Teaching English Literature

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explain the different approaches of teaching literature. The stylistic approach, Moody’s approach and   Literature as a resource and the language based approach.
The language based approach is believed to be suitable to Libyan learners who study English as a foreign language. It focusses on reading and it is a learner- centered approach.

Learning materials are used to give examples of how to use the language based approach in teaching literature. A poem by Robert Frost has been chosen for Libyan learners as it is relatively concrete. Certain activities such as listening, reading, reading between the lines and research work are used so learners can understand. The famous story of “Animal Farm” by George Orwell is used  because it is short and simple. The story also appears on video which provides further resources for motivating the learners.Certain activities are provided to show how can students do pre-reading and while reading activities which enable then to work individually and in groups to read, analyse, and appreciate literature.