Abstract: In this paper we introduce a definition of the pre-Schwarzian and the Schwarzian derivatives of any locally univalent harmonic mapping f in the complex plane without assuming any additional condition on the (second complex) dilatation omega(f) of f. Using the new definition for the Schwarzian derivative of harmonic mappings, we prove theorems analogous to those by Chuaqui, Duren, and Osgood. Also, we obtain a Becker-type criterion for the univalence of harmonic mappings.