Postcritique: Academic Populism or a Possible Way out of the Crisis?

Abstract

This text presents and explores the main ideas about postcritique articulated by Rita Felski, an Anglo-American professor of English and Comparative Literature. It then points to the reception of her ideas, taking into account both the supporters and opponents of postcritical readings. In this context, the author of this text considers the potential consequences of postcritique, both in an epistemological and political sense. In the final section of the text, the position of literary studies in Serbia is analyzed, taking into account the previously outlined theoretical and methodological context. The question arises as to whether there is a crisis in the legitimacy of literary studies in our country. To answer this question, it is necessary to consider different areas (literature in the educational system, literature and criticism, literature and literary awards, translated literature, translated literary theory and criticism, and so on). The text offers guidelines for further exploration of these problems. Additionally, the text argues that the legitimacy crisis in literary studies cannot be attributed solely to external or internal factors; rather, it is necessary to consider numerous factors and examine them carefully.