Devising Neoteric Strategies to Teach Diasporic Fictions

Abstract

Literature extrapolates the full spectrum of human experience: aspirations,
doubts, passions, heroism, faith and so much more. Literature has a unique function in
shaping and teaching society at large. Literary fictions are portrayals of the thinking
patterns and social norms prevalent in the society. They are treasure-trove of human
experience. Literary fictions are the food for thought and tonic for imagination and
creativity. The purpose of education is to grow and comprehend the complexity of the
world and its people. Exposing an individual to literary fictions can elevate him/her to
grow as an individual with heights of interpersonal skills which is the need of the
hour.
We are at an age of ‘videoacy’ rather than ‘literacy’. In today’s fast-paced life style,
students are intrigued by the visual arts (dramas and films) than by literary fictions.
But these Medias with complete negation of literature may lead to mimicry of the
hackneyed expressions rather than avant-gardism. This article outlines the
pedagogical paradigms to explore diasporic fictions in literature class rooms. It
combines traditional literature teaching with ‘research-led’ and ‘student-centered’
creative teaching methods which can forge emotional intelligence among students.