Best Free Languages & Literature Courses & MOOCs

EdX

University of California, Berkeley,BerkeleyX

How to Write an Essay (edX)

Humanities Languages & Literature

Discover the art of academic writing with our 'How to Write an Essay' course on edX. Designed specifically for English Language Learners, this course will guide you through the essential steps of crafting compelling essays, from developing ideas to perfecting your grammar and self-editing skills. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your existing abilities, this course offers valuable insights into academic writing.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

English English Language English Grammar

FutureLearn

Shanghai International Studies University - SISU

Intercultural Communication (FutureLearn)

Languages & Literature Business

Dive into the world of intercultural communication with this engaging, free online course. Learn how to bridge cultural gaps and enhance your ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Perfect for professionals in multinational environments or anyone looking to improve their cross-cultural communication skills.

Self Paced

5-12 Weeks

Communication Intercultural Communication Communication Skills

FutureLearn

University of Glasgow

Robert Burns: Poems, Songs and Legacy (FutureLearn)

Languages & Literature

Dive into the rich world of Robert Burns, Scotland's beloved national poet, through this enlightening free online course offered by the University of Glasgow. From his humble beginnings to becoming a global literary icon, this course will guide you through his life, poetry, songs, and lasting impact on literature and culture.

Self Paced

3 Weeks

Literature Song Poem

The American Renaissance: Classic Literature of the 19th Century (edX)

EdX

DartmouthX

The American Renaissance: Classic Literature of the 19th Century (edX)

Humanities Languages & Literature

Embark on a literary journey through 'The American Renaissance: Classic Literature of the 19th Century'. This course offers an in-depth exploration into the works that defined America's cultural awakening. From transcendentalism to social reform, you'll engage with the writings that continue to influence contemporary thought and literature.

Self Paced

4 Weeks

Literature American Renaissance Literacy

FutureLearn

University of East Anglia

An Introduction to Screenwriting (FutureLearn)

Languages & Literature Art and Culture

Embark on a creative journey with our Introduction to Screenwriting course. Designed for aspiring writers, this 2-week program will guide you through the essential elements of scriptwriting, helping you develop your unique voice and craft compelling stories for the screen. Whether you dream of writing feature films or TV series, this course is your first step towards achieving your cinematic ambitions.

Self Paced

2 Weeks

Film Writing Drama

Tsinghua Chinese: Start Talking with 1.3 Billion People (edX)

EdX

Tsinghua University,TsinghuaX

Tsinghua Chinese: Start Talking with 1.3 Billion People (edX)

Languages & Literature

Discover the fundamentals of Mandarin Chinese with 'Tsinghua Chinese: Start Talking with 1.3 Billion People.' This introductory course, offered by China’s prestigious Tsinghua University, is designed for beginners eager to learn everyday language skills in Mandarin. With a focus on practical communication and the use of pinyin, this course provides an accessible pathway into the world's most spoken language.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

Chinese Chinese Language Mandarin

Coursera

Wesleyan University

Creative Writing: The Craft of Character (Coursera)

Architecture & Design

Dive into 'Creative Writing: The Craft of Character' and unlock the secrets to creating compelling characters that breathe life into your stories. This course is designed for aspiring writers who want to learn techniques for developing rich, multi-dimensional characters.

Sep 7th 2026

4 Weeks

Story Writing Creative Writing

Coursera

Georgia Institute of Technology

Speak English Professionally: In Person, Online & On the Phone (Coursera)

Languages & Literature

Elevate your English language proficiency to a professional level with our expert-led course. Designed for individuals looking to enhance their communication skills across various settings – from face-to-face interactions to virtual meetings and telephone conversations. Over five weeks, you'll gain the confidence and techniques needed to make a strong personal introduction, engage in effective group discussions, agree or disagree appropriately, clarify, restate, summarize, and much more.

Sep 7th 2026

5-12 Weeks

English Communication Public Speaking

Coursera

Georgia Institute of Technology

Write Professional Emails in English (Coursera)

Languages & Literature

Unlock the secrets to effective business emailing with this comprehensive course designed to elevate your English writing skills specifically for professional correspondence. Learn how to craft compelling introductions, announcements, requests, apologies, and revisions while gaining valuable insights into different email formats and cultural nuances. This course is perfect for those looking to enhance their communication abilities in a global business environment.

Sep 7th 2026

5-12 Weeks

English Writing Professional