ABSTRACT

Literary Studies: A Practical Guide provides a comprehensive foundation for the study of English, American, and world literatures, giving students the critical skills they need to best develop and apply their knowledge. Designed for use in a range of literature courses, it begins by outlining the history of literary movements, enabling students to contextualize a given work within its cultural and historical moment. Specific focus is then given to the use of literary theory and the analysis of:

  • Poetry
  • Prose fiction and novels
  • Plays
  • Films.

A detailed unit provides clear and concise introductions to literary criticism and theory, encouraging students to nurture their unique insights into a range of texts with these critical tools. Finally, students are guided through the process of generating ideas for essays, considering the role of secondary criticism in their writing, and formulating literary arguments. This practical volume is an invaluable resource for students, providing them with the tools to succeed in any English course.

part |89 pages

A Practical Guide to Linguistic and Literary History

chapter |25 pages

A Brief History of English Literature

chapter |26 pages

A Brief History of American Literature

chapter |26 pages

A Brief History of World Literature

part |117 pages

A Practical Guide to Major Literary Modes and Cinematic Adaptations

chapter |36 pages

Poetry

chapter |26 pages

Prose Fiction

chapter |23 pages

Plays

chapter |30 pages

Cinematic Adaptations of Literature

part |48 pages

A Practical Guide to Literary Criticism and Literary Theory

part |40 pages

A Practical Guide to Writing a Research Essay

chapter |18 pages

The Research Essay

chapter |20 pages

Revising the Research Essay