Why read classic literature? : A mixed method study of English teachers’ and students’ attitudes toward classic literature in upper secondary school in Sweden

Abstract: This study aims to investigate both teachers’ and students’ attitudes toward classic literature in English language classrooms. The importance of the canon in education is also examined in the study. The research was conducted in a Swedish upper secondary school and included a sample of 30 students who were studying the advanced English 6 and 7 courses and two English teachers. The research methods consisted of an online questionnaire with the students and interviews with the teachers. The data suggests that while teachers generally have positive opinions of classic literature, some students have neutral or even negative attitudes. Both teachers and students acknowledge that many students do not find classic literature interesting because they do not perceive its relevance to their lives, not because of the language, as is commonly thought. However, students and teachers agree that students think classic literature is valuable to learn about because of historical and cultural reasons.  Finally, the study discusses the need for teachers to recognize that students have different attitudes and interests, and not all of them may see the relevance of classic literature in today's classrooms.