Welcome to the comprehensive guide for IGNOU's BHDC-107: पाश्चात्य काव्यशास्त्र (Western Poetics) under the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) programme. This course delves into the foundational theories, concepts, and schools of thought that have shaped Western literary criticism and poetics over centuries. Understanding these principles is crucial for any serious student of literature, offering a comparative lens to analyze Indian literary traditions and appreciate the global evolution of aesthetic thought. BHDC-107 explores the rich heritage of Western literary theory, from the classical period with Aristotle's Poetics to modern and postmodern critical approaches. It examines key thinkers, their seminal works, and their lasting impact on how we interpret, evaluate, and create poetry and literature. This knowledge not only enhances your analytical skills but also broadens your understanding of diverse literary expressions and their cultural contexts. Key topics covered include the nature of poetry, mimesis, catharsis, the concept of the tragic hero, poetic language, imagery, and the development of various critical schools like Romanticism, New Criticism, Structuralism, and Post-Structuralism. You’ll learn to critically engage with these ideas and apply them to literary texts. The course is highly relevant for those aspiring to careers in academia, literary journalism, publishing, content creation, or any field requiring strong analytical and critical thinking abilities. Understanding Western poetics provides a robust framework for academic research and sophisticated literary interpretation. The exam for BHDC-107 will assess your comprehension of these theoretical concepts and your ability to apply them. Effective preparation is key. We provide access to previous year's question papers, which are invaluable tools for understanding the exam pattern and the types of questions asked. Utilizing these IGNOU question papers, alongside your IGNOU study materials, will significantly boost your confidence and preparedness for the January 2026 and July 2025 examination sessions. Remember to consult your official study materials thoroughly and practice answering questions within the stipulated time.