Free course

What happens to you when you read?

Free statement of participation on completion
What happens to you when you read?
More about this course

Course description

Course content

Course reviews

This free course, What happens to you when you read? explores our relationship with books and the ways in which engaging with fiction in particular can change readers. Research shows that as well as providing us with a form of entertainment, the activity of reading can bring benefits to our wellbeing in challenging times. People have experienced and explored these benefits throughout history. As you work your way through this course, you will have the chance to participate in both reading and writing activities and experience for yourself what happens to you when you read.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

  • understand some of the ways in which reading books can potentially transform you
  • understand more about the psychological processes happening when you read
  • demonstrate familiarity with the positive impacts of reading on mental wellbeing in some distressing times in history.  

First Published: 20/07/2021

Updated: 20/07/2021

You can start this course right now without signing-up. Click on any of the course content sections below to start at any point in this course.
If you want to be able to track your progress, earn a free Statement of Participation, and access all course quizzes and activities, sign-up.

Course content

Expand all course content

For further information, take a look at our frequently asked questions which may give you the support you need.

Have a question?

Take your learning further

Making the decision to study can be a big step, which is why you'll want a trusted University. The Open University has 50 years’ experience delivering flexible learning and 170,000 students are studying with us right now. Take a look at all Open University courses.

If you are new to University-level study, we offer two introductory routes to our qualifications. You could either choose to start with an Access module, or a module which allows you to count your previous learning towards an Open University qualification. Read our guide on Where to take your learning next for more information.

Not ready for formal University study? Then browse over 1000 free courses on OpenLearn and sign up to our newsletter to hear about new free courses as they are released.

Every year, thousands of students decide to study with The Open University. With over 120 qualifications, we’ve got the right course for you.

Request an Open University prospectus371

WYR_1