Using Critical Theory

How to Read and Write About Literature

By Lois Tyson | Publisher: Taylor and Francis

About the book

Explaining both why theory is important and how to use it, Lois Tyson introduces beginning students of literature to this often daunting area in a friendly and approachable style. The new edition of this textbook is clearly structured with chapters based on major theories that students are expected to cover in their studies.

Key features include:

  • coverage of major theories including psychoanalysis, Marxism, feminism, lesbian/gay/queer theories, postcolonial theory, African American theory, and a new chapter on New Criticism (formalism)
  • practical demonstrations of how to use these theories on short literary works selected from canonical authors including William Faulkner and Alice Walker
  • a new chapter on reader-response theory that shows students how to use their personal responses to literature while avoiding typical pitfalls
  • new sections on cultural criticism for each chapter
  • new ‘further practice’ and ‘further reading’ sections for each chapter
  • a useful \"next step\" appendix that suggests additional literary titles for extra practice.

Comprehensive, easy to use, and fully updated throughout, Using Critical Theory is the ideal first step for students beginning degrees in literature, composition and cultural studies.

Editions of Using Critical Theory

EBook
ISBN 9781136645679
PDF
ISBN 9781136645686

Read an Excerpt

Explaining both why theory is important and how to use it, Lois Tyson introduces beginning students of literature to this often daunting area in a friendly and approachable style. The new edition of this textbook is clearly structured with chapters based on major theories that students are expected to cover in their studies.

Key features include:

  • coverage of major theories including psychoanalysis, Marxism, feminism, lesbian/gay/queer theories, postcolonial theory, African American theory, and a new chapter on New Criticism (formalism)
  • practical demonstrations of how to use these theories on short literary works selected from canonical authors including William Faulkner and Alice Walker
  • a new chapter on reader-response theory that shows students how to use their personal responses to literature while avoiding typical pitfalls
  • new sections on cultural criticism for each chapter
  • new ‘further practice’ and ‘further reading’ sections for each chapter
  • a useful \"next step\" appendix that suggests additional literary titles for extra practice.

Comprehensive, easy to use, and fully updated throughout, Using Critical Theory is the ideal first step for students beginning degrees in literature, composition and cultural studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Using Critical Theory about?

Explaining both why theory is important and how to use it, Lois Tyson introduces beginning students of literature to this often daunting area in a friendly and approachable style. The new edition of this textbook is clearly structured with chapters based on major theories that students are expected to cover in their studies.

Key features include:

  • coverage of major theories including psychoanalysis, Marxism, feminism, lesbian/gay/queer theories, postcolonial theory, African American theory, and a new chapter on New Criticism (formalism)
  • practical demonstrations of how to use these theories on short literary works selected from canonical authors including William Faulkner and Alice Walker
  • a new chapter on reader-response theory that shows students how to use their personal responses to literature while avoiding typical pitfalls
  • new sections on cultural criticism for each chapter
  • new ‘further practice’ and ‘further reading’ sections for each chapter
  • a useful \"next step\" appendix that suggests additional literary titles for extra practice.

Comprehensive, easy to use, and fully updated throughout, Using Critical Theory is the ideal first step for students beginning degrees in literature, composition and cultural studies.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Using Critical Theory?

Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Literature: history and criticism > Literary theory

Where can I read a sample of Using Critical Theory?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781136645679

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Using Critical Theory?

Lois Tyson

Who is the Publisher of the book Using Critical Theory?

Taylor and Francis

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Using Critical Theory is available as ebook(ISBN 9781136645679) and pdf(ISBN 9781136645686)