Course Text

We learn from experiences in our daily routine as well as those in literature and the media -- even the negative ones! A real or imagined negative, or controversial, experience can be a learning opportunity if we take time to think about it.

Various mindsets, opinions, and beliefs become accessible to all people in created texts. Learning from other people's ideas, viewpoints, mistakes, misfortune, trials, and victories can help us live, empathize, or cope with the reality of life events or experiences. Situations presented in literature can help any reader think about a personal issue or treatment of others more closely. Literature can help us understand complexities of issues or events we struggle with in our own lives, and even guide us in appropriate decision-making.

Text creators use realistic conflicts, characteristics, and language to engage readers, giving them glimpses of experiences they may or may not encounter. Even if a text is negative or controversial in some way, readers can gain valuable awareness and understanding of various perspectives presented. Sometimes, "It is better to know than to not know," as the old saying goes!