Teaching English literature to EFL students at Azzaytuna University (Challenges and Solutions)

Abstract

The study of literature has become a great challenge for both students and professors due to several factors. This current research paper aims at identifying the challenges literature professors encounter while teaching literary texts. It also aims at proposing some solutions to overcome the challenges. To obtain data, six literature professors from English departments at faculties of Languages and Education in Azzaytuna University participated a sample of the study. To achieve the study objectives, a mixed-method research was utilized in which data were collected quantitatively through a 15 items questionnaire and qualitatively using three open-ended questions. The findings of the study indicated that professors of English literature are facing difficulties in teaching literature to EFL students. They all agree that most of the challenges are resulted from the low level of students' language proficiency, and the shortage of teaching facilities. The researcher recommends that a special emphasis should be given on the part of the professors and on the part of the supervisors who are responsible for the teaching learning process in the university to improve the quality of teaching English language in general and teaching literature in particular.