Welcome to American Literature! Our class will study a number of novels, short stories, plays, and non-fiction pieces by American authors, examining each piece as a work relative to its setting (time, specifically) in the American landscape. Through discussion, formal and informal writing, and other assignments, we will explore the relationship of Americans to nature, the difficulties of building community, the determination to nurture individualism, and the tension between conformity and nonconformity. We also will explore concepts central to the study of literature such as plot, theme, symbolism, author’s style, genre, satire, regionalism, and historical context. You will complete a number of increasingly sophisticated pieces of writing related to the works we read, asking you to interpret, analyze, and evaluate the work of these American authors. You will be tested on each piece of literature and will present to the class at times (addition of Oral Interpretation class). Please note that this is a required preparatory course; plan to work hard to earn your grade.
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