American Literature

Course Overview

American Literature is structured as a traditional survey course, exploring the wide range of texts that make up our national literature, from first European settlement to the 20th century. In order to gain a clear understanding of America’s literary history, the reading selection consists primarily of texts that clearly reflect the styles and ideas of America’s major literary periods, allowing students to analyze the relationships between America’s literature and its various religious, political, artistic, and philosophical movements. To focus students’ critical inquiry, the class will focus on one classic question throughout the year: What does it mean to be American? Students will explore this question—using the various texts as evidence—through in-depth live session discussions, analytical writing assignments, and creative projects. Students will also research and write two long-form essays, with guidance given through several drafting and workshopping phases.