This is the Dune 101 product page, where you can purchase this course. If you want more information, visit the Dune 101 course page.
This course is designed to be an accessible introduction to Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel Dune. It includes lessons and optional quizzes on the following topics:
- Overview of the setting and major factions in Dune
- Frank Herbert’s biography and important influences on his writing
- Historical context of the U.S. in the mid-20th century and how Dune was received
- Politics and religion in Dune
- Ecology and the environment in Dune
- Characters and consciousness in Dune
- Heroes in Dune
- Women’s power in Dune
Whether you’ve read Dune or not, seen one of the film/TV adaptations or not, if you’re curious to know more about what Dune is all about, this course will help you understand some of the many complexities in this bestselling science fiction story, and why it is still relevant today.
Interested in purchasing as a gift?
Email courses@kennedyhq.com after purchase to switch your registration details with a gift recipient’s.
Allison Castillo (verified purchase) –
Kara is clearly a very passionate “Dune” fan. She has a knack for breaking down very difficult concepts from the book and adding some historical context. I highly recommend this to aid you on your inaugural “Dune” journey or to deepen your knowledge.
Olimpia Mailat Gurghian (verified purchase) –
One of the best things about Dune is the richness of its topics, ideas and all the essential questions it arises. In this course, Dr. Kara Kennedy proves her deep understanding and passion for these. She effectively takes us through the main topics and themes related to the creation and impact of the novel, from Frank Herbert’s life to the importance of the main characters, tackling concepts such as consciousness or the environment. She provides additional resources for each topic and well-thought quizzes that come especially handy when it comes to retaining more complex ideas or concepts. All in all, this is a very complete course, ideal for those who are already familiar with the world of Dune and wish to refresh their knowledge about it, but also for those who are curious and would like to explore this wonderful novel with some help.
Colin Wilcox (verified purchase) –
This was one of the most enriching experiences for me when it comes to anything Dune-related. The insight and the amount of information Dr. Kennedy conveys without getting too complicated to where it would be hard to follow is truly tremendous. I loved that she has the option to do quizzes at the end of every section and I loved the extra material she provided for every topic, whether it was articles, videos, or interviews. This was enlightening and surprising even in some areas that I (a long time avid Dune fan) did not even know, for example the influence his Aunts had on him in coming up with the Sisterhood. I cannot wait for more deep dives into the Duniverse. Seeing how this was Dune 101, do you plan on doing Dune Messiah 101 next? And then continue until the series is complete? There are so many interesting directions that you could take this and I am just excited so I apologize for all the silly questions. I hope that you’re able to do one that is about your first book’s topic on the Bene Gesserit and women’s agency, and I hope that it is okay for me to make a recommendation on here but my favorite school is the Guild and my favorite character is Edric. I would love it if you were able to do a deep dive into the Guild Navigators. But honestly whatever you choose is fine with me. I just want more Dune 🙂 Thank you so much!
Jason Dodge (verified purchase) –
This was a fantastic course. I recommend it to anyone, it’s worth every penny. I learned a ton about Dune and so much more. I’m looking forward to more offerings.