LIT-310 — Introduction to Literary Criticism and Theories

About this course

LIT-310 Introduction to Literary Criticism and Theories is a 300 Level course in the Literature in English department, taught in the Second Semester. On La-Net Hub you can watch all 30 recorded lectures for free, grouped into 10 series, read the course lecture note online or download it as a PDF, and test yourself with practice questions.

Literary Theory refers to the body of ideas, principles, and methods used to analyze, interpret, and evaluate literary texts, providing different lenses through which literature can be understood beyond its surface meaning. It explores various approaches such as formalism, structuralism, feminism, Marxism, postcolonialism, and psychoanalysis, each offering unique perspectives on themes, language, culture, power, and human experience in literary works. The scope of literary theory extends beyond textual analysis to include the study of the relationship between literature and society, history, politics, and identity, making it a vital tool for critical thinking and deeper interpretation. Course objectives include enabling learners to understand the concept and purpose of literary theory, identify major theoretical approaches, apply different critical perspectives to literary texts, and develop analytical skills for interpreting and evaluating literature in diverse and meaningful ways.

Exploring Critical Forms and Applications examines the various approaches and methods used in literary criticism to analyze, interpret, and evaluate texts across different genres. It focuses on critical forms such as formalism, structuralism, feminism, Marxism, and postcolonial criticism, highlighting how each provides a distinct framework for understanding literature in relation to language, culture, ideology, and society. The topic also emphasizes the practical application of these theories in analyzing literary works, enabling deeper insight into themes, structures, and meanings. Course objectives include enabling learners to understand major critical forms, apply different theoretical approaches to literary texts, develop analytical and interpretive skills, and evaluate literature from multiple perspectives for a richer and more informed understanding.

Lectures in this course

Series 1: Define Literary Theory and Explain its Scope (series 1) · Part 1

1. Define Literary Theory and Explain its Scope 1 9 minutes 28 seconds
2. Define Literary Theory and Explain its Scope 2 8 minutes 20 seconds
3. Define Literary Theory and Explain its Scope 3 7 minutes 15 seconds

Series 2: Define Literary Theory and Explain its Scope (series 1) · Part 2

1. Define Literary Theory and Explain its Scope 1 10 minutes 4 seconds
2. Define Literary Theory and Explain its Scope 2 8 minutes 49 seconds
3. Define Literary Theory and Explain its Scope 3 7 minutes 25 seconds

Series 3: Exploring Critical Forms and Applications (series 2) · Part 1

1. Exploring Critical Forms and Applications 1 5 minutes 56 seconds
2. Exploring Critical Forms and Applications 2 7 minutes 50 seconds
3. Exploring Critical Forms and Applications 3 7 minutes 23 seconds

Series 4: Exploring Critical Forms and Applications (series 2) · Part 2

1. Exploring Critical Forms and Applications 1 6 minutes 21 seconds
2. Exploring Critical Forms and Applications 2 8 minutes 5 seconds
3. Exploring Critical Forms and Applications 3 7 minutes 39 seconds

Series 5: Theory Versus Criticism in Literary Studies (series 3)

1. Theory Versus Criticism in Literary Studies 1 8 minutes 11 seconds
2. Theory Versus Criticism in Literary Studies 2 7 minutes 1 second
3. Theory Versus Criticism in Literary Studies 3 8 minutes 16 seconds

Series 6: Theory Versus Criticism in Literary Studies (series 3)

1. Theory Versus Criticism in Literary Studies 1 7 minutes 43 seconds
2. Theory Versus Criticism in Literary Studies 2 6 minutes 40 seconds
3. Theory Versus Criticism in Literary Studies 3 7 minutes 50 seconds

Series 7: Movements and Development of Critical Schools (series 4)

1. Movements and Development of Critical Schools 1 6 minutes 48 seconds
2. Movements and Development of Critical Schools 2 9 minutes 41 seconds
3. Movements and Development of Critical Schools 3 8 minutes 17 seconds

Series 8: Movements and Development of Critical Schools (series 4)

1. Movements and Development of Critical Schools 1 6 minutes 29 seconds
2. Movements and Development of Critical Schools 2 9 minutes 19 seconds
3. Movements and Development of Critical Schools 3 7 minutes 59 seconds

Series 9: Theories, Ideologies, and Aesthetics in Literature (series 5) · Part 1

1. Theories, Ideologies, and Aesthetics in Literature 1 9 minutes 22 seconds
2. Theories, Ideologies, and Aesthetics in Literature 2 9 minutes 2 seconds
3. Theories, Ideologies, and Aesthetics in Literature 3 6 minutes 56 seconds

Series 10: Theories, Ideologies, and Aesthetics in Literature (series 5) · Part 2

1. Theories, Ideologies, and Aesthetics in Literature 1 9 minutes 56 seconds
2. Theories, Ideologies, and Aesthetics in Literatur 2 9 minutes 29 seconds
3. Theories, Ideologies, and Aesthetics in Literature 3 7 minutes 13 seconds

Lecture note

Read the full LIT-310 lecture note online or download the PDF.

Open lecture note

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