Key features include: • coverage of major theories including reader-response theory, New Criticism (formalism), psychoanalysis, Marxism, feminism, lesbian/gay/queer theories, African American theory, and postcolonial theory • practical demonstrations of how to use these theories to interpret short literary works selected from canonical authors including William Faulkner and Alice Walker • a chapter on reader-response theory that shows students how to use their personal responses to literature while avoiding typical pitfalls • sections on cultural criticism for each chapter that use our selected theories to interpret productions of popular culture This new edition also includes updated and expanded theoretical vocabulary, as well as "basic concepts" and "further study" sections, and an expanded "next-step" appendix that suggests additional literary works for extra practice. Comprehensive, easy to use, and fully updated throughout, is the ideal first step for students beginning degrees in literature, composition, and cultural studies.