University Students’ Perceptions of the Usefulness of Literature Courses for Improving English Proficiency: A Study of on the students of Faculty of Islamic Studies and Arabic Language at South Eastern University of Sri Lanka

This study investigates university students’ perceptions of the usefulness of literature courses for enhancing English language proficiency at the Faculty of Islamic Studies and Arabic Language, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka. The research focuses on 60 first- and second-year students aged 21 to 24, employing a 20-item questionnaire distributed via Google Forms to collect data. The findings reveal that students perceive literature courses as highly beneficial in improving vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing skills, and cultural awareness. While reading and writing skills showed significant improvement, speaking skills and oral communication were moderately enhanced, highlighting areas for pedagogical refinement. Students also identified challenges, including complex vocabulary, archaic language, and limited opportunities for oral practice. The study underscores the importance of integrating guided reading, vocabulary scaffolding, interactive discussions, and oral exercises to maximize learning outcomes. The findings contribute to the understanding of literature-based language instruction in EFL contexts and provide recommendations for curriculum development, instructional strategies, and future research aimed at optimizing the role of literature in English language education.