IJAEDU- International E-Journal of Advances in Education

Abstract

Teaching is
performance, which puts literature into an area of sharing, thinking, dreaming
and involving thoughts and passion. However, studying literature has become a
difficult task that so many students face today. Indeed, teaching literature to
language students constitutes an enormous challenge nowadays. In this case, the literature teacher is supposed to
discover the student's previous literary experiences, and to be thoroughly
familiar with the problems involved in the development of literary appreciation
in foreign language learning. Therefore, students need to be helped to
understand the importance of studying literature. For many students, literature
can help them to develop their language skills (reading, listening, speaking
and writing) ,for both; students and teachers, literature can be regarded an
important element that can develop and open their minds to different cultural
horizons. If the reader (student) is convinced that the study of literature offers
pleasure where the purpose of reading is enjoyment, the teaching of literature
will be rewarding for both teacher and students.

The present paper
outlines my short experience in teaching literature at the Department of
English at Hassiba Ben Bouali University of Chlef- ALGERIA- . It aims at
encouraging students to think creatively and independently to appreciate not
only the stimulation but also the enjoyment derived from the study of
literature. It is a venture that has enabled both the students and myself to
benefit from its virtues.