Yale University
Yale University: Open Yale Courses: Introduction to Theory of Literature
Access any one of twenty-five lectures, in audio, video, or text format, from a university-level course in literary analysis and critical literary theories. Considers postmodernism, New Criticism, feminism, deconstructionism, and an...
CommonLit
Common Lit: "On Tragedy" by Aristotle
In this chapter from "Poetics", Aristotle seeks to define "tragedy" as it relates to literature and human emotion. A specific purpose for reading and vocabulary notes are provided. This site offers links to paired texts, questions and...
Stanford University
What Is Deconstruction? Jacques Derrida
Easily digestible definition of deconstruction and its influence on literary criticism. Offers bibliography also.
Blackdog Media
Classic Reader: Book: The Poetics by Aristotle
This site features the full text of the treatise The Poetics by Aristotle, the earliest surviving work of dramatic theory.
Other
The John Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory and Criticism
This is the online publication of "The John Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory and Criticism." Individual articles are available to suscribers only, but some general information is available to all.
Other
Kristi Siegel, ph.d.: Introduction Modern Literary Theory
This site provides an overview of literary terms and critical theories, compiled by a professor of English who teaches at the university level.
Other
Teaching Heart: Fairy Tale Lessons & Ideas
Geared toward grades K-3--offers objectives, materials, procedures, discussion questions and evaluations. Online lesson plans for introducing and teaching basic literary criticism skills.
Other
Literary Theories: A Quick Sketch
Read this page to get the basics on a variety of literary theories.
Other
Brock University: Deconstruction Assumptions
Complex site from the Brock University on deconstruction and its many assumptions and premises. Very advanced treatment of deconstruction, not for the beginner.
Other
Brock University: Psychoanalysis and Literature
Interesting intro to psychoanalysis and its place in literature. Very accessible to students. Good place to start research on the subject.
Other
Beyond Deconstruction
Unusual look at deconstruction, considering several previously unexplored glimpses of the theory. Also includes extensive bibliography and references to Derrida's influence.
Other
Univ. Of Mississippi: Critical Approaches to Literature
Here are nine common critical approaches to the study of literature based on X.J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia's Literature: An Introductionto Fiction, Poetry, and Drama.
Washington State University
Washington State University: New Historicism
The political functions of literature and the aims of the new historicists are explained on this site. Includes a list of works consulted.
Washington State University
Washington State University: Marxism
A basic explanation of Marxism as it applies to literary theory. Includes a bibliography.
Washington State University
Washington State University: Feminism
This site tackles the "F-word," -- and questions how feminism, especially feminist literary theory, got turned into a dirty word. A basic explanation of the critical approach of feminism to literature.
Washington State University
Washington State University: Literary Critical Theory: Interpretive Strategies
Defines various critical approaches in brief. Click the Critical Theory link at the bottom of the page for more detail.
Other
Marxist Literary Criticism: Brief Guide
Brief overview and guide to Marxist criticism. Easy to digest and fairly comprehensive page.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Practical Criticism
A general introduction to literary criticism, this website provides teachers and students with idea about how to derive meaning from poetry through personal interpretation.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of Natural History: Postmodernism and Its Critics
Very thorough overview of Postmodernism theory and this includes Deconstruction. Includes basic premises and the leading figures in the movement.
Purdue University
Gudie to Critical Theory: Introduction to Marxism
Detailed site with introductory information regarding Marxism. Contains some terms and concepts, samples and lesson plans. Also included are links to other web resources.
Purdue University
Guide to Critical Theory: Introduction to Postmodernism
Definition, applications, lesson plans and individual theorist modules are all offered on this site. Includes links to other web resources as well.
New York University
Jacques Derrida: News Article by Mitchell Stephens
Interesting and critical news article about Derrida, the father of deconstruction. Discusses the difficulty inherent in this theory in a humorous way.
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania: Celebration of Women Writers
Comprehensive overview of major women writers and their contributions to literature. Focuses more on their works than theory but still provides answers.