Literature in the Modern Language Syllabus 
The study of literature has always played an important role in 
the acquisition of a foreign language, but increasingly students 
are reluctant to choose literature modules, particular those 
dealing with pre-twentieth century texts. In order to make the 
literature of foreign places and from past ages more immediately 
relevant to the interests and the experience of the students, 
new courses, aimed at reawakening the students' interest in 
literature, have been designed according to thematic rather 
than chronological criteria.