Attitude towards and Perception of Literature in EFL Setting: A Case Study on QU Male Undergraduate Students

Abstract

The study attempts to investigate the attitude and perception of Saudi undergraduate students towards English literature courses as a part of their BA English Program at a large public university in KSA. A total of 59 students (25 studying a literature course, 25 linguistics course and nine had already passed at least one literature course) participated in the study. Applying mixed method research design, questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data and retrospective essays were used for qualitative data. A modified version of AMTB developed by Gardner and associates was used to measure students' attitude towards literature courses. The results of study show that the participants have positive attitude towards literature courses. The findings also suggest that learners’ social environment (family, friends, classmates, teachers…etc.) significantly contribute in constructing positive attitudes and enhancing their perception towards literature as medium of learning L2. The study has pedagogical implication too. Policy makers (administrator, curriculum developers, and teachers) need to accommodate learners’ voices in the selection of teaching material.