Literary Criticism: Key Theories and Analytical Frameworks

Unlock deeper layers of meaning in written texts by mastering the core frameworks of modern literary theory. This text-only course guides you through the essential intellectual movements that shape how we read, interpret, and critique literature today. You will develop the analytical skills needed to dissect complex texts, engage with academic scholarship, and approach literature from multiple critical perspectives. By reading detailed explanations and analyzing textual examples, you will transform from a passive reader into an active literary critic. What you'll learn: 1. Understand foundational concepts of structuralism, post-structuralism, and deconstruction. 2. Apply feminist, queer, and intersectional theories to diverse literary texts. 3. Analyze literature through psychoanalytic lenses, exploring subconscious desires and fears in narratives. 4. Evaluate postcolonial and Marxist frameworks to uncover power dynamics, class struggles, and colonial legacies. 5. Explore modern critical developments, including ecocriticism and digital humanities approaches to texts. 6. Practice close-reading techniques using guided textual analysis exercises. The course begins with key terminology and the historical context of modern theory, before moving step-by-step through major critical movements with clear written examples and practice prompts. This program is designed for literature students, educators, and anyone preparing for academic exams in English literature, with no prior knowledge of advanced theory required. Start reading today to elevate your literary analysis and master the tools of critical theory.