There is a difference between a streamlined approach to an introduction to literature course and dumbing down the material. Practical considerations are important when developing any course, even more so in an introductory course. Instructors may need to deal with diverse, inexperienced students in short blocks of class time, possibly within the context of high departmental expectations, while trying to preserve personal well being and balance the daily demands of course delivery and marking. The instructor must select topics and works carefully, and then to pack their presentation with rich and important elements relevant and interesting to a variety of students.

The introductory book can be used as a catch-all for nearly everything first-year students may need to learn as they begin academic study.There is a difference between streamlining an approach to an Introduction to Literature course and dumbing down the material. Practical considerations are important when developing any course, and they certainly are in an introductory course. Instructors may need to deal with diverse, inexperienced students in short blocks of class time, possibly within contexts of high departmental expectations, even as they are cognisant of a need to preserve personal well being while balancing the daily demands of course delivery and marking. We learned over time to select topics and works carefully, and then to pack their presentation with rich and important elements relevant and interesting to a variety of students.Sylvia Hunt holds a PhD in English Literature, specializing in 18th-century women's writing. Cynthia Parr holds degrees in English Literature and Education (focused on educational development for professors).CA