Revista Educación - Journal of Education ISSN Impreso: 0379-7082 ISSN electrónico: 2215-2644

OAI: https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/educacion/oai
Perceptions of English as a Foreign Language Students on Exposure to Literary Theories
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Keywords

Perceptions
English as a Foreign Language Learners
EFL
Literature
Electives
Literary Theories
Preferences
Percepciones
Estudiantes de inglés como lengua extranjera
Literatura
Asignaturas optativas
Teorías literarias
Preferencias

How to Cite

Gamboa Zúñiga, J., & Bonilla López , M. (2024). Perceptions of English as a Foreign Language Students on Exposure to Literary Theories. Revista Educación - Journal of Education, 48(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.15517/revedu.v48i1.56049

Abstract

The present exploratory study examined the perception of third and fourth-year English literature students on exposure to literary theories. A total of 26 students from the B.A. in English taking the literature electives participated in this study. The data collection instrument used in this investigation was a survey, wich sought to elicit the levels of familiarity and preference that students had regarding literary theories. It also included an open-ended section for students to further elaborate on their views. Main results showed that participants were relatively more knowledgeable about some critical literary theories (e.g., Feminism, Historicism, and New Criticism) than others (e.g., Marxism and Psychoanalysis). Also, other findings suggest that participants could have a biased preference for the critical literary theories they already know about, which might deter them from learning from other critical approaches. These results may support the claim that the current prioritization of certain critical literary theories over others in the literature electives limits students’ knowledge of the area of literary studies. In addition, participants provided alternative strategies they believe can enhance their comprehension of critical literary theories in future literature electives. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. 

https://doi.org/10.15517/revedu.v48i1.56049
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