The problem with the
term "classic literature" is that everyone has a
different definition. For example, I consider
Joe Haldeman's
Forever War to be a good example of classic literature, but most
English instructors would call it sophmoric
sci-fi, assuming they'd
deign to read something so far below their
stature.
What classic literature is, is determined by popular consensus- in other words, it's a
popularity contest.
Classic literature could also be defined as "something and
English major forces you to read long before you're
ready to read it for yourself.