 14. Maxine Hong Kingston, The Woman Warrior

0h50m
Video class: 15. Marilynne Robinson, Housekeeping

0h46m
Exercise: _What is the difference between the opening sentences of Housekeeping and Moby-Dick?
Video class: 16. Marilynne Robinson, Housekeeping (cont.)

0h49m
Video class: 17. Cormac McCarthy, Blood Meridian

0h50m
Exercise: _What is one reason a student liked Blood Meridian?
Video class: 18. Cormac McCarthy, Blood Meridian (cont.)

0h40m
Exercise: _What is the significance of the kid carrying a Bible with him, despite being illiterate, in the narrative of "Blood Meridian"?
Video class: 19. Philip Roth, The Human Stain

0h48m
Video class: 20. Philip Roth, The Human Stain (cont.)

0h49m
Exercise: _What did the student not find in Labyrinth bookstore during their observation trip?

This free course includes:

20 hours and 51 minutes of online video course

Exercises to train your knowledge

Certificate of course completion

100% free, from content to certificate

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Course comments: Literature

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