Common Core: 12th Grade English Language Arts

This subject focuses on developing advanced reading, writing, and analytical skills essential for college and career readiness.

Close Reading and Literary AnalysisAdvanced Argumentative WritingResearch Skills and Source Evaluation
Rhetorical Strategies and Effective CommunicationSynthesizing Multiple Texts and PerspectivesAdvanced Literary Criticism and Theory
College and Career Readiness: Writing Resumes and Cover LettersEffective Presentations and Public SpeakingCritical Reading of Media and Digital Literacy
Effective Annotation and Note-TakingTimed Writing and Test Preparation
Close Reading and Li...Advanced Argumentati...Research Skills and ...Rhetorical Strategie...Synthesizing Multipl...Advanced Literary Cr...College and Career R...Effective Presentati...Critical Reading of ...Effective Annotation...Timed Writing and Te...
Advanced Topics

Advanced Literary Criticism and Theory

Exploring Literary Lenses

Literary criticism uses different theories to interpret texts. These "lenses" include feminism, Marxism, psychoanalysis, and more. Each offers a unique way to understand literature's meaning and impact.

Popular Critical Approaches

  • Feminist Criticism: Focuses on gender roles and representation.
  • Marxist Criticism: Examines class, economics, and power structures.
  • Psychoanalytic Criticism: Explores characters’ motivations using psychological theories.

Applying Literary Theory

Using these approaches, you can uncover hidden meanings and challenge common interpretations, making your analysis richer and more original.

Beyond School

Critical theory sharpens your thinking and helps you see the world from multiple perspectives.

Examples

  • Analyzing a novel’s portrayal of women through a feminist lens.

  • Examining social class in a play using Marxist criticism.

In a Nutshell

Literary theory provides tools for deeper and more diverse analysis of texts.

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College and Career Readiness: Writing Resumes and Cover Letters