By: Rebecca Arnall
What OER resources are available for those wishing to pursue language and higher studies in English? Whether you want to acquire the rudiments of English or embark upon a full-fledged education, the English portion of many OER libraries is sparse. Finding the English course you are interested in can prove a veritable treasure hunt. I have included my findings for the best resources in regard to the different nuances of an English education.
First and foremost, Project Gutenberg. For those unaware as to the glory of this gem, Project Gutenberg is an organization that provides free e-books to the public. They service almost every type of e-reader, or you can just download the books. Gutenberg’s books, all in public domain in the US, include classic authors such as Charles Dickens, Edgar Allen Poe, Jules Verne, Oscar Wilde, Jane Austen, James Joyce, Mark Twain, and, of course, Shakespeare. If you simply want to READ good literature, there is no better resource.
However, if not ready to start reading literature but want to learn more about the English language, the resource better suited for you is Connexions. They offer English as a first additional language for grades 1- 9. They also offer the learning collections on English Language, Linguistics and Literature. Selected Readings of Classical Writings for Linguistic Theory, Literature History, and Applications of the English Language. to develop the skills required for a more introductory English education. As far as I have seen, Connexions provides the most material for non-English speakers.
Yet, if, like me, you are looking to expand on your prior English knowledge with college-level material, no resource has as many options as MIT open courseware. Their literature department has classes dating back to 2002. They have steadily built their department and now offer classes on just about every major facet of English literature from Studies in Poetry: 20th Century Irish Poetry: The Shadow of W. B. Yeats, to Literary Interpretation: Literature and Urban Experience, or Medieval Literature: Dante, Boccaccio, Chaucer depending on your interest. The classes they provide are similar to the classes required at the University of Georgia to fulfill the major requirements for an English degree. For those with a little extra time or seeking to brush up their English, this is a significant resource.
There are many other organizations that have OER resources for the humanities. Yale open courseware has four English classes available, including a great course on Modern Poetry. CCCOER has a mélange of helpful textbooks like Methods of Discovery: A Guide to Research Writing and Writing Skills for Business English. Many OER repositories out there may have at least one or two English resources; I just tried to highlight the ones with the most expansive resources that offer the most choices for those ardent English lovers like myself. Whatever you end up using, happy reading!
Rebecca Arnall is a sophomore at the University of Georgia. She working towards her B.A. in English and is an active member of the Demostenian Literary Society.
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