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Theory Versus Criticism in Literary Studies explores the distinction and relationship between literary theory—the abstract frameworks and philosophies used to understand literature—and literary criticism, which involves the practical application of these theories to analyze and interpret specific texts. It highlights how theory provides the concepts, principles, and lenses (such as feminism, Marxism, or structuralism), while criticism uses these tools to evaluate meaning, structure, themes, and cultural contexts within literary works. The topic emphasizes the complementary nature of both approaches in deepening the understanding of literature and enhancing analytical skills. Course objectives include enabling learners to differentiate between literary theory and criticism, understand how theoretical approaches inform critical analysis, apply various theories in interpreting texts, and develop the ability to critically evaluate literary works using informed and systematic methods.
This lecture is part of LIT-310 Introduction to Literary Criticism and Theories in the Literature in English department. The course has 30 recorded lectures across 10 series, all free to watch. Read or download the LIT-310 lecture note to study alongside the video.