Delving into the worlds of each and every text we read is a fantasy. Having the time, focus and ability to immerse oneself into the text without the distractions of other course work, and the constraints of feeling a slavish obligation to read with a critical lens only preparing for whatever essay or exam will require it seems unrealistic. In an ideal world the reading experience of an English class is one where the student’s desire to read pushes them forward in the text. The best situation is when the course content genuinely supports an appreciation and understanding of the text and encourages reflection and analysis for the sake of further enjoyment of the reading. Ideal spaces could be technology free zones of the library or spaces where one can immerse themselves in the context and world of the text, pausing to focus on it instead of all the other distractions out there. Imagine a Victorian style reading room, with a plethora of art and artifacts from the period in which to read the many many readings students will encounter from the era. Perhaps technology will bleed into reading and virtual reality could immerse readers into the worlds of texts or make them more exciting. But at the same time, there is a constant appeal of holding the pages of a book in one’s own hand. A utopian ideal would be to remove the barrier of the campus bookstore or the uncertainty of what to do with a collection of texts after a course ends. In the perfect world the readings for English classes are all about the literature, and the themes and ideas from the pages transmit to students with the aid of courses, which still encourage independent interpretation and discussion. Seminar courses are often the ideal format of encouraging students to read as actually keeping up in the courses is dependent on readings and the discussions in class can be truly fulfilling. Lectures meanwhile can often promote falling behind in readings, clashes from different interpretations or a struggle to focus. The most fantastic reading experience would be enjoying everything that is read as a process, whether the content is one the reader would choose or not.
