How to teach literature?

Question

I currently teach Spanish to Spanish speakers and my background is all Spanish Linguistics. I love to read but don't know much no HOW TO TEACH literature. I will be teaching my advanced students literature and don't know much about it. Do you know of any good books, websites, or do you have any handouts, etc? Thanks!

Answer 1

Perfectly happy with Happygirl’s answer.
I’d like to add: make your students read, read, read.
Don’t insist too much on interpretation etc. Point out why YOU think it is worth reading, why YOU consider it powerful language. The ones who have it in themselves will follow, the others can just as well read study guides.
And remember: read, read, read; and ENJOY!

Answer 2

Read the book in advance, and as you read, mark sections that reveal information about each character and list the characters' names and the page numbers on a piece of paper. Do the same for any topic, themes, or key ideas that you see repeated. With as much detail as you can, note when and where the story takes place. List and number the main points of the plot. Identify the major problem or conflict in the plot as well as minor conflicts or problems. Identify how these are all resolved (or not). Be sure to make a note of page numbers for all of these things and to make a note in the margin of the book where these things are found. Consider the beginning and the ending of the book as the source of the main point the writer is trying to make; note how they work together to frame the story.

Once you have done all of this, you will really know your book well and be able to discuss it in ways that will help your students to know it well also. Teach your students how to read carefully and search out this same information for themselves.

Assignments can include things like picking out a character, describing him or her, and telling how that character might react in different situations, then explaining why he or she would react that way. You can have them write about themes or the major problem or any of the things I've already mentioned. In older works, names of people and places are often symbolic and add something to the story as well.

You don't necessrily need to know a lot about the author of the work, but sometimes understanding the context of when it was written can help in understanding a piece of literature. Also, it's sometimes interesting to consider what types of works the author wrote over the course of his or her career.

Answer 3

Please check up with the University Library for Books on literary criticism and literary appreciation. Begin with reading those in Spnish and about Spanish literature, but progressively move on to Portuguese and Latin literature and eventually to English Literature. This adventure of yours will show to you the areas where your students are likely to face difficulties in understanding what you are going to teach. Remember that every good teacher is first and foremost a good student. Be one and you will be a successful teacher.Good Luck to you and your students
You will need to remember the close affinity of Spanish literature with the Latin group of languages. There is much similarity in basic culture and life style, and also religion.

Answer 4

Happygirl does a great job of answering your question. I want to second what she says. It works best if the books are ones that you enjoy and/or have meaning to you. Your enjoyment and sense of the book's meaning can be infectious for your students.

My university minor was English, with a strong emphasis on literature. I have taught a few community college courses.