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Literature 1; American Literature 1- Syllabus

Text:

The Norton Anthology to American Literature Vol. 1, 5^th edition, ISBN: 039395871X

Description:

To read, explore and appreciate a variety of American Literature. In this class we will devote much of our time to reading, discussing, and writing about such classic texts in The Norton Anthology of American Literature, which offers the work of 212 writers--38 of which are newly included. Readings range from trickster tales of the Native American tradition to bestsellers of early women writers to postmodernism. Other readings from the text include, The Awakening, A Streetcar Named Desire, Allen Ginsberg's "Howl," and David Mamet's Glengarry, Glen Ross. Reading the texts in whole or in part, we will focus on the way in which these texts, through their forms, themes, and language, echo and even parody each other as they record a cultural/literary debate on the issue of American identity with its related questions of what constitutes an American self, what constitutes America success, and how independent one actually can be. We will use the examples to work toward a definition of the qualities beyond “written in America” that make a work of literature “American.”

Goals:

To gain an appreciation of and solid background in American Literature in preparation for college or as a well educated individual on the path of life in general.

Requirements:

Participation in E-mail list and chat discussions regarding text

2 papers

Written exams

Resources:

Pertinent Web sites and resources will be forthcoming. The syllabus will be amended to reflect this.

Evaluation:

Grade will be based upon:

Class participation,

E-mail discussion

Chat discussions,

Performance on papers and written tests