Week 1 – Introduction to Literature

I. Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, you are expected to:

1. Create own statement defining literature; and

2. Determine the purposes of literature.

II. Learning Activities and Resources

We shall have a discussion, through synchronous session, on the definitions of

literature and its purposes. After which, you are tasked to create your own definition of
literature and explain its purposes in your own words. The task shall be posted in the
Discussion Section/Tab of CANVAS and I am expecting your answers in the comment
section.

III. Introduction

Literature is everywhere. Literature is life. Unconsciously, we create own literary

pieces through life itself. When reading literary pieces, we tend to be consumed by
another world which can be real or ideal. To be an effective reader, we should master
literary competence that allows us to convert words on the page of a literary work into
literary meanings.
Why do you think students need literary competence in general? Explicate your
answer. This will be posted in the Discussion Section/Tab as well and you shall answer
in the comment section.

IV. Body

Definitions of Literature

a. Literature is a body of written works. The name has traditionally been applied to those
imaginative works of poetry and prose distinguished by the intentions of their authors
and the perceived aesthetic excellence of their execution (Rexroth, n.d.)

b. Literature is books and writings published on a particular subject (Merriam-Webster’s

Dictionary and Thesaurus)

c. Literature is a term used to describe written and sometimes spoken material. Derived
from the Latin word litteratura meaning "writing formed with letters," literature most
commonly refers to works of the creative imagination, including
poetry, drama, fiction, nonfiction, and in some instances, journalism, and song
(Lombardi, 2020).
d. Literature refers primarily to written texts, therefore, it is simply anything that is written
(Bressler, 2011).

e. Literature, as a whole, emerged from broader discourses or “bodies of thought and

writing that made certain texts possible and gave authors their ideas and ways of writing”
(Ryan, 2012).

Purposes of Literature

1) To unlock unfamiliar words

2) To provide entertainment
3) To help us understand more the world we live in
4) To uplift the mind, the heart, and the soul
5) To feed one’s imagination
 
V. Summary and Conclusion

Literature is derived from the Latin word litteratura which means writing formed
with letters. It is defined as written works that have lasting value. It reflects humanity.
Lastly, life is manifested in the form of literary pieces.

VI. References:

Bressler, C. E. (2011). Literary Criticism: An Introduction to Theory and Practice (5th

ed.). Pearson.

Lombardi, E. (2020, January 31). What Literature Can Teach Us. ThoughtCo.
https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-literature-740531#:~:text=Literature%20is
%20a%20term%20used%20to%20describe%20written,nonfiction%2C%20and
%20in%20some%20instances%2C%20journalism%2C%20and%20song.

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Literature. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved

September 28, 2020, from www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literature

Rexroth, K. (n.d.). Literature. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/art/literature

Ryan, M. (2012). An Introduction to Criticism: Literature, Film, Culture. UK: Blackwell.