When was the last time you opened a book? And we're not talking about
your calculus textbook – a real book, which has given you insight
into the world? For many university students, it's been a while,
perhaps as far back as their freshman year in high school.
Literature has had a
major impact on the development of society. It has shaped
civilizations, changed political systems and exposed injustice.
Literature gives us a detailed preview of human experiences, allowing
us to connect on basic levels of desire and emotion.
However, just as it
has constructed societies, the writings and works of certain authors
have degraded societies to their most primitive form.
The UAE is only 36
years old. In a country that is still undergoing rapid development,
the potential impact of literature is indubitable. An educated youth,
which holds the future of the nation in their hands, has the power to
influence change.
"The foundation
of every state is the education of its youth," said Kevin Nawn,
assistant professor of English at the American University in Dubai.
"The youth should be educated in the great ideas of not only its
own culture and time, but other cultures and times as well."
But what is today's
youth reading? Are they reading at all? Notes spoke to university
students and professors about the importance of literature for the
young generation. While most students agreed that literature is
crucial for the advancement of society, many could not name a book
they recently read.
"By reading
narratives, we can empathize and understand others," said Judith
Caesar, English professor at the American University of Sharjah
(AUS). "Literature is thought provoking; it allows us to raise
questions and gives us a deeper understanding of issues and
situations."
"In an era of
modern media, such as television and movies, people are misled into
thinking that every question or problem has its quick answer or
solution," she said. "However, literature confirms the real
complexity of human experience."
"Literature
provides insight into the minds of other human beings, into the mind
of the author and the minds of the character he or she brings to
life," said Sophie Chamas, international studies student at AUS.
"It provides
one with the opportunity to further one's education to continuously
learn new things and be exposed to a plethora of ideas."
Students and
professors said that the disregard for literature is a main component
of ignorance and constituents like stereotypes, judgments and
preconceived notions about different people and cultures.
"Literature is
the study of human nature. We see human nature through tragedy and
romance, joy and sorrow, in epiphanies and denial, in moments of
heroism and in moments of cowardice," said Sa'ad Farooqi, an
English literature major at AUS.
"Literature
teaches us to analyses a character, allows us to reach inside his or
her mind so we see what drives a character, what shapes his or her
beliefs and how one relates to others."
Today's youth
realities the true depth of human emotion and behavior. They
understand that there is more to a person than what they display on
the exterior.
They see the
intricacy of human experience, giving them an open mind and an open
heart. However, today's youth can only reach this point of
enlightenment through seeking knowledge – by being well read and
cultured individuals.
"We can only
analyses a character once we understand and look beyond the obvious,"
Farooqi said. "We learn not to judge a character based on
appearances because more than any other field of study, literature
openly acknowledges the unreliable nature of appearances."
Literature also
allows us to question some of our most prominent beliefs and examine
our lives, giving them deeper meaning.
Farooqi used the
book Siddhartha by Herman Hesse as an example of how literature works
to expand our minds and give us a greater understanding of the world.
"When
confronted with such works, we automatically question our beliefs,
values, morality and the infinite," he said.
So the significance
of literature has been confirmed, both over time and human
understanding. However, despite student awareness of the importance
of literature, is today's youth seeking that deeper level of
knowledge?
According to
professors, student response is promising. "We have around 50 or
60 students in the literature major," said William Haney,
professor of literature and head of the English Department at AUS.
"Students are
intrigued by the works of art and drama, they love to read plays and
investigate contemporary works. These kids are smart."
Caesar also said
that she was surprised by how much students showed interest in the
field. However in today's fast-paced lifestyle, students said that
the youth today have a thirst for quick satisfaction – perhaps
because of the popular indulgence in technology.
"We are at an
age of 'videoacy' rather than 'literacy,'" Haney said. "It
doesn't matter how they deliver their messages, people need different
channels to express themselves. You can look at film as an
alternative form of literature."
Nevertheless, the
impact of technology on youth is unquestionable. These new forms of
expression give students a quick and convenient method of both
expressing themselves and seeking information.
"Students are
definitely more familiar with films," Caesar said. "With
access to movies and information on the computer, students have the
convenience of acquiring information at the click of a button."
Many students
attributed the lack of interest in literature to a lack of patience.
Most said that out of their circle of friends, half of them pick up a
book.
"It's a busy
world and it's getting even busier with time," said M. Raj,
foundation student at Middlesex University.
"We barely have
time for ourselves, how can we have time to sit down and read?
Because of this lack of time and impatience, students look to other
forms of knowledge and communication, something that will quickly
provide them with the information they need."
Raj said that while
a book may take a month to finish, a movie could convey the same
message in just two hours. However, what students don't see is that
these 'quick fixes' may not be providing them with the full and
accurate message.
"One of
literature's main qualities is that it is open to interpretation,"
Caesar said. "These modern media forms don't begin to show you
the complexity of other people."
However, Caesar said
that the rapid emergence of new technology would not lead to the
elimination of literature.
"People won't
stop reading because they're watching films," she said. "Both
satisfy the need for a narrative. The two rather overlap. For
example, reading a novel and then watching the film may help
understand the reading better."
Farooqi, for
example, is an avid reader. She reads about two books a month and
hopes to make her own short story collection.
"I like works
that shed light on human relationships and challenge the common
beliefs of people," she said. "I really enjoy surreal works
with magical realism or works that delve into the chaotic nature of
human beings by bringing out the gray areas of our psyche and our
world."
"I read almost
everyday, during a break or before I go to sleep," said Ala'a Al
Fadil from AUS. "I also always keep a small notebook in my bag
in case I suddenly feel inspired and have the urge to write
something. Once an idea develops, I write it out as a full fledged
piece."
So yes, despite the
common stereotypes, today's youth does read.
Asked what his major
was, Fahd Mahmoud said, "finance." He sighed and added, "I
wish I could say I was a literature major. There are so many things I
want to learn and study other than vocational subjects. I would
definitely be a literature major if I could."
But his university,
the University of Wollongong in Dubai, does not carry the program.
Perhaps this perceived illiteracy among today's generation could
partly be attributed to the lack of dedication to literature programs
in universities.
AUS is one of the
very few universities that have courses in literature and a dedicated
major to the field.
However, the study
of all humanities and social sciences, with literature included, is
vital to the success of any educated individual. Haney draws a
practical example where the study of social sciences works as a
fundamental asset in other fields.
"In the US, if
you're planning to be a doctor you're required to take certain
humanity courses to learn how to interact with your patients,"
Haney said. "Otherwise you might end up treating your patients
like machines."
Many students have
the misconception that a degree in literature doesn't hold a
promising future.
"I enjoy
reading but I wouldn't pursue it as a major," said Jerin Mathew,
business student at the London School of Economics in Dubai. "I
don't think it would give me many career choices down the line."
Other students said
they would study literature, but as a minor or after obtaining a
degree in another field first.
"I would like
to study literature, but later on," said Jasmine Talreja,
banking and finance student from the London School of Economics in
Dubai. "I first want to get a degree in a more stable field to
secure my future, as getting a job with a degree in literature is
fairly difficult."
However, professors
said that graduates with a degree in literature have plenty of
opportunities in their careers. Not only does literature improve your
understanding of others and communication skills, both
characteristics sought after in the workplace, but it also presents
you with many promising careers.
"A degree in
literature can get you into journalism and broadcasting or teaching,"
Haney said. "It can also work as a compliment to a degree in
business or as a step towards studying law."
Farooqi changed his
major to literature during his final year in university after
studying electrical engineering the previous three years.
"I felt it was
my true calling," he said. "To me the purpose of life is to
grow. Grow and become better people, better listeners and to connect
better with those around us. No other field can teach us this better
than literature."