The Contribution of Student Literary Works to Character Education in Indonesian Islamic Universities

Abstract

This study examines the role of student-generated literary works in character education within Indonesian Islamic higher education. It aims to understand how literary methods support moral and ethical development alongside language skills in this cultural and religious context. The research uses a qualitative descriptive design, including document analysis, interviews, and classroom observations to collect detailed data on educational practices and student experiences. Findings show that incorporating Islamic themes and local cultural wisdom into literary activities strengthens students’ character formation by fostering values such as integrity, responsibility, and social awareness. Student literary productions effectively promote critical thinking, empathy, and self-expression. The study also emphasizes the importance of curriculum design that integrates literary methods with character education goals, supported by collaborative learning strategies. Overall, the research demonstrates that literary methods offer a holistic approach to character education, enhancing both moral development and language proficiency. These findings provide practical insights for educators and curriculum developers aiming to integrate character education through literature in Islamic higher education. The study contributes to understanding culturally relevant educational practices and suggests future research on long-term effects and digital literary forms.