Literature in English: How Students in Singapore Schools Deal with the Subject

Abstract

Recent research on Literature education in Singapore has highlighted the state of ambivalence of the Literature curriculum; suggested possibilities for its reconceptualization, taking into consideration the contemporary Singaporean environment and the impact of globalisation; and considered the offering of alternative curricula. An exploration into the state of Literature as a subject in Singapore secondary schools in relation to this recent research was carried out, by considering the role of Literature in the current political, economic, social and educational climate. This paper presents the findings and analysis of students’ perspectives, obtained through in-depth interpretivist case studies conducted at five secondary schools. Data collection methods included focus group interviews, written protocol and document analysis. The findings provided relevant empirical data to support recent research on literary studies in Singapore. Emergent themes included: the insignificant impact of local literature on the study of Literature, the low status, and the lack of desirability of Literature as a course of study, which led to the formulation of three key propositions supporting development of theory on ways in which students in Singapore secondary schools deal with Literature in English studies.