A Case Study on Students’ Identity Perceptions Using Literary Sources in Reading Courses

Abstract

Literary works are conventional materials used in reading lessons because of their accessibility and ease of use. Regarding that situation, the purpose of this study is to gather the prep class students’ perceptions about literary works as course materials and examine the data by taking into consideration the national identity and class distinction. In this case study, Jane Austen’s two novels Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility are discussed in reading lessons in prep classes. At the end of this process, 36 students are asked to complete an unstructured form to express their thoughts on these books. As the results show, half of the students state that choosing literary sources make them aware of author’s intentions, and the contextual factors such as the political, social, and historical background of the text. Students generally read novels, but they do not give importance to reading these novels in English or reading literary sources which will be a preliminary preparation for their department.