Attitudes of Arabic and Islamic Students to English Literature Courses at the University of Bahrain

Abstract

The aim of the study is to highlight the causes that may discourage the students from having positive attitudes towards learning English literature. The study also aims at drawing students’ attention to the importance of English literature for better English language learning. The study showed that the difficulties that Arabic and Islamic students face when taking English 136 are the following: * The language * The textbook * The teacher The study also showed that: * The teacher plays an important role for making English 136 interesting and clear; * It is preferred to have a teacher who speaks Arabic; * If English 136 contained translated extracts it could help the students in understanding the text; and * It is preferred that the course should not focus on one genre; the students should have access to poetry and fiction as well as drama.