Literary Theory and Criticism | Why, What, and How to Study

The video explains in simple language what literary theory and criticism is. It provides an insight as to why, what, and how we study literary theory and criticism. Studying theory and criticism won’t be a Herculean task after you understand the basic tenets explained in this video.
Find our "History of English Literature: Why, What, and How to Study" video -- • History of English Lit...
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Ace - The English Hub is a learning platform for students of English. Our current focus is on the undergraduate courses of the universities of Kerala, India, though any student of English, from anywhere in the world, will find these lessons useful. Candidates preparing for competitive examinations where the English language is a requirement will also find practical guidance here.
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Don't forget to check out our video on What, Why, and How to Study History of English Literature ruclips.net/video/7JsTkB9ZIrI/видео.html

[@intesaralnajem241]

Very very useful 👏

[@rivals770]

Thanks for making a great video on literally theory n criticism

[@krin4832]

Super👌👌

[@codacreator6162]

The big challenge of theory for neophytes is the accumulation of sufficient knowledge of each of the theoretical constructs to be able to fully and accurately apply them. This process requires its own rigor and the reason for specialization is that each of these viewpoints are deep, complex, and depend upon knowledge and understanding of a variety of component subjects that inform the theories such as Sociology, Psychology, History, Economics, Religion, and others. The pursuit of full understanding and application of any one of the theories can be a lifelong endeavor.
It kills me that the political Right in America has misappropriated the legal viewpoint, Critical Race Theory, to further a racially divisive agenda. The long attack on Liberal Arts and Humanities educations in America have contributed greatly to the effectiveness of their propaganda by greatly reducing the percentage of the population who understand theory and even further those capable of understanding. Even degreed professionals can be misled if their education bypassed the arts, altogether.
The single most destructive social idea of the past half-century is that Liberal Arts degrees are worthless. Wouldn’t we be so much better off economically, politically, and socially today if our leadership had all studied Lit Theory? The renaissance of American higher education must include and expansion of the discipline into every degree program offered. Read more, more widely, and write a LOT more. Not only will we greatly improve the literacy of the entire population, but we will return to the practice of teaching students HOW to think, rather than WHAT to think. And as frightening as too many people find that notion, it would absolutely improve the human experience, globally. Philosophical and theoretical thought is to the mind (and brain) what physical exercise is to the body: the benefits are great and there are still a great many more yet realized.

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I do agree. There are students who get intimidated by literary theory. As you rightly said, it calls for an understanding of a much longer range, which, unfortunately, we are not familiar with. You teach a child "WHAT to think" from her childhood and one fine day, you introduce her to Literary Theory, it causes an alarm, at least initially. But, as you said, those pursuing Liberal Arts do get the opportunity to unlearn and relearn and understand what the others do not. Unfortunately, the world still leverages physical exercises! Ours will be a voice they'll have, maybe, as an afterthought!