A Guide to Literary Theory and Criticism will introduce you to a fascinating range of approaches to literary interpretation, from Plato’s thoughtful comments on literature's function, to the most recent trends in understanding literature as a part of our cultural and even environmental interactions. Along the way, you’ll find step-by-step, conversational explanations of each perspective. This course has been prepared with entry level audiences in mind. Book lovers and reading group members will find that this course offers accessible, thought-provoking insights for discussing any literary work you choose. Throughout the study of this course, we suggest some specific examples and questions for your consideration, but the real value is bringing your own interests into dialogue with any of the literary critics and approaches you’ll read about in the future. For students of literature, film, philosophy, and sociology (as well as their mentors), this introduction course is intended as an authoritative and lively summary of issues important to your studies in an easy way.

通过本课程的学习，引导学生初步掌握西方文艺理论的发展历程，了解其中的重要理论观点，帮助学生开阔视野，加深理解。

Good command of the English Language and critical thinking ability.

朱志荣，《西方文论史》，北京大学出版社，2007.

Lv Changfa, A Short History of Western Literary Theory, Henan University Press, 2006.

马新国,《西方文论史》（修订版）,高等教育出版社,2002.