A substantial number of English teachers find the teaching of literature very challenging.  They need to research for significant data to make their teaching of literature accurate and authentic.  One approach they find appropriate is called the Interdisciplinary method.  This approach is teaching by drawing from two or more academic disciplines to approach the text.

            The very discipline of English literature demands an active awareness of other disciplines. Fiction, however removed from the real world, takes its basis from the author’s background and sensibilities. No study of literature can be done in isolation and relies heavily on other disciplines, especially social sciences to heighten the understanding of the text. So even before the concept and theories of interdisciplinary gained currency, literature teaching meant integrating academic disciplines.For instance, If a teacher is well versed in Social Studies, then he/she is good in paraphrasing or explaining World Literature, for instance, Greek Literature, Afro-Asian, Oriental and other Asian, English and American Literature.

            Bringing a literary text to class involves contextualizing it,its author, the time period it was set in, the socio-political climate and the philosophical thoughts of the age. Depending on the dominant themes in the text, the literature teacher delves into aspects of history, philosophy, psychology and science. The realms of theatre, dance, music and art are closely associated with the Humanities, different branches of arts drawing upon each other for inspiration. Film studies are another area that cannot be ignored when studying texts which have been adapted into feature films.  In that sense, an interdisciplinary study is old hat for English teachers. They have to take a holistic approach to the text—which means that they have been using this method of teaching much before it became popular as a new method of pedagogy.

             Thus the oral telling of personal histories became an integral part of the classroom experience for this text. Oral narratives recalled through memory complimented the historical and literary texts reiterating a complex relationship between culture and memory… The drawing from different disciplines and recounting of life histories gave the students a greater insight into the text as well as the historical period it is set in.

            Perhaps it would be useful to have workshops or seminars about this approach to begin with, to allow students and teachers from different disciplines to exchange ideas and readings to help them synthesize insights from across disciplines.  Such platforms would provide opportunities to discuss and analyze areas from beyond narrow disciplinary boundaries and perspectives to a wider holistic approach that will help dissolve boundaries between different academic streams of study experience for this text. Oral narratives recalled through memory complimented the historical and literary texts reiterating a complex relationship between culture and memory… The drawing from different disciplines and recounting of life histories gave the students a greater insight into the text as well as the historical period it is set in.

            Summing up, interdisciplinary approach is one way to have clearer insights of teaching-learning literature.

 

Reference:

       Gabriele, G.. Research methods for English studies. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University (2006)

 N. Verma http.//www.teso.

By: Melinda B.De Guzman | Teacher II | MARIVELES NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL-CABCABEN