Understanding and applying literary theory to real life.

On April 14th, the Faculty of Literature, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, launched the publication "Literary Theory and Criticism: Exploration and Application ". The publication acknowledges the efforts of the Faculty of Literature in researching literary theory in close relation to Vietnamese social and cultural life during the Doi Moi (Renovation) period and international integration.

The publication "Literary Theory and Criticism: Understanding and Application " (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City Publishing House) was compiled and selected by Professor Huynh Nhu Phuong, Associate Professor Nguyen Huu Hieu, and Associate Professor Le Quang Truong. This is also an effort by the Faculty of Literature to celebrate Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Week 2024. Furthermore, the book commemorates the collaboration of faculty members in the department, in preparation for the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Literature (1975-2025).

Speakers at the program. From left to right: Prof. Dr. Huynh Nhu Phuong, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Hieu and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Phuong Phuong. Photo: QUYNH YEN

According to Associate Professor Dr. Le Quang Truong, Head of the Faculty of Literature, teaching literary theory in schools is a very important subject in the field of literature. Therefore, in the faculty's training and scientific research, the focus is always on understanding literary theories to apply them to research directions in medieval and modern Vietnamese literature.

“Literary theory is not separate from but closely linked to literary criticism and history. Theoretical issues are always derived from literary practice and contribute to illuminating and explaining that practice. Literary theory has vitality because it moves and develops on the foundation of Vietnamese and world literary life, Eastern and Western, classical and modern,” said Associate Professor Dr. Le Quang Truong.

Associate Professor Dr. Le Quang Truong, Head of the Faculty of Literature, shared this. Photo: QUYNH YEN

Besides fundamental literary theory issues, the authors contributing to this anthology have also invested in researching and updating several theories to contribute to the innovation of literary studies. Some of these theories include: New Criticism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Phenomenological Criticism, Structural and Deconstructionist Criticism, Semiotic Criticism, Reader-Response Criticism, Feminist Criticism, Postcolonial Criticism, Ecological Criticism, Discourse Theory, etc.

Numerous faculty members and students from within and outside the Faculty of Literature attended. Photo: QUYNH YEN

There are 23 articles written by 24 authors, including lecturers from the Faculty of Literature and some teachers from other faculties who have worked at the Faculty, such as: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huynh Nhu Phuong, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Xuan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Le Giang, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Quang Truong, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Le Hoa Tranh, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Manh Hung, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Hieu, Dr. Ho Khanh Van, Dr. Dao Le Na, MSc. Nguyen Dinh Minh Khue,… From different perspectives, the authors have contributed to diversifying and enriching academic activities in schools today.

Students enthusiastically explore the publication "Literary Theory and Criticism: Understanding and Application". Photo: QUYNH YEN

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thanh Thi believes that "Literary Theory and Criticism: Understanding and Application " is a very meaningful book. The title itself makes the book more approachable and friendly, helping readers understand that the application here is not just a general application, but can be applicable to graduate students, doctoral candidates, and teachers currently teaching at universities.

"Currently, some teachers in secondary schools are still confused about very basic literary concepts. This book is of great benefit to those who are directly involved in research and teaching, not only in universities but also in secondary schools," Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thanh Thi expressed.

QUYNH YEN

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