The Effects of Studying Literary History on American College Students

This study explores the effects that studying literary texts from diverse cultures around the world has on American college students. The goal of this study is to understand what benefits (and risks, if any) students experience when they become familiar with major texts from cultures that are different from their own. The students that chose to participate in this study are both past and present students from Literary History I and II courses at Boise State University. Data from past students was collected through an online survey including questions about their experiences studying texts from global literary history. This is an ongoing study, and data from present students is being retrieved from written class assignments and observations from in-class discussions. Based on our survey findings, responses about these effects have been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the benefits of studying literature more generally, as well as valuing the importance of global literature. The discipline of literature gives students the unique opportunity to challenge their own perspectives, uncover their own values, and understand the reasons behind them. This highlights not only the significance of the humanities, but the enduring relevance and vitality of literature.