Foundations of Literature and Literary Forms: For EFL University Students

Abstract

Foundations of Literature and Literary Forms: For EFL University Students is an introductory open textbook for adult university learners studying through English as a foreign language. Part of the Literary Studies branch of English Language Studies for EFL University Students, it assumes no previous university course in literary studies and develops disciplinary vocabulary through clear, B2-oriented academic English. Its fifteen chapters move from literary language, genre, and close reading to fiction, poetry, drama, and literary nonfiction. Students examine plot, character, setting, narration, poetic sound and form, dramatic performance, essays, and life writing before considering historical and cultural contexts, intertextual relationships, comparative reading, and evidence-based literary writing. Worked examples model how observations become defensible interpretations and how readers acknowledge the limits of their evidence. Chapter roadmaps, review infographics, guided activities, five Practice and Apply tasks per chapter, short quizzes, and complete explained answers support classroom teaching and independent study. A glossary, subject index, scholarly sources, and optional reading suggestions extend the learning sequence. The book is designed for approximately 35–45 classroom contact hours, with additional independent study. First Edition, Version 1 (2026). Project Director: Prof. Munassir Alhamami, King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia. Developed with assistance from ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and NotebookLM; the Project Director retains responsibility for final editorial decisions. The complete digital edition is free. Except where otherwise stated, original content is licensed under CC BY 4.0; credited third-party material remains subject to its stated terms. Series website: https://sites.google.com/view/els4efl/home AI-use disclosure: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and NotebookLM assisted with research, drafting, revision, visual development, and production of this textbook. ChatGPT Images generated artwork for the covers and the 32 chapter and whole-book learning visuals; cover typography, QR codes, and precise analytical displays were composed separately. The Project Director, Munassir Alhamami, is responsible for the final editorial decisions and released version.