Prospects of Teaching and Learning English Literature in Bangladesh: Background Vs the Current Status and some Recommendations

Abstract

This paper aims at examining the causes for the digression of the objectives of teaching and learning English as a subject of Humanities. It provides a literature review on the background of the approaches of studying English in Bangladesh. This study specifically attempts to answer the following questions: 1) What were the objectives of studying English Literature, especially in Bangladesh? 2) What are the changes in the teaching of English in terms of its objectives, syllabus, teaching methodology and student proficiency? 3) What is the approach of the teachers and students towards English? 4) Do the students study English out of an urge to develop their finer senses? The researcher has found that: though English was taught in the 19th century to produce liberal human beings and to develop their finer sensibilities to appreciate the aesthetics of literature, in the 21st century the objective of English has disintegrated because the students’ language proficiency has fallen and they are more eager to participate in the rat race of the job market than to enjoy the real essence of literature with zeal and enthusiasm. The students should be encouraged to study more of English literature with due respect for its humanitarian value.