Literary Culture Research Articles

Supporting Muslim undergraduate medical students through medical school: lessons from a novel, student-led case-based learning intervention

IntroductionMuslim medical students in the UK face discrimination, microaggressions, and inadequate institutional support, affecting their well-being, academic experience and outcomes. Using Case-Based Learning (CBL) as a pedagogical framework, a novel student-led teaching intervention was created and delivered to small groups of faculty and students, with the aim of enhancing awareness, promoting inclusivity, and supporting educators of these issues.MethodsThis CBL intervention was designed and led by Muslim medical student facilitators with subject expertise and previous experience in implementing curricular interventions. Scenarios based on real-life student experiences explored authentic challenges Muslim students face during their medical studies. Data were gathered to assess the effectiveness of the teaching innovation against its aims in the following formats: (1) in-session participant feedback, (2) transcriptions of the in-session discussions which demonstrated participant learning gain, and (3) notes from the post-session facilitator team reflections. These data were thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-point framework, with individuals coding the data individually and collectively across three meetings to refine and agree upon the themes.ResultsFive key themes of insights emerged from the data: Staff and Student cultural literacy relating to Islam, Facilities and Environment, Curriculum, Policy and Processes, Islamophobia and discrimination. The in-session discussions evidenced that participants had increased their cultural literacy and awareness of Muslim students' needs and identified practical solutions, including inclusive scheduling, making appropriate prayer facilities available to enable equitable educational attainment, providing clear clinical attire guidelines, and providing robust reporting mechanisms. The facilitators reflected that the students-as-experts aspect of the intervention equalized the usual faculty-student power dynamics. This promoted a sense of partnership that enabled participants in the sessions to take ownership of their own learning.DiscussionCBL presented a valuable format for student-faculty discussions to promote cultural competence and equity in medical education. Variability in assumed knowledge and cultural literacy posed challenges, reinforcing the need for broader implementation of Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) training and enhanced institutional support networks to develop cultural literacy further.ConclusionThis student-led CBL educational innovation brokered a dialogue between students and faculty around solutions to the challenges faced by Muslim medical students. Given its success, student-led staff training could be expanded to address challenges faced by other minority groups, ensuring a more equitable and culturally competent learning environment.

The Concept of Education and Learning in the Qur’an Based on Surah Al-‘Alaq : an Islamic Perspective on Knowledge Development

Education holds a fundamental position in Islam, as emphasized in the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Surah Al-‘Alaq. This study aims to analyze the educational concepts presented in Surah Al-‘Alaq and their relevance to modern education. Using a library research method with a descriptive-analytical approach, the study interprets various primary sources, including Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Tafsir Al-Maraghi, and Tafsir Al-Misbah. The findings reveal that Surah Al-‘Alaq outlines key educational principles, such as the importance of reading and writing, lifelong learning, and ethical-spiritual foundations in education. The surah underscores the role of knowledge in human development and civilization, highlighting its transformative power. Moreover, the study finds that these principles remain highly relevant to contemporary education, particularly in strengthening literacy culture, integrating character education, and utilizing technology for learning. The study concludes that Surah Al-‘Alaq not only underscores the significance of knowledge but also provides guidance for a sustainable education system rooted in Islamic values. To ensure the holistic development of individuals and their contributions to society, Islamic education should reinforce the principles found in Surah Al-‘Alaq, fostering knowledgeable, ethical, and responsible learners.

The Awkward Imam: Authority and Friction in Turkish Diaspora Mosques

Abstract Focusing on Turkish imams in Europe, this article explores how religious authority travels and translates across geographical distances and cultural differences. Imams are often depicted as influential transnational figures channeling religious and political affect from the “homeland” to the diaspora with little restraint. By contrast, this article explores the manifold layers of “friction” that arise from everyday encounters between Turkish imams and local diasporic communities. Assuming that authority is inherently relational, the article shows how the imam’s authority is challenged from above by his superiors within the Turkish state bureaucracy, from beyond by his lack of cultural literacy within the European context, and from within by the resistance or indifference of local mosque participants. Drawing on 12 months of ethnographic fieldwork, the article focuses on Turkish-Danish mosque-communities but draws the broader tendencies and particularities of this national context into relief through asymmetrical comparison with the UK and Germany.

The implementation of Islamic Reading Corner as an Effort to Increase Literacy of Al Quran Education Park

This article discusses Community Service (PKM) activity through Community Service Program students of STAI Darul Falah at the Al Muhajirin Qur'an Education Park (TPQ) Bongas Village, Cililin District, West Bandung Regency in the field of education. The activity focused on assisting students with literacy by providing a reading corner. Basically, the effort to optimize the alphabetic culture in Bongas Village are already existed through strengthening education in religious institutions, one of which is the Al-Muhajirin Al-Qur'an Education Park. However, one of the challenges faced is the TPQ does not yet have adequate libraries, and there are no routine programs related to literacy. This needs to be improved in order to increase the enthusiasm for learning of children or students at TPQ Al Muhajirin which is located in Bongas village. The aim of this research is to increase literacy culture among students of TPQ Al-Muhajirin, hamlet (RW) 18 Bongas Village by providing Islamic reading corner facilities. The results of this community service have an impact positive towards the character development and early literacy habits for students. Apart from that, it is expected that this program can become a sustainable activity and increasingly support early literacy learning for children or students.

Comparative literary pedagogy: analyzing the presence of world literature in Azerbaijani school textbooks

This article analyzes the role and presence of world literature in Azerbaijani school textbooks through a comparative literary-pedagogical approach. Emphasizing the need for curriculum reform in light of global educational integration, it advocates for the simultaneous teaching of canonical world texts and national classics. The inclusion of literary masterpieces such as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, the Epic of Gilgamesh, European medieval legends, and works by Hugo, Balzac, Hemingway, Saint-Exupéry, and Verne, alongside Azerbaijani texts like Kitabi-Dede Gorgud, Koroglu, and the works of Nizami, Nasimi, Fuzuli, and others, offers students broader cultural literacy and deeper humanistic values. Through comparative reading, students develop global perspectives, intercultural empathy, and aesthetic sensitivity. The article also draws on global pedagogical scholarship and national curriculum frameworks, supporting the thesis that world literature, when integrated meaningfully with Azerbaijani literature, fosters critical thinking, moral development, and cultural tolerance.

Literacy Boost Initiative at SD Muhammadiyah 2 Creative Bontang for Advancing Reading and Writing Competencies

Elementary education serves as a crucial foundation in shaping cognitive abilities, comprehension, and the capacity to express ideas both in written and spoken forms. Among the fundamental competencies that need to be instilled early on are reading and writing skills, which are integral components of literacy. This training program is designed to enhance teachers' competencies in developing students' literacy skills through a participatory training approach and intensive mentoring. The training is conducted in the form of a three-day interactive workshop, covering effective reading strategies, creative writing techniques, and the use of both digital and conventional literacy media. The program also emphasizes the importance of fostering a literate and collaborative learning environment, involving teachers, students, and parents in literacy-based learning activities. Success is measured by increased student participation in reading and writing activities, the availability of contextual supplementary reading materials, and the establishment of a simple yet sustainable literacy culture in the classroom. Through this initiative, the goal is to create a strong foundation for lifelong learning and critical thinking among young learners.

Pengaruh Kode Etik Peminjaman dan Pengembalian terhadap Tingkat Kepatuhan Pemustaka di Dinas Kearsipan dan Perpustakaan Provinsi Sumatera Barat

This research is motivated by the lack of empirical studies that connect the implementation of the code of ethics for borrowing and returning with the level of compliance of library users in the public library environment, especially at the Archives and Libraries Office of West Sumatra Province. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which the code of ethics for borrowing and returning affects the compliance behavior of library users in using library services. This research uses a quantitative approach with descriptive methods. A sample of 100 respondents was selected from a population of 17,000 users using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through Google Form-based online questionnaires, observations, and interviews, and analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques and multiple linear regression using SPSS 25. The results showed that both the borrowing and returning codes of conduct had a positive and significant effect on the level of compliance, with the returning code of conduct having a more dominant influence (regression coefficient 1.130 and beta value 0.428). Simultaneously, the two variables explained 36% of the variation in library patron compliance. In conclusion, a clear and consistent implementation of the code of conduct, especially in the aspect of returning collections, contributes significantly to increasing library patron compliance. This study confirms the importance of socializing the rules, the active role of librarians, and strengthening the educational sanction system to form a responsible literacy culture in the library environment.

Community Participation in Managing Plurality through Cultural Literacy and Local Wisdom to Strengthen Harmony in Religious Life

The expectations of the community in Bibinoi Village, South Halmahera Regency, North Malutu Province to maintain a plural, harmonious, safe, and peaceful atmosphere of life can be created harmoniously through tolerance relations between religious communities. Moreover, Bibinoi village has currently been designated by the Forum for Religious Harmony (FKUB) of North Maluku Province as one of the pilot villages in the formation of Rasai Village. In 1974, Bibinoi village experienced a territorial boundary conflict with Piga Raja village, and a conflict with sara nuances in 1999/2000. This study uses a qualitative approach to explore or photograph the social conditions of the community objectively, with observation, interview and documentation methods The results of the study indicate that efforts to manage ethnic plurality have been carried out through citizen participation in two ways, namely; 1) the process of internalizing the values of character education through mutual respect, respect for differences, affection, and love for fellow human beings becomes the main glue in the family environment, and 2) the transformation of cultural values of local wisdom in the form of certain customs or traditions that are considered good as a source of moral teachings must be reconstructed as an awareness of a collective movement for the development of the socio-religious life of the people of Bibinoi village.

<i>Slam </i>e educação: Gênero, raça e decolonialidade nas performances poéticas de estudantes brasileiros e franceses

This paper presents post-doctoral research that delved into the study of literacies, specifically literary, critical, and literacies of re-existence. The main objective is to present the Brazilian educational project of Coletivo da Guilhermina, which organises and holds the São Paulo Inter-school Slam every year, and the French Association Le Panorama, which for the last seven years has also organised and held Le Grand Slam du 77, in the French commune of Champagne-Sur-Seine, 67 km from Paris. Slams are understood here as social and cultural literacy events and practices that involve reading and writing poetry in performance. In the case of school slams, this investigation focuses on how student-slammers from São Paulo/Brazil and Paris/France use poetic language to echo youth culture, performing poems that denounce the gender and racial violence to which they are historically subjected. In methodological terms, this article aims to analyse, from a qualitative-interpretative perspective, poetic texts staged at the São Paulo/Brazilian and Paris/French school slams in 2022 and 2024, respectively. The results point to a literary and libertarian education capable of revealing young poets who write, read and perform poetry as a political act of denunciation of racism and decolonial resistance.

Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran E-Bookstory Berbasis Powerpoint Untuk Meningkatkan Literasi Dasar Siswa Pada Materi Dongeng

The low interest and reading ability of elementary school students, especially at the Addini Islamic Foundation, is a problem that needs to be addressed in this study. This study aims to develop PowerPoint-based e-bookstory learning media as an innovation to improve students’ reading skills in fairy tale material. The subjects of this study were grade II students, with the Research and Development (R&D) method of the 4-D model, which was simplified into the define, design, development, and disseminate phases. The results of the study showed that the e-bookstory media was very feasible to use, with an average validation score of 89%, and its effectiveness was classified as high based on an increase in the N-Gain score of 76%. These findings show that the use of e-bookstory media can significantly increase students’ interest and reading ability and receive very positive responses from teachers and students. The implications of this research indicate that the integration of digital and interactive media in the learning proces such as e-bookstories can be an effective strategy to overcome reading difficulties at the elementary level. Furthermore, this approach can be adopted by educators as a complementary tool to conventional methods, especially in early grade literacy programs. The success of this media also opens opportunities for further innovation in the development of multimedia-based learning tailored to various themes and subjects, thereby supporting the broader goal of improving literacy culture in schools.

Profiling Cultural Literacy Among Elementary Students Through the Local Wisdom of the "Siraman Sedudo " Tradition in Nganjuk

This study explores the cultural literacy of fifth-grade students regarding the Siraman Sedudo tradition in Nganjuk Regency, East Java, using a qualitative descriptive approach. The research aims to uncover students’ understanding, attitudes, and involvement in preserving this local wisdom rooted in ancestral heritage. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a cultural figure, questionnaires distributed to 21 students of SDN 2 Werungotok (selected using purposive sampling), and relevant literature studies. The research was conducted between January and March 2023. The findings reveal that while most students are aware of the Siraman Sedudo ceremony and express pride in its uniqueness, their understanding tends to be superficial, focusing mainly on factual aspects such as the time of the event. In-depth knowledge regarding its historical significance, symbolic meanings, and spiritual values remains limited. The study also finds a gap between students’ positive attitudes and their actual involvement in cultural preservation, often due to restricted access and lack of school-based cultural programs. Furthermore, social media emerged as a dominant source of information, albeit without sufficient context or educational framing. The research highlights the importance of integrating local cultural content into school curricula through project-based learning, narrative engagement, and collaboration with local communities. It concludes that education should serve as a dynamic platform for revitalizing cultural traditions, fostering active student participation, and ensuring intergenerational transmission of heritage. Recommendations for future studies and educational practices are discussed.

Integration of Ethnopedagogy in the P5 Module Based on Besutan Art as a Medium for Preserving Jombang Culture

This study aims to explore and develop a Pancasila Student Profile (P5) learning module based on Kesenian Besutan, a traditional art form from Jombang, through the integration of ethnopedagogical principles. Using a mixed methods approach, the research combines qualitative data from interviews with cultural practitioners, classroom observations, and document analysis with quantitative data from expert validation of the developed module. The goal is to preserve local culture while simultaneously cultivating students’ character in line with Pancasila values. The qualitative findings revealed that Besutan carries deep historical and philosophical meaning related to the Indonesian struggle for independence and local wisdom, making it a strong foundation for cultural-based learning. Quantitative validation from education experts and cultural figures resulted in an average score of 91.67, indicating the module is "highly feasible" for classroom implementation. The module encourages student engagement through contextual learning, collaborative projects, and critical reflection, structured in four main phases: introduction, contextualization, action, and reflection. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on ethnopedagogical-based curriculum development and highlights the potential of local art forms in promoting cultural literacy and civic responsibility. The study recommends broader trials and government support to integrate such culturally rich modules into primary education for sustainable cultural preservation and character building.

Empowering Deaf Children to Indonesian Cultural Literacy Through VR Box and Applications

The purpose of this empowerment program is to increase the knowledge of deaf students with disabilities regarding the diversity of Nusantara culture and skills in using technology appropriately. This is adjusted to the partner's problem, namely the low literacy of Nusantara culture of grade 4 and 5 students in the subject of art and culture material. This program uses learning media in the form of VR Box and the Lidantara application which contains 3D animations with 360o views and is equipped with sign language videos and subtitles. The implementation method consists of preparation, implementation, closing, evaluation of activities, and preparation of reports. The results obtained from this empowerment activity are changes in student knowledge that can be seen from the results of the pre-test and post-test (from 46% to 97%) as well as sharing session activities where students can re explain cultural material in a coherent, clear, and comprehensive manner.

Integrating Minnan Culture into High School English Reading Instruction: A Case Study of Xiamen

Using Xiamen as an example, this study investigates the practical route of incorporating Minnan culture into high school English reading instruction. It does this by combining the materials of Compulsory 2 UNIT4 History and Traditions, Compulsory 2 UNIT1 Cultural Heritage, and Compulsory 3 UNIT3 Diverse Cultures, and by creating a series of English reading lessons with a Minnan cultural theme. To enhance students’ English reading skills and cultural literacy, southern Fujian cultural elements like Nanyin, lacquer thread carving, and Pok Pok were incorporated into the classroom through the use of games, pre-reading activities, reading activities, and post-reading activities. The results of the study show that the integration of southern Fujian culture into English reading teaching is feasible and effective, can stimulate students’ learning interest, enhance the sense of cultural identity, and provide practical references for cultural integration in English teaching.

Improving Literacy And Numeracy Skills With A Calistung Tutoring Work Program By Campus Teaching Students At Elementary School 1 Pungguk Lama

The Teaching Campus Program is one part of Merdeka Belajar, this program is designed to improve the quality of education in Indonesia by including students as teacher partners in schools, helping to design teaching materials, providing guidance, and supporting extracurricular activities. This program aims to overcome the challenges of low literacy and numeracy, especially in disadvantaged or disadvantaged areas. Through Bimbel Calistung activities at SD Negeri 1 Pungguk Lama. This study used a descriptive qualitative method to evaluate the impact of the program on students' basic skills. Through direct observation, interviews and documentation of activities, it was found that participation in Bimbel Calistung significantly develops students' reading and numeracy skills, and arouses their interest in learning. The purpose of this research is to understand how successful the tutoring program is in developing learners' reading, writing and arithmetic skills and what influences this success. The program not only supports academic improvement, but also builds a stronger literacy culture within the school. It can be concluded that the research shows that student-school collaboration can result in a more effective learning environment, helping to develop literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for the future of the participants.

Sosialisasi Kesadaran Literasi Menuju Kekuatan Komunitas

This community service activity aims to enhance the understanding of residents in the Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, regarding the meaning and importance of literacy, particularly in facing the challenges of the digital information era. The underlying problem addressed in this activity is the low level of literacy awareness among the community, as indicated by the tendency to accept and spread information without verification, the lack of a reading culture, and limited understanding of various types of literacy, such as media, digital, and financial literacy. To overcome these issues, the team of lecturers conducted a literacy outreach activity using a casual discussion method, which was chosen for its effectiveness in reaching the community in an informal and communicative setting. The materials presented included the definition of literacy, the importance of filtering information, how to verify the accuracy of news, and the role of families in fostering a culture of literacy. The activity involved residents from diverse backgrounds and was conducted interactively, where participants were not only passive listeners but also engaged in active discussions and shared personal experiences related to literacy challenges. The results showed that the residents responded positively to the outreach, gained new insights, and expressed a commitment to start applying a culture of literacy within their families and communities. This activity demonstrates that a simple yet well-targeted approach can have a tangible impact in raising literacy awareness at the grassroots level.

THE MELDING OF ART AND MUSIC IN MEDIA: THE ROLE OF EDUCATION THROUGH ART AND MUSIC

The combination of visual arts and music in media creates a rich experience that advances cognitive and affective involvement. The paper discusses emotional synesthesia, which is a condition in which various sensory modalities—like sight and sound—cross over to create increased emotional reactions. Analyzing the works of Van Gogh, the research takes into account how his vibrant color palette, expressive brushstrokes, and emotionally charged composition connect with musical aspects in order to provide a sublime sensual experience. The current research also examines multimedia case studies such as Van Gogh Alive, Studio Ghibli animation, and experiential AR/VR-based exhibitions to explore how the integration of art and music in media maximizes emotional perception, induces empathy, and improves social awareness. Employing multimodal learning theory and aesthetic engagement theory, the research illustrates how multimedia art promotes SDG 4 (Quality Education) by developing emotional and cultural literacy and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by encouraging cross-disciplinary cooperation between media, education, and the arts. The qualitative and theoretical research utilizes art theory, psychology, and media studies to establish the place of multimedia experience in developing international educational policy. The results indicate that immersive media not only intensifies audience involvement but also has a transformative impact on emotional education and cross-disciplinary learning.

THE INTEGRATIION OF CULTURE LITERACY IN STRENGTHENING THE PROFILE OF PANCASILA STUDENTS IN SCIENCE LEARNING FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Cultural literacy plays a critical role in developing students’ sense of responsibility, tolerance, and national identity. In the context of 21st-century education, it is a key component of the Pancasila Student Profile, which guides character formation in Indonesian schools. While cultural literacy is often linked with language and social studies, this research explores its integration into science learning in elementary schools. The aim is to identify how cultural values, local wisdom, and scientific inquiry are harmonized to support holistic student development through the Independent Curriculum. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological design, focusing on two Sekolah Penggerak (Driving Schools): Elementary School Muhammadiyah 1 Ketelan and Elementary School Muhammadiyah Plus Malangjiwan. Participants included school principals, teachers, and students. Data collection was conducted through observations and in-depth interviews, using structured interview sheets. Data were analyzed through data reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing, with validity ensured through source triangulation. The results revealed that cultural literacy was embedded in science learning through the contextualization of scientific concepts with local wisdom such as using traditional tools in experiments, exploring environmental stewardship rooted in local customs, and incorporating indigenous knowledge into ecology topics. Activities like science-based cultural exhibitions, traditional games with scientific principles, and the use of regional languages in science discussions strengthened student engagement and cultural identity. This study offers a novel integration of cultural literacy into science education, demonstrating how localized, culturally responsive teaching can enrich scientific understanding while reinforcing national character in line with the Pancasila Student Profile.

BUDAYA LITERASI SISWA SEBAGAI PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER ISLAMI DI MI AL KHOIRIYYAH 2 SEMARANG

This study aims to describe and analyze students' literacy culture in MI Al Khoiriyyah 2 Semarang. This research used descriptive qualitative research method with case study approach. The research subjects were teachers and students of MI al khoiriyyah 2 Semarang. Data collection techniques were interviews, observation, and documentation. The results of this study indicate that the literacy program at MI Al Khoiriyyah 2 Semarang, which consists of Reading Corner activities and making Mini Book, has been implemented well. Through this program, students can not only improve their literacy skills, but also can understand and take Islamic values contained in every story they read. These values are expected to shape students' character and can be applied in their daily lives, both at school and at home. The success of this program is also supported by the active participation of students and the full support of teachers and school authorities, who consistently monitor and develop literacy activities at school.

Remembering the Angevins: Introduction and Commentary

The Angevin dynasty were the rulers of a medieval European empire. Although their control of their cross-channel domains were relatively short lived (1154–1204), they occupy a central place in the modern imaginary of the Middle Ages. This introductory essay to the collection Remembering the Angevins explores how the administrative and legal reforms, building projects, and literary culture fostered by the Angevins created a robust framework of cultural memory, one that carried their legacy into the modern era. Since the Reformation, the Angevin world has acted as a backdrop or screen onto which modern fantasies and anxieties have been projected. The essays in this volume explore the intellectual, social, and political contexts in which modern Angevin representations were forged. They show how representations of historical Angevin figures and the larger ‘Plantagenet Cinematic Universe’ or ‘Robin Hood Times’ (as contributors refer to the settings of the films) can be effectively read, critiqued, and taught. The link that is demonstrated by the contributors between Angevin memory and contemporary politics raises the issue of American attachment to the story of Magna Carta, enshrined within American political identity in the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, but likely to occupy a more uncertain place if unchecked executive power is allowed to take hold.