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pmla-theory-and-method

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Use when choosing and deploying a theoretical or methodological frame in a PMLA (Publications of the Modern Language Association) essay. PMLA welcomes all theoretical perspectives but expects theory to illuminate texts, not to substitute for reading. Also the home for Theories and Methodologies and The Changing Profession features. Frames the method; it does not perform the close reading.

When to use

• Choosing a critical/theoretical framework
• Justifying a theoretical frame
• Deploying theory precisely
• Writing Theories and Methodologies pieces
• Writing The Changing Profession pieces
• Deciding theoretical apparatus proportion
• Method transparency for digital or archival work

When not to use

• Performing close reading
• Theory applied mechanically
• Under-theorized essays

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