Texts and Contexts: Writing About Literature with Critical Theory provides an accessible introduction to contemporary critical theories—from new criticism to cultural studies—as part of the practice of writing about literature. An ideal supplement to any literature anthology, this text works in composition courses that introduce literature to freshman as well as in upper-level theory courses. Providing a wealth of writing strategies, the text explains the assumptions underlying the various critical theories, and then takes the students through the process of employing these methods to enrich their engagements with literature. This 3rd Edition includes a new Chapter 1, “An Introduction, Theoretically” as well as updated coverage of research and the Internet.