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Literature in English · 300 Level
This is the complete lecture note for LIT-310 Introduction to Literary Criticism and Theories, prepared for Literature in English students at 300 Level. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Course Code: LIT 310 Course Title: Introduction to Literary Criticism/Theories Course Credit Load: 2 Units Series 1: Surveying Literary Theories and Concepts Series 2: Exploring Critical Forms and Applications Series 3: Theory versus Criticism in Literary Studies Series 4: Movements and Development of Critical Schools Series 5: Theories, Ideologies, and Aesthetics in Literature Proposed Outline for Series 1 Part 1.1: Introduction to literary theories • Sub-Part 1.1.1: Definition and scope of literary theory • Sub-Part 1.1.2: Functions and relevance of theory in literature Part 1.2: Classical and traditional theories • Sub-Part 1.2.1: Greek and Roman foundations • Sub-Part 1.2.2: Medieval and Renaissance perspectives Part 1.3: Modern and contemporary theories • Sub-Part 1.3.1: Structuralism and post-structuralism • Sub-Part 1.3.2: Marxist, feminist, and postcolonial approaches Part 1.4: Concepts and critical forms • Sub-Part 1.4.1: Key concepts in literary analysis • Sub-Part 1.4.2: Critical forms and their applications Introduction Literary theory provides the tools we need to interpret, analyse, and evaluate texts. Without theory, our reading of literature may remain impressionistic or superficial. By surveying the major theories and concepts, we gain a structured way of approaching works by authors such as Shakespeare, Soyinka, Ngugi, and Achebe. This Series lays the foundation for the rest of the course by introducing you to the frameworks that shape literary criticism. The aim of this Series is to equip you with knowledge of key literary theories and concepts, enabling you to apply them confidently in textual analysis. We shall commence this Series by introducing the definition, scope, and functions of literary theory. Next, we will explore classical and traditional theories, beginning with Greek and Roman
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS foundations and continuing through medieval and Renaissance perspectives. Following that, we will examine modern and contemporary theories, including structuralism, post-structuralism, Marxist, feminist, and postcolonial approaches. Finally, we will conclude with an overview of key concepts and critical forms, showing how they are applied in literary analysis. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 define literary theory and explain its scope, • SLO 1.2 analyse the functions and relevance of theory in literature, • SLO 1.3 describe classical and traditional theories, including Greek, Roman, medieval, and Renaissance perspectives, • SLO 1.4 explain modern and contemporary theories such as structuralism, post-structuralism, Marxist, feminist, and postcolonial approaches, and • SLO 1.5 identify and apply key concepts and critical forms in literary analysis. 1.1 Introduction to Literary Theories 1.1.1 Definition and scope of literary theory Literary theory refers to the systematic study of the principles, methods, and frameworks used to interpret and analyse literary texts. It provides readers with tools to move beyond personal impressions and to engage critically with literature. The scope of literary theory is broad, encompassing classical traditions, modern schools of thought, and contemporary approaches. By defining literary theory clearly, learners can appreciate its role as both a lens for interpretation and a foundation for criticism. Fill in the blank: __________ theory refers to the systematic study of the principles, methods, and frameworks used to interpret and analyse literary texts. Figure 1.1: Scope of literary theory 1.1.2 Functions and relevance of theory in literature
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS The functions of literary theory include guiding interpretation, providing frameworks for analysis, and connecting literature to wider cultural, social, and philosophical contexts. Theory helps readers to ask deeper questions about texts, such as how meaning is constructed, how power relations are represented, or how identity is portrayed. The relevance of theory lies in its ability to make literary study systematic and rigorous, ensuring that analysis is not merely subjective but grounded in established principles. Fill in the blank: The __________ of literary theory include guiding interpretation, providing frameworks for analysis, and connecting literature to wider contexts. Plate 1.1: Applying literary theory to texts Function Benefit to the Scholar Decoding Themes Reveals the "hidden" arguments a text makes about human nature or society. Structural Clarity Helps identify how the plot architecture supports the story's emotional goals. Ideological Critique Uncovers the unconscious assumptions of the time (e.g., colonial or patriarchal biases). Comparative Analysis Provides a common language to compare a 17th-century poem with a 21st-century novelette. Box 1.1: Key functions of literary theory Pilot questions 1.1 1. __________ theory refers to the systematic study of the principles, methods, and frameworks used to interpret and analyse literary texts.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 2. State one aspect of the scope of literary theory. 3. The __________ of literary theory include guiding interpretation, providing frameworks for analysis, and connecting literature to wider contexts. 4. Give one reason why literary theory is relevant to the study of literature. 5. Why is it important for literary analysis to be systematic and rigorous? 1.2 Classical and Traditional Theories 1.2.1 Greek and Roman foundations The origins of literary theory can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome. Thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle laid the groundwork for systematic approaches to literature. Plato viewed literature with suspicion, arguing that poetry could mislead by imitating reality rather than presenting truth. Aristotle, however, offered a more balanced perspective in his Poetics, where he defined tragedy, introduced the concept of catharsis (emotional purification), and emphasised the importance of plot and character. Roman critics such as Horace and Longinus further contributed by stressing the moral purpose of literature and the power of sublimity in style. Fill in the blank: Aristotle introduced the concept of __________, which refers to emotional purification experienced by audiences of tragedy. Figure 1.2: Contributions of Greek and Roman thinkers to literary theory 1.2.2 Medieval and Renaissance perspectives During the medieval period, literary theory was closely tied to religious and philosophical traditions. Texts were often interpreted allegorically, with emphasis on moral and spiritual lessons. The Renaissance brought a revival of classical ideas, but with new attention to humanism and artistic creativity. Writers such as Sir Philip Sidney defended poetry as a noble art that could instruct and delight, while critics emphasised harmony, proportion, and the imitation of nature. These perspectives reinforced the idea that literature serves both aesthetic and ethical purposes, bridging classical foundations with emerging modern sensibilities. Fill in the blank: During the __________ period, texts were often interpreted allegorically, with emphasis on moral and spiritual lessons.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Plate 1.2: Medieval and Renaissance perspectives on literary theory Feature Medieval Theory Renaissance Theory View of the Author A humble scribe or compiler of tradition. A creative "maker" or genius with a unique voice. Core Value Faith: Does this lead the soul to God? Reason & Beauty: Is this well-proportioned? Method Exegesis: Decoding hidden layers of meaning. Mimesis: Imitating the best of nature and the classics. Language Latin as the sacred, "true" language. Elevation of the Vernacular to literary status. Box 1.2: Key features of medieval and Renaissance literary theory Pilot questions 1.2 1. Aristotle introduced the concept of __________, which refers to emotional purification experienced by audiences of tragedy. 2. State one contribution of Roman critics such as Horace or Longinus. 3. During the __________ period, texts were often interpreted allegorically, with emphasis on moral and spiritual lessons. 4. Give one feature of Renaissance literary theory. 5. Why is the Renaissance considered a bridge between classical and modern perspectives in literary theory?
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.3 Modern and Contemporary Theories 1.3.1 Structuralism and post-structuralism Structuralism is a theoretical approach that views literature as part of a wider system of language and culture. It emphasises structures such as narrative patterns, myths, and linguistic codes that shape meaning. Thinkers like Ferdinand de Saussure and Roland Barthes argued that texts are not isolated but function within systems of signs. Post-structuralism emerged as a reaction, questioning the stability of meaning and highlighting the role of interpretation. Jacques Derrida’s idea of deconstruction showed how texts contain contradictions that undermine fixed meanings. Fill in the blank: __________ is a post-structuralist method that reveals contradictions within texts and challenges fixed meanings. Figure 1.3: Structuralism and post-structuralism in literary theory 1.3.2 Marxist, feminist, and postcolonial approaches Marxist theory analyses literature in terms of class struggle, ideology, and economic power. It asks how texts reflect or challenge social structures. Feminist theory focuses on gender, examining how literature represents women and men, and how it reinforces or resists patriarchal norms. Postcolonial theory explores the impact of colonialism and imperialism on literature, highlighting issues of identity, resistance, and cultural hybridity. These approaches connect literature to broader social and political contexts, making analysis more dynamic and relevant. Fill in the blank: __________ theory explores the impact of colonialism and imperialism on literature, highlighting identity and resistance.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER
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