"The Role of English Literature in StudyingHigher EducationHigher Education is an interdisciplinary subject. The role of universities and institutesof higher education system have undergone changes to adapt to the needs of society. As thesocio-economic profile of students change from elite to more middle-class, universitieschallenged to address the need of both education and employment. The aim of this essay is toexamine the similarities between English literary studies and Higher Education. Theresimilarities will unravel how both disciplines are complimentary to each other.The study of English literature introduces one to English language. Unlike otherdisciplines of humanities like philosophy and social sciences which can be taught in otherlanguages, English Literature uses only English as its primary language of instruction.English is a global language as it allows individuals from diverse backgrounds tocommunicate and share ideas with each other. English is also the preferred language forscience and technology. Knowledge of English language empowers one to receive newinformation. English is no longer a foreign language for many societies. India, which was aBritish colony from mid-nineteenth century to mid-twentieth century, has embraced Englishas the language of communication.English literature is a very interdisciplinary subject. It reflects society throughfictional representations. The poets, authors and dramatists portray society with individualstruggles at the centre of it. Literary works like Homer’s Iliad (8 BCE)and Salman Rushdie’sThe Midnight’s Children (1981) are some of the well-known books as they mirror humanproblems that are universal in nature. In order to understand the complex nature of the relationship between man and society it is necessary to approach literary writings fromdiverse perspectives.A degree in English literature allows an individual to develop analytical and criticalperspectives. Theories such as Marxism, Post-colonialism, Feminism, Structuralism andPsychoanalysis function as analytical tools to study literary writings. These theories areborrowed from disciplines such as philosophy, sociology and psychology. In order tounderstand the complex nature of society and individuals one or all of these theoreticalframeworks maybe applied to literary writings. According to Internet Encyclopaedia ofPhilosophy, “Marxist approaches to literature require an understanding of the primaryeconomic and social bases of culture since Marxist aesthetic theory sees the work of art as aproduct…”Feminism challenges the system of patriarchy by questioning the subordinate role ofwomen in society and the absence of women writers in literary history. Postmodernism “inart has included a move toward non-referential, non-linear, abstract forms; a heighteneddegree of self-referentiality; and the collapse of categories and conventions that hadtraditionally governed art.”Like English Literature the discipline of Higher Education is interdisciplinary innature. It borrows analytical tools from social sciences and managerial theories. The role ofhigher education is constantly changing according to the demands of society. From an eliteand religious institution in the past to a more secular and market-oriented system, theuniversity as an institution of higher education has changed.Universities are evolving to address the demands of society and individuals. There is alarge percentage of students who are the first generation in their families to receive university education. Therefore, universities have to broaden their roles from providing education in aparticular field to meeting the demands of employment.In conclusion, it is important to note that there is a parallel between the role ofuniversities and English studies. The objective of English literature is to develop the criticaland interpretative skills of its students. These skills are useful to pursue a career in any field.Thus, English studies does not limit its students to a particular field. "