Description,
Goals, Objectives
This course
examines literature written in America from the mid-19th century
through the mid-20th century. The course examines
short stories, two novels, poems, essays, and drama by writers who
traditionally have been considered representative of American culture as well
as selections by authors with whom you may be less familiar. Examining
historical and social developments, you will read literature concerned with
immigration, slavery, the growth of urban centers, regionalism,
industrialization, the ethnic experience, world war, and Civil Rights activism.
Rather than strive for a single definition of American literature, you should,
by the end of the semester, realize that literary history is created, shaped,
and dynamically changing as it reflects the interactions of diverse cultural
groups with richly different expectations, values, languages, and histories.
Required Three Texts
(available at Revolution Books, 2626 King Street):
- Invisible Man
by Ralph Ellison (1952) - Two
separate volumes of Norton Anthology of
American Literature, 8th edition
A. Volume C (1864 – 1914)
B. Volume D (1914 – 1945)
Course Requirements
- Three
4-page essays and examinations (60%) - Final
essay exam (30%) - Class
participation, unannounced quizzes, and oral presentation (10%)