What is American Structuralism?

Regarding structuralism as it pertains to literary theory,
structuralism connects literature to a wider
"structure,"

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which may be a particular  href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genre">genre, a range of  title="Intertextuality"
href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intertextuality">intertextual
connections, a model of a universal  href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_structure">narrative
structure, or a system of recurrent patterns or
motifs.

Intertextual
connects would be reflected, as Wikipedia cites, in New Testament references
to the Old Testament in the Bible. In general, the narrative
structure refers to stories (as novels, plays, etc.) that follow a similar
pattern of plot development. Narrative structure has three parts: during the first act
(or part) characterization takes place and "a problem is introduced." The second act
identifies the conflict within the story, along with the impetus that galvanizes the
conflict (also known as the "inciting incident"). Major change is common in this part,
along with character development. The third act presents a resolution to the
problem/conflict. In some way, the character must deal with the conflict and move to the
conclusion of the story.

All three of these are examples of
structuralism with regard to literary theory. The premise is that all stories are
founded on some form of structuralism, common to all kinds of writing. Structuralists
argue that specific rules or guidelines are followed in all forms of writing which
explains the ease experienced readers have to understand the meaning of a particular
text, where non-experienced readers will struggle with the gaining the same
understanding.

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Hence, everything that is written seems to be
governed by specific rules, or a "grammar of literature", that one learns in educational
institutions...

Critics of
structuralism are concerned that adapting this concept minimizes or diminishes the
breadth of literary accomplishment: that reducing everything to three parts robs a piece
of literature of its unique qualities.

Another source
states:

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Structuralists are not concerned with consumption
of literature, about what happens when people actually read the works, about the role of
literature in social
relations.

It would seem then
that the content is not as important as the structure a piece of writing follows, in the
structuralist's view.