Literature and Language Learning (LLL) is a class that seeks to familiarize students with a variety of literary forms in English and gives them a chance to explore different ways of using literature for second language learning.  Since I majored in literature at university and enjoy reading, it was a must-take class for me.

1. Textbooks and supplements

 Diverse literary works are presented such as

  •  'Eveline' by James Joyce
  •  'A small good thing' by Raymond Carver
  •  Selections from Doctor Seuss
  •  Sonnets by Shakespeare
  • The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

    I had read ‘A small, good thing’ in Korean before the class because I am a big fan of Raymond Carver. Nevertheless, reading the novel in English was like reading a new story. It is a story about a couple who lose their child in an accident. It makes the reader think of connection, helplessness, and many other things. At the end of the story, a baker listens to them and gives them warm cinnamon rolls. The story is short but impressive. After reading it, I began to wonder what the bread tasted like. So, while I was travelling the U.S. last autumn, I went out of my way to try it. It was a delicious, sweet, and comforting taste, just as I had imagined.



     
    There is also one novel assigned to be read outside of class over the course of the semester: “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie. It was part of an ongoing assignment (writing a reading log), but I was deeply touched by the book. It is a coming-of-age story of an Native-American boy who left his “rez” to go to a “white” high school. The novel vividly describes his journey to get out of his miserable surroundings and form a new identity. It has aroused some controversy in the U.S. because the book deals with sensitive issues such as drug abuse and violence in a matter-of-fact way, but it has been widely read by American teens. While reading the book, I was able to see why the boy’s story would be popular with Indians and non-Indians alike. The book covers such universal themes as hope, loss, identity, and race.


     2. How the class progresses


    Over the semester, students read short stories, poems, children’s literature, and a novel for young adults and shared reflections and feelings about them during class. Following narrative readings, we often produced a piece of creative work related to the story. For example, after reading ‘A small, good thing’, we wrote an original story from the baker's perspective. We discussed what the baker’s life would have been like, and what his inner mind might have looked like. The professor compiled our writing and made a booklet for us. 
    In the case of poetry, we each memorized and recited one of Shakespeare's sonnets. We prepared audio/visual aids and added short a short explanation of the poem to help classmates understand the sonnet. I’ve heard that some westerners recite their favorite poems at New Year’s Eve parties. Now that I can recite Shakespeare’s sonnet 138, I feel quite fulfilled and thought maybe I could try it at a party as well

    In addition, the professor showed us a movie, titled “The Princess Bride” based on a novel of the same name. It is an adventure story which is very humorous and unique.

    3. Assignments

     Assignments are as follows;


    • Read a novel outside of class
    • Complete a reading log for the novel
    • Make a movie trailer for the novel
    • Complete a short creative writing assignment
    • Memorize and present a sonnet

    The movie trailer assignment is group work. It is an opportunity for students to show off a variety of creative ideas, including props, scenery, and acting. I think the more a person sympathizes with the content of the novel, the more he/she will be eager to construct a trailer. We all enjoyed it.

     4. I recommend this class to people who…
    • Love literature and reading books. 
    • Want to be closer to literature
    • Want to become more cultured


     Even if you think you do not enjoy reading novels or poems, I strongly recommend you take this class because it is a good chance to experience reading in a new way. There are not many people who read classics in English or who can recite sonnets. You will feel more cultured after this class. Also, you can improve your English as well through discussions, extensive and intensive reading, and writing summaries and reflections.