American Literature
Course Description
Surveying a variety of American literary works from the 18th century to the present (over 300 years of literature!), this discussion-based, 3-credit course charts the development of the literary production in the United States. It provides an understanding of how American literature was created and recreated and introduces you to critical concepts frequently used to analyze literature. Fulfilling one of the University and College of Arts and Sciences breadth requirements for history and cultural change, English 204 focuses on the texts, paying attention to formal elements and thematic concerns, and the contexts, including historical background and cultural identities. As we study US writers who influenced American letters, the course offers you extensive practice in speaking and writing about literary subjects as it cultivates skills in close reading and critical writing. Divided into four units, the course exposes you to literature from pre-1620 – 1865; 1865 – 1914; 1914 – 1945; 1945 – present.
For the complete syllabus, click here
For a model homework response, click “The Things They Carried”
For a model final paper, click “Babylon Revisited”
For student comments, click here