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Preface by the author
The idea of having a collection of essays published is quite a recent one. Right after I joined Education Faculty, about one year ago, it came to my mind. In Turkey, the study of literature
is actually quite a problematic one. Students in departments which are related to literary studies (in Faculty of Letters or Faculty of Letters and Sciences) mostly worry about their futures,
since the system itself will represent a bit of challenge for them to become language teachers. Any studies related to literature, in general, is not for enjoyment or or fun. The study itself,
indeed, expresses a general anxiety of facing a future of uncertainty.
Under such a different, and yet challenging academic environment, it is really difficult to teach literature, especially literature in English. Students are used to be passive. Creative
thinkings and links (for example, literature and critical theory, literature and visual arts) are not so much expected as in other countries. Too much links and creative works would be seen as
unclear and as something unnecessary.
Teaching and doing research are truly quite different things. In research, I am able to care more about what I can achieve, instead of thinking about what can students achieve in the class.
It may look very much impossible, to make students see what I see; still, it is worth it to put those ideas into words. In reading, rather than in listening and taking notes, they can also at
least try to appreciate not only literature as literature, arts as arts, but to feel the connection which is beyond words and images.
