Barnes and Noble runs a free online university. I was a little surprised to see their latest class offering.

http://educate.barnesandnoble.com/ed...-2006+10:52:14

Title: Discover Dungeons & Dragons
Course Type: Online Instructor-led Course
Estimated Completion Time: 8 hour(s)
Session Length: 4 week(s)

Upcoming Sessions
June 5, 2006 - OPEN



Prerequisites
An interest in fantasy, adventure, and fun!



Description
Introduced in 1974, Dungeons & Dragons is the leading fantasy role-playing game. D&D products are the benchmark for adventure role-playing game excellence.
As a beginning player, this course will guide you in understanding how D&D works, explaining the various worlds and characters types that it is based on, creating a D&D role for yourself, and understanding how your player role interacts in the world and with other characters. You will learn the extent of your abilities and the possibilities that lie ahead for your player, including magical spells, mythic quests, and epic battles with incredible monsters.
To play D&D, all that is required is a core rule book, D&D dice, a pencil, some paper, and imagination. With this course, you will be put in contact with a Dungeon Master who will guide your play through an adventure in which your character will perform feats and wage battles with other players, while gaining power, knowledge and experience Audience
This is a basic course for anyone interested in learning about Dungeons & Dragons and in playing this classic role-playing game.



Objectives
Learn about the history of Dungeons & Dragons.
Discover the history and lore behind D&D characters and settings.
Expand your imagination by building your own character based on D&D rule books.
Interact with others with an interest in fantasy and role-playing games.



Course Materials
D&D Player's Handbook 3.5 Edition (Dungeons & Dragons)

City of Ravens

Dungeons & Dragons Basic Game



Course Creator(s)
Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast was formed by four friends in Washington State, determined to turn their love of magic, wizards, and role-playing games into a business. Creators of the wildly popular Magic, the Wizards eventually attracted the attention of Hasbro, Inc., who bought the company in 1997. Currently, the Wizards develop and publish trading card games, tabletop role-playing games, novels, magazines, family card and board games, and electronic media products. The Wizards have many friends, including relationships with Warner Bros., Lucasfilm, and Marvel Comics.