Putting IT into the English Syllabus

Abstract

Anyone reading this book may already be defined as “one of the converted”; that is, someone who believes that there is scope to introduce IT into the teaching and study of English. They are perhaps looking to the chapters presented here as a guide to how this could be successfully achieved. Yet, such beliefs may still be seen as representing a minority view—hence the title of this contribution—forcing a new medium into a discipline without any just cause or reason. This essay therefore presents a discussion centred on the introduction of IT into the English Literature syllabus, not as a means to assist in the teaching of literature, but more as a subject in its own right. This chapter contends that many of the emerging areas we are witnessing within IT are natural bedfellows to the discipline of English studies. Moreover, English is in a prime position to seize these areas as its own; and, more importantly, if we fail to do so the consequences could be serious in terms of our credibility with our students and with colleagues in other disciplines.