English: American Literature I

Selected texts from the beginnings to the Civil War. Explores periodization, genre, key terms and concepts through close reading and critical analysis. Fulfills major requirements; open to non-majors.

Open to degree and PACE students

A survey of American writers from the nineteenth century with special attention to the major figures, such as the Transcendentalists, Poe, Melville, Hawthorne, Stowe, Whitman, and Dickinson.

Each class, one student will be asked to lead discussion on one of the writers posted on the syllabus. This presentation will include a 15 minute oral introduction chosen by the student followed by a general discussion with the class. Daily attendance is mandatory--more than 3 total misses affects final grade,

The oral presentation described above and a 4-5 page essay due the class session after the report based on the contents of the oral. The oral and written summary will constitute a single grade. Also, a final, take home exam consisting of 2 questions (choice of 5) relevant to the course contents that will require a 5 page typed response. Class participation and attendance will constitute the third part of the final grade.