What Is Literature? Why Should We Study It?
On Monday, March 27, 2017, the Language Research Centre organized a thought-provoking seminar under the guidance of Dr. Ismail Alrefaai. The key speaker, Dr. Haseeb Ahmed, illuminated the significance of literature in the realm of English Language Teaching and Learning, with his presentation aptly titled, "What is Literature? Why Should We Study It?"
Throughout his enlightening discourse, Dr. Ahmed underscored the pivotal role literature plays in academic and intellectual pursuits. Invoking the wisdom of celebrated poets like Shakespeare and Wordsworth, along with the philosophical insights of Aristotle and Jean Paul, he identified varying perspectives on the purpose of literature. These ranged from viewing literature as a conduit for pleasure and enjoyment to considering it as a powerful instrument for political discourse and commentary.
Drawing his presentation to a close, Dr. Ahmed concluded that literature holds the potential to act as a medium for personal expression and provides an invaluable gateway to diverse cultures. Furthermore, it fosters a refined sensibility, encourages an appreciation of aesthetic beauty, and cultivates a broader understanding of various events and narratives.
Notably, the Al Samer Campus was also involved in the seminar, joining the intellectual exchange via video conferencing. This ensured a wider reach of the insightful presentation, stimulating an interactive dialogue that engaged participants on both sides. Dr. Ahmed's discourse undoubtedly enriched the understanding of the crucial role literature plays in language education among all who attended.
