1.What are the differences between the Theory of literature and Literary Criticism?

The difference between the terms "literary theory" and "literary criticism" is so minor that they are used interchangeably. However, they are distinct at their core. Contemporary literary theory and criticism encompasses a complex and changing group of disciplines. There are three main areas of study: literary theory, the history of literature, and literary criticism in the strict sense (literaturnaia kritika). The theory of literature investigates the general laws of the structure and development of literature.  Literary criticism in the strict sense is not universally accepted as being part of the scholarly discipline of literary theory and criticism. Significant differentiation in literary theory and criticism occurred in the Hellenistic age. During the period of Alexandrian philology (third and second centuries B.C.) literary theory and criticism, along with other studies, broke away from philosophy and formed its own disciplines, including biobibliography (, textual criticism to determine the authenticity of a text, and textual commentary and the publication of texts

2. With what sciences Theory of literature interacts?

Theory of literature interacts with the whole row of scientific disciplines. This is conditioned by specific of its subject. Aesthetics has the enormous significance for an understanding the artistic literature. Out of understanding essence of its main categories it is impossible to study the work of writers, comprehension peculiarities of their worldview and vivid ideals. It interacts with philosophy. It operates with categories and notions of given science. Philosophical aspects of artistic works are the objects of rapt attention of specialist of literature. Psychology has a huge significance for understanding writer’s and heroes’ world. Knowledge of its essential principles permits the theorists of literature to separate horizons of his investigations, to follow the nuances of the author’s and represented active persons’ mood. Theory of literature interacts with history, ethnography, culture study, religious.

3. What is the significance of the Theory of literature as a scientific discipline?

Literary theory in a strict sense is the systematic study of the nature of literature and of the methods for analyzing literature. One of the fundamental questions of literary theory is "what is literature?" – although many contemporary theorists and literary scholars believe either that "literature" cannot be defined or that it can refer to any use of language.  It is a fundamental discipline. Its subject are theoretical aspects and problems of artistic literature. It has an enormous significance as a scientific discipline. Because reading and studying the literary works are very helpful for improving our spiritual life, worldview and thinking.

4. What does the Literary Study methodology include?

Theory of literature is characterized by its own system of methods, principles, directed to the understanding the artistic work. Hence there is a significance of methodology. Methodology of literary study indissolubly linked with theoretical and practical studying the artistic work. It exists in 2 main forms: 1) in scientific works of scientists, in which it is held an investigation of concrete problem. 2) in scientific texts contained description of ways of analysis of the studying object. Principles condition on choice of investigation methods. They consists of prerequisites of scientific knowledge, hence they are outgoing point of analysis of artistic work. Method represents “ways of spiritual, mental or practical action of human”. It is based on studying principles the object of reality. The main content of literary study method is composed by regulating chain of action. In the process of study the literary work scientist hang upon various approaches under what they understand the artistic work in definite aspect. Aspect is a limit, real property of subject matter.