The document provides definitions and background information on several topics: - Literary criticism is the study, evaluation, and interpretation of literature, including analysis of specific works and authors. - Social theories are frameworks used to study and interpret social phenomena within a particular school of thought. Social theory examines how society develops and changes. - The sociologist Daniel Bell is discussed, including his background, education, and career focused on sociological theorizing and journalism. - Brief summaries are given of the short stories "The Kiss" by Kate Chopin and "Sadie and Maud" focusing on the characters and social norms.