Study and apply literary theory to real life

On April 14, the Faculty of Literature, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City organized the launch of the publication Literary Theory and Criticism: Research and Application . The publication recognizes the efforts of the Faculty of Literature on the path of researching literary theory in close relation to the social life and culture of Vietnam during the period of Renovation and international integration.

The publication Literary Theory and Criticism: Research and Application (Ho Chi Minh City National University Publishing House) was compiled and selected by Prof. Dr. Huynh Nhu Phuong, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Huu Hieu and Associate Professor Dr. Le Quang Truong. This is also an effort of the Faculty of Literature to respond to the Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day week in 2024. At the same time, the book also records a memory of the cooperation of lecturers in the faculty, preparing 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 theory in schools is a very important subject in the field of literature. Therefore, in the training and scientific research of the faculty, we always aim to study literary theories to apply research directions in medieval and modern Vietnamese literature.

“Literary theory is inseparable from, but closely connected with, literary criticism and history. Theoretical issues are always drawn from literary practice and contribute to illuminating and explaining practice. A vital literary theory is a theory that 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. Photo: QUYNH YEN

In addition to basic literary theory issues, the authors participating in this anthology also invest in researching and updating a number of theories to contribute to the innovation of literary research. Some of the theories include: New Criticism, Psychoanalytic Criticism, Phenomenological Criticism, Structural and Deconstructive Criticism, Semiotic Criticism, Reader-Response Criticism, Feminist Criticism, Postcolonial Criticism, Ecological Criticism, Discourse Theory, etc.

Many teachers and students from inside and outside the Faculty of Literature attended. Photo: QUYNH YEN

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

Students are excited to learn about the publication "Literary Theory and Criticism: Study and Application". Photo: QUYNH YEN

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

“Currently, there are a number of teachers in high schools who are still confused about very basic literary concepts. This book has a great effect on those who are directly doing research and teaching not only at universities but also at high schools,” Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Thi expressed.

QUYNH YEN

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