What is Structuralism? It is a theory developed in France between 1950 and Began with the work of Ferdinand de Saussure on linguistics Analyzes any phenomena about the world-- mostly contrasting elementary structures in a system of binary opposition (a pair of opposite concepts). Description and perception of the structure. It is fairly “scientific” in that structuralists look at only what is “observable” (sort of like formalism)

Structuralism’s Fields Some fields in which Structuralism is applied are anthropology, sociology, architecture, linguistics, psychology, and literature. The most famous thinkers associated with structuralism include: o Anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss o Psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan o Philosopher and historian Michel Foucault o Literary critic Roland Barthes

LINGUISTICS The linguistics signs analysis focuses on the relationship between words (Signifier) and the things in the world that they designate (Signified). Examines how the elements of language relate to each other.

ANTHROPOLOGY & SOCIOLOGY The meaning is produced and reproduced within a culture through various phenomena that serve as systems of signification. Diverse forms of entertainment are studied (examples: food preparation and serving rituals, religious rites, games, literary and non-literary texts).

LITERARY THEORY & CRITICISM Relates literary texts to a larger structure, which may be genre, intertextual connections, narrative structure, or recurrent patterns There must be a structure in every text to interpret it. An example can be found in West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet’s shared structures. "Boy + Girl” "Boy's Group - Girl's Group" or "Opposing forces” Conflict is resolved by their death.

List of References Siegel, K. (n.d.). Introduction to Modern Literary Theory.Kristi Siegel. Retrieved March 3, 2014, from The American Heritage dictionary of the English language (4th ed.). (2000). Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Perez, R. (2011, February 13). Psychology Aldebaran: Later Psychology Developments (Classic Psychology).Psychology Aldebaran. Retrieved March 14, 2014, from r-psychology-developments-classic.html Structuralism. (2011, February 3). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 07:20, March 14, 2014, from sm&oldid= http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Structurali sm&oldid=