DSCW holds seminar on ‘Why Theory? An Introduction to Literature and Literary Theory’
Ferozepur, September 24, 2026: A special seminar on ‘Why Theory? An Introduction to Literature and Literary Theory’ was organised by the Postgraduate Department of English at Dev Samaj College for Women, with the objective of developing literary understanding and critical thinking among students.
Professor J.S. Dhillon from Panjab University Regional Centre, Muktsar Sahib, was the keynote speaker at the seminar. He was warmly welcomed on the college campus by Principal Dr. Sangeeta, Dr. Bhumida Sharma, Head of the Postgraduate Department of English, and faculty members, who presented him with a planter.
Addressing the students, Principal Dr. Sangeeta said that the seminar provided students with a new perspective to understand literary theory, critical thinking and the deeper meanings embedded in literary works.
In his detailed and thought-provoking address, Prof. J.S. Dhillon discussed the nature and significance of literature and literary theory, as well as their interrelationship. He explained that literary theory enables readers to move beyond the apparent meaning of a literary work and explore its multiple layers, ideas and interpretations.
The seminar also featured an interactive question-and-answer session. Students actively participated in the discussion and put forward questions related to literature and its interpretation. Prof. Dhillon encouraged them to move beyond conventional assumptions, question established ideas and interpret literary texts from diverse perspectives.
The seminar provided students an opportunity to understand that literary theory is not merely an academic subject but an important tool for reading, understanding and interpreting literature in new ways. The session further encouraged critical thinking and opened new intellectual avenues for students pursuing the study of literature.