UKRAINIAN LITERATURE IN THE COURSE OF UKRAINIAN AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE: FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE (based on the program of the discipline Ukrainian and World Literature for foreign students at the preparatory departments of higher educational institutio

The article analyses the program of the discipline Ukrainian and World Literature for foreign students studying at the preparatory departments of higher educational institutions in Ukraine through the prism of modern approaches to incorporating literary works into the teaching Ukrainian as a foreign language. The historical background of the creation of this program in 2004 by a team of teachers from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, which emerged through international collaboration and strategic educational initiatives in the field of education, is considered, and identifies the main challenges in integrating literary texts into language instruction. The article emphasizes that literature not only serves as a source of authentic linguistic material but also provides a means for cultural immersion, fostering critical thinking and enhancing intercultural competence. Special attention is given to methodological strategies for selecting and adapting literary texts for non-native audiences, comparing traditional practices with innovative multimedia technologies that improve the quality of the learning process. It analyses the educational practices within an integrated learning framework that combines linguistic and cultural dimensions, thereby calling for a revision of traditional curricula and outlining directions for further improvement. Based on a review of current research in language didactics, the study formulates recommendations for developing new textbooks and manuals aimed at incorporating interdisciplinary approaches into the teaching of Ukrainian as a foreign language. The practical significance of the article lies in the potential application of its findings for modernizing educational programs, which will promote intercultural dialogue and professional growth among educators, ultimately establishing a solid foundation for an integrated approach in contemporary education. Key words: Ukrainian literature, Ukrainian as a foreign language, Program, Foreign students, Literary text, Language didactics.