Abstract
M.A.
In the pages that follow, a reader training model is presented (in chapter one) which may be used
to implement a training programme for tertiary students of literature. Many students enrolling for
literature courses do not have sufficient background knowledge required to become critical readers;
they often lack the linguistic ability and the literary insight needed to deal with texts in a meaningful
manner.
Research into reading plays a significant role in teaching students how to activate background
knowledge, and how to become skilled, critical readers. The reader training model presented deals
with reading on three levels.
The first phase deals with the recognition of textual conventions and the activation of schemata and
basic links. Technical skills are involved in reading at this level. During the second phase, the reader
moves into the comprehensibility of language and the interpretation oftext. Reading activities focus
on naturalisation and higher order integration. To read on this level students require integrative
cognitive skills and strategies in order to establish links and recognise parallels in the text.
The third phase of the reader training model is the focus of this study. Creative and critical
cognitive skills and strategies are required to interpret, criticise and contextualise the text.
Relevant literary (and non-literary) texts are essential to the reader, since meaningful interaction
with the text cannot take place at an advanced level if the reader is unable to contextualise the
discourse.
The aim of this study is to equip the literature facilitator with practical guidelines for the
implementation of a bridging course for literature students at tertiary level. In chapter three the
practical component of the study outlines a number of ways in which literature can be creatively
explored at an advanced level of reading and interpretation. Guidelines are provided as a basic
structure on which the literature facilitator can build.
Ways of reading critically are examined within a feminist framework.