Investigating Iraqi College Students> Difficulties in Learning English Literature

Abstract

This study investigates Iraqi college students' difficulties in learning English lit-erature to enhance their ability and motivation to learn English literature. This study tackles issues revealed during the implementation of English literature as a separate academic subject in Iraqi universities' curricula. Presently, English is the language of the world's largest community, identifying its position as the com-munication medium in practically all fields, including education and computers, trade and commerce, science and technology, business, entertainment, politics, agriculture, international and bilateral relations, economic affairs, etc. Everyone in today's fast-changing world recognizes the extent and relevance of English. En-glish is the native language of nations such as the United States, the United King-dom, South Africa, Australia, and others in Europe, but it is a second or foreign language in countries such as Iraq, the Gulf countries, and others in Asia. English has spread at a faster rate in Iraq, yet there are several problems in teaching and studying it. A variety of courses, training programs, workshops, and encounters are available to help overcome these obstacles. In the subject of teaching and learning English, several methods, strategies, and approaches have emerged, and their implementation has been continuing for many years. In the beginning, when learning English became the main topic in schools and colleges, English literature was used as a major tool to learn English. To this day, in the majority of Iraqi uni-versities, it has developed as a greater and more effective method of teaching and learning the English language. The present study discusses the disclosure of an old strategy to learn English with fresh (modern) viewpoints, emphasizing how this approach helps teach-learn the English language in the present situation with an explanation.
The study concludes that the English literature curriculum needs to be changed to measure how well students can speak and write. It also needs to be observed or looked at to emphasize language skills rather than academic growth.