Contemporary literature exam

Contemporary Literary Theory & Criticism The field of literary theory and criticism is vast and encompasses many different classical and modern literary traditions across the world.
The MA exam, however, focuses primarily on contemporary Western theory and criticism.

Metamodernism is a turning away from the excesses of post-modernist thought, especially its reliance on self-referential irony, absurdity, and cynicism.
Contemporary American literature is a broad definition that encompasses many literary genres from narrative nonfiction to tall tales.

Reading a diverse array of novels, poetry and plays from different eras and genres will help you be familiar with the language that appears in the various passages on the AP Lit exam's multiple choice and essay sections.
If you read primarily modern works, for example, you may stumble through analyzing a Shakespeare sonnet.